Dog Breeds > Borzoi

The Borzoi

The borzoi is a domesticated breed of dogs from the Sight hound family, scientifically called Canis lupus familiaris. It is also known as Russian wolfhound upon its fame during the heights of the powers of Tsars in Russia. Its swiftness and agility to run after game are just two of the Borzoi's important traits which enhanced the fondness of the olden times royalties as well as the modern dog breeders.

Energy Playfulness Intelligence Grooming Popularity

Fascinating Facts

The Borzoi has many names, including Barzoi and Russian wolfhound. Borzoi is derived from the Old Russian term which means “fast”. Its female counterpart is known as Borzaya. Archaeological facts stated that the borzoi existed in the plains of lower Kazakhstan a section of Altai and the plains of Afghanistan. This breed was obtained from the East by the Russians during the 9th and 10th centuries of the Byzantium period. Before the 1917 upheaval of government in Russia, the Psovoi was well-liked by the Tsars. During that time, this breed could not be bought in the pet shops, and purchasing of this breed is prohibited. Only the Tsars owned the borzoi, and this breed is only acquired as largesse from the Tsars.

Physical Appearance

Borzoi is likened to other greyhounds of Middle Asia. It has long, wavy, and silky covering which is quite flat. Its coat varies from seasons. During winter season, it thickens to protect it from freezing but when the weather is hot, it sheds its coat to avoid overheating.

Borzoi is deep-chested like other sight hound breeds. Its body is curvy in shape, and it shows dignified strength. It is born that way, for its body prepares the borzoi for sprinting.

The male and female differ in their weight and height. The males weight ranges from 100 pounds to 120 pounds, and the females weight ranges 60 to 90 pounds. The males stand not less than 28 inches, while the females reach not less than 26 inches at shoulder length.

Grooming

The borzoi needs regular brushing on its coat. It requires a firm bristle brush to do the task. Shampoo-drying its coat is only applicable when necessary. This breed needs frequent baths. Its hair between the toes needs clipping to make the feet comfortable.

Mood

This breed is quiet. It is not territorial. It is also athletic and independent. Gentleness, sensitivity, and natural-respect for humans are innate in the borzoi. Its infrequency to bark and its lack of territorial trait made it unreliable as a watchdog. Its independence and being playful made it adaptable to suburban living, provided that it has vast yard to run, and to sprint around. Its independent spirit suggests the owners to have well-fenced yard to secure the borzoi from harming itself.

Its gentleness and sensitivity make it teachable to live with cats and other animals when introduced to it during its pup-years. However, if not introduced to live with cats its natural instinct to chase any animal could be ignited by a cat's rapid movement.

The borzoi's natural-respect for humans makes it responsive to the direction of its owner. Right support and generous human direction lead the borzoi to follow accordingly. Its respect for humans makes it a friendly pet.

With Children

The borzoi is a gentle dog. It can get along well with children, but is not advisable to be a children's companion. An adult should be around whenever kids are playing with this type of dog. Sometimes, there are rough games that children do which could inflict them when around the borzoi. This breed is trained to run down an opponent, and may be harmful if it would run down children. Parents' supervision is a must.

Training & Exercise

The borzoi is a selective learner. It is very responsive to vivid communication and guidance of its trainer, but it is also stubborn, and is easily bored to reiterated and meaningless undertaking. Hence, it can be motivated by food, as after training tip. Its gentleness does not allow the borzoi to deal with cruel treatment or harsh training based with punishment. Its sensitivity makes it unhappy if exposed to loud voices and threats, as part of its teaching.

In training, a secured yard with fence is advisable for the borzoi needs this for speed and endurance exercise. It can be trained to run after game for it has the instinct to pursue and hunt. It can also be taught to chase another dog for it has specialized skills to run down the other. It can be trained to live with small animals, other than dogs, like cats as long as the borzoi is exposed to them at young age.

Health & Life Expectancy

The borzoi is a very healthy breed. Its lifespan is seven (7) to ten (10) years, but some have outlived to more than fourteen (14) years of age. Some health disorders include cardiomyopathy and cardiac arrhythmia. Analogous to other deep-chested hounds, the borzoi is prone to gastric torsion which is also known as bloat. This problem if untreated may lead to death.

Dog Breeds by Grouping | Dog Breeds A - F | Dog Breeds G - N | Dog Breeds O - Z