Borzoi

 

Summary

• The Borzoi is a breed that needs daily opportunities to run freely.
• They are calm and quiet indoors, but active and explosive outdoors.
• The breed has a strong hunting instinct.
• Borzoi are friendly, gentle and affectionate.
• Historically, the borzoi was used as a hunting dog by Russian nobles, and it combines beauty with strength and courage.

History

The Borzoi, formerly known as the Russian Hound, is an example of refined elegance. For centuries this dog was used by Russian nobles to hunt wolves, foxes and hares. The nobles wanted beauty combined with strength and courage, and the borzoi lived up to their expectations.These dogs were considered very valuable and were given away as gifts to the aristocracy. Interest in the borzoi quickly spread to the western world, and already at the end of the last century there were borzois in England. After the Russian Revolution, the borzoi survived in Western Europe and the United States. The first Borzois came to Norway in 1914.

Characteristics and mentality

The Borzoi is a large and powerful dog with a strong and distinctive personality. In order for both dog and owner to thrive, this breed requires consistent but loving handling. The Borzoi is an excellent family dog that loves to run, and should therefore be given the opportunity to run loose regularly.Originally, the borzoi was a hunting dog with a certain degree of independence. Although it does not usually run away, it has great freedom of movement, which can become dangerous near roads and game. Obedience training, especially recall training, is important to start with from the puppy stage. The Borzoi is intelligent, but requires patience.It attaches strongly to its owner and has a relaxed relationship with other people, although this can vary from individual to individual. Indoors, the borzoi is calm and takes up surprisingly little space. It loves to curl up, preferably on the sofa. But it is out in the woods and fields that the borzoi really flourishes.A borzoi stretching out at full speed and playing with other dogs turns around in the jump – it’s a sight you’ll never forget! Lure Coursing, which is a simulated hare hunt, is an activity that most borzoi love and which safeguards the breed’s utility as a fast hunting dog.

Size and appearance

The Borzoi is a large dog with a height at the withers of 75-85 cm for males and 68-78 cm for bitches. There is no upper height limit in the breed standard as long as the dog is harmonious. The fur is long, fine and wavy. It is also thick and warm, which makes the dog comfortable in the winter cold. The Borzoi can have different colors, but combinations with blue or chocolate are not allowed. The nose must always be black.

Health

The Borzoi is generally a healthy and fit breed with no specific health problems. Nevertheless, certain problems can occur, such as degenerative myelopathy (DM), low metabolism, heart problems, OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder) and laryngeal paralysis. As with other dog breeds, cancer and stomach twists can also occur.

Fur grooming

The Borzoi requires regular brushing to remove loose fur, especially during shedding periods. The silky soft coat stays clean and neat, and bathing is rarely necessary.

The breed club

In general, it is recommended to contact the breed club for more information about the breed.Good luck!