(From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)
Alternative names: Barzoï, Russian Wolfhound, Russkaya Psovaya Borzaya

Country of origin : Russia Classification and breed standards : FCI: Group 10 Section 1 #193 Stds AKC: Hound Stds ANKC: Group 4 (Hounds) Stds CKC: Group 2 - Hounds Stds KC (UK): Hound Stds NZKC: Hound Stds UKC: Sighthounds and Pariah Dogs Stds Borzoi - the Russian Wolfhound: It's History, Breeding, Exhibiting And Care from Vintage Dog Books

The Borzoi is a breed of dog also called the Russian Wolfhound. They have medium-length, slightly curly hair and are similar in shape to Greyhounds. They are a member of the sight hound family.
 

Borzoi Appearance

Borzois can come in almost any color or color combination. Their coat is silky, flat and should never be wooly. This breed is a large variety with males reaching in excess of 100 pounds (45 kg). Males should stand at least 28 inches while females shouldn't be less than 26 inches.

Borzoi Temperament

The Borzoi is an intelligent, active dog. They are gentle with people and have good manners but sometimes are nervous around children and need to be reared with small children if they are to be the pet in a family which includes very small children. As seen in the United States, they are dogs used to pursue (course) game and they have a strong instinct to chase things that run from them. They do not have strong territorial drives compared to breeds such as Mastiffs and German Shepherds. They are not to be thought of as a "fighting dog". They need a home with a fenced yard if automobile traffic is present within several miles of their home because their instinct to chase such game as rabbits and squirrels can cause them to ignore the danger created by automobile traffic.

The Borzoi can be brutal against wolves and other wild canids. It is not generally territorially aggressive to other domestic dogs. Borzoi will defend themselves against other breeds, but lacks the body weight and the strength to combat a mastiff or similar hefty breed.

It is quite common for Borzois at play sometimes spontaneously join forces and course (run down) another dog, seizing it by the neck and holding it immobile. Young pups do this with their littermates, trading off as to who is the prey. Older dogs will even do this with strange dogs in dog parks. It is a hunting behavior, not a fighting or territorial domination behavior.

Borzoi Health

The most common serious health problems are gastric torsion and cardiac problems including cardiomyopathy and cardiac arhythmia disorders. A controversy exists as to the presence of progressive retinal atrophy in the breed. A condition identified as Borzoi Retinopathy is seen in many individuals, usually active dogs, which differs from progressive retinal atrophy in several ways. First, it is rarely seen in animals less than 3 years of age; second, a clear cut pattern of inheritance has not been demonstrated and finally, most affected individuals do not go blind.

Life expectancy is 10 to 12 years, females usually living longer than males. Exceptional individuals have lived to be more than 16 years of age. Dogs that are physically fit and vigorous in their youth through middle age are more vigorous and healthy as elderly dogs, all other factors being equal.

Borzoi History

Borzois are also known as Russian Wolfhounds.Tradition says that they were brought to Russia by Kublai Khan. Although this might be true, the original Borzoi stock was crossed with different Russian herding dogs, which explains the breed's ability to deal with wolves—this was an important part of a herding dog's work in the past, when wolves were more common.

Borzois were popular with the Tsars before the 1917 revolution, and for a long time Borzois could not be purchased but only given as gifts from the Tsar. The most famous breeder was Grand Duke Nicholas Nicolaievich of Russia, who bred hundreds of Borzois at Perchino, his private kennel. During Tsarist times, several varieties of wolfhounds were bred; however, after the revolution, many of the Tsarist breeds were neglected.

During that time, Russians also performed "hunting tests", to show that Borzois could actually hold a wolf until the hunter arrived. The wolf hunt itself was organized with riding hunters and Foxhounds on the Russian steppe. When the wolf was sighted, the hunter would release a pair of Borzois. The Borzois would charge the wolf, attack its neck from both sides, and hold it until the hunter arrived. The classical killing was by the human hunter with a knife. These dogs are bred for team work and enjoy the company of other similar breeds. Hunting groups often consisted of three Borzois; one of which would be a clearly dominant male. After singling out a wolf, the two subordinate dogs would attack the wolf's ears (or general head) allowing the dominant to reach the throat.

• Borzoi Club of California - Dedicated to advancing the breed through education and activities. Membership information and application, rescue, contacts and calendar of events.
• Borzoi-Ringen - The official web site of the Swedish Borzoi Club. Breed information, show results, and a list of breeders. Available in English and Swedish.
• Leningrad Society of Hunters and Fishers - Club history, list of members, how to join, articles, and news. St.Petersburg, Russia.
• Lone Star Borzoi Club - Texas based breed club. Membership information, contacts, photos, resources and calendar of events.

• Borzoi Club of America Rescue - Listings and photographs of available dogs, contacts and success stories.

• Ischyma Hitan Rayen - Life of Hitan is a sweet male dog in Belgium who loves exhibitions, playing and running.

• Barsoi-Net in Europe - All about the Russian Wolfhound in Europe. Pictures, kennels, show results, and famous Borzois.
• Borzoi Breed Standard - Official description of the breed as provided by the American Kennel Club (AKC).
• Borzoi Central - Breed standard and information, health tips, resources and photos.
• Borzoi Connection - Magazine of general interest to all Borzoi lovers published quarterly by Borzoi clubs in the US and Canada. Features international Borzoi club news, articles and health issues.
• The Borzoi Digest - A magazine about all aspects of the Borzoi breed.
• Borzoi News Forum - Email list for Borzoi breeders, owners and enthusiasts.
• Borzoi Web Ring - How to join.
• Borzoi Web Ring Listing - Links to Borzoi web sites.
• Borzoi World - Information and links about this sight hound.
• Coronado Borzoi - Gail Cardell offers help and advice on the Borzoi breed.

• Pet Name Finder from iVillage  - Search for dog names for your Borzoi or puppy based on gender, letter, or categories, such as actors, athletes, and presidents. Vote for your favorite dog names.
• Alaska Dog Names - Native Alaskan dog names with English translation, provided by the Alaska Native Language Center.
• Dog Groups - Dog names in Latin, listed alphabetically and includes meanings.
• Dog Names - Database of dog names. Search for a name for your Borzoi dog or puppy by category including fashion, sports, and personality.
• Dog Names - Dog names in English, English, and German.
• Dog Pet Names - Dog names in alphabetical order along with descriptions.
• DoggyNames.com - Dog names by popularity, meanings, and categories, such as cartoon, music, food, or personality.
• Dog-O-Mania - Dog names based on cartoons, literature, personality, and country of origin.
• Fur All Over - Suggestions for naming your Borzoi or puppy. Add your own dog's name.
• Naming Your Puppy - Suggestions for dog names for your Borzoi or puppy in alphabetical order.
• Puppy Names - Puppy names in alphabetical order.
• Puppy Names - Guide to select a name for your Borzoi or puppy, categorized by gender.
• We Can't Think of a Name - Names for dogs, cats, babies, and boats.

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