Read About Borzoi

The Borzoi, the Russian royal coursing hound, is documented with a breed standard dating from 1650. Here's everything you need to know about this dog breed.

Quick Summary:

1. Size:

   Giant dog breed

2. Weight:

   75-100 lbs for dogs; females can be as much as 20 lbs lighter.

3. Coat:

   Silky, long coat can be flat, wavy, or even curly. Borzois have double coats, and are much sturdier than their aristocratic appearance would lead one to believe. The hair is rather short and smooth on their head/ears and front of their legs. They should have a profuse, curly neck ruff, and feathered tails and hindquarters.

4. Shedding:

   Heavy shedders

5. Temperament:

   Quiet, well-behaved dogs with absolutely no tolerance for discomfort. Because they are calm, relatively quiet dogs, they do not make really good watchdogs.

6. Obedience:

   Borzois need to be well-leashed. They will take off after prey if given the opportunity.

7. Ease of Training:

   Easy to housebreak but a bit difficult to train otherwise. They are smart and self-willed, and bore easily.

8. Way with Children:

   They are a bit large for small children; they do well with older children, but adapt well to the pampering they can get in a childless home.

- Facts

1. AKC Group/Date Admitted:

   Hounds/1972

2. Size & Weight:

   26" plus for females; 28" for males; 75-100 lbs (females can be up to 20 lbs lighter)

3. Coat:

   Silky, long coat can be flat, wavy, or even curly. Borzois have double coats, and are much sturdier than their aristocratic appearance would lead one to believe. The hair is rather short and smooth on their head/ears and front of their legs. They should have a profuse, curly neck ruff, and feathered tails and hindquarters.

4. Head & Muzzle:

   Long, thin, elegant heads with small, close-set ears. Borzois are sight hounds, and have the alert, clear gaze common to sight hounds.

5. Body:

   These dogs are runners, and their body reflects that. Their hindquarters are set a trifle wider than their forequarters, and they can cover ground in an efficient manner.

6. Colors:

   Borzoi come in, and are acceptable, in all colors.

7. Life Expectancy:

   10-14 years

8. Popularity:

   Borzois suffer from the same publicity problem as most hounds; they are quiet and loving, but languish near the bottom of the AKC's top 100 registered dogs list.

9. Habitat:

   Borzois do well indoors, and prefer it. They do need a decent amount of exercise, but can be apartment dogs if there is enough room for them to move around a bit.

- Origins

1. Country of Origin:

   Russia

2. Historical Information:

   The Borzoi was the royal pet of Russia for many years, with a breed standard established in 1650 in their home country. They arrived in the U.S. from England just before 1900. In the mid-1930's, the breed's name was formally changed from "Russian Wolfhound" to "Borzoi." "Borzoi" means "swift" in Russian.

- Defining Characteristics

1. Temperament:

   Quiet, well-behaved dogs with absolutely no tolerance for discomfort. Because they are calm, relatively quiet dogs, they do not make really good watchdogs.

2. Behavior:

   Adore lounging indoors, and galloping around outdoors. Well-mannered dogs, but need companionship and attention, or they will get depressed and lonely.

3. Habits:

   Borzois left to their own devices will get bored and get into trouble. This needs to be kept in mind when considering one.

- Concerns

1. Health Issues:

   Borzois are sight hounds and are vulnerable to eye disorders. They are sensitive to many anesthetics, and also need to be watched for signs of hip dysplasia and bloat.

2. Exercise Needs:

   Extensive exercise needs.

3. Grooming Needs:

   Borzois shed heavily, and benefit from frequent brushing and occasional dry shampoo.

4. Travel Needs:

   Giant breeds are challenging to ship; does well in a car but should be restrained in a car harness at all times.

5. Getting Along With Other Pets and Children:

   Does well with large dogs that they have been socialized with; they may stalk smaller animals. Similarly, they take a long time to reach maturity and are not the best choice for a household with young children.

- How to Choose

1. What to Look for in a Healthy Puppy:

   Clear eyes, sleek coats, and a certain decorum. Their regal, gentle nature will be evident, as will their coursing propensities.

2. What You Will Need For A New Puppy:

   An appropriate crate, door gates and backyard dog fencing will keep him safe. Lots of toys and room to run will keep him happy. Keep in mind that Borzoi will follow prey they can see as far as they can go -- be sure their fencing is sturdy and reliable if they are off leash in a back yard. These are very tall dogs -- high fencing for many dogs is simply not enough for them.

3. Puppy-Proofing your House:

   Puppies are small and explore a lot. Be sure that there is anything that your dog can get into, pull out, or chew is safe for him.