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Hound breeds: Borzoi
Origin
The Borzoi, prior to 1936, was known as the Russian Wolfhound. The Russian aristocracy bred him for centuries. The Mongols also used him as early as the 13th century. The Borzoi is a combination of very old breeds: the long-coated, smooth-faced bearhounds; the Southern coursing hounds of the Tatars; the Owtchar, a tall Russian Sheepdog; and several other ancient sighthounds. By 1260 he was an established hare coursing dog. In 1650, the first Borzoi standard was written and is very similar to the standard of today.
The scale on which the Russians conducted their hunts is unequaled anywhere and with any breed. During the season, the hunt party traveled from one location to another in search of game. A special train, consisting of 40 freight cars, one first-class car and one second-class passenger car was used to transport people, horses, dogs, tents, kitchens, carriages and personal belongings. The Grand Duke and guests arrived on another special train. The hunting party itself would consist of 100 or more Borzoi and as many Foxhounds. The Foxhounds and beaters would dislodge the game (usually the wolf), then the Borzoi were let loose to chase them, pin them down and hold them until the arrival of the huntsman, who then gagged and bound the animal, after which the wolf was most often set free. A full account of a hunt can be read in Tolstoy's War and Peace.
After the Napoleanic wars and abolition of serfdom in 1861, there were few of the old style Borzoi left. There had been many failed experimental breedings, and by 1873 the existence of the original breed was jeopardized. The Imperial Association was formed in 1873 to protect and promote the original Borzoi and to maintain breed type. Most bloodlines in the United States today can be traced back to breeders who were members of this association.
The first Borzoi was brought to America from England in 1889. The first Borzoi imported directly from Russia came to the United States in the 1890s. Beginning in 1903, many more Borzoi of the famed old lines were imported to the United States and they played an important role in the development of the American bloodlines.
General description
Height: 26-28 inches
Weight: 55-100 pounds
Color: Any color or combination of colors is acceptable.
Grooming requirements
The Borzoi needs to be brushed weekly with a slicker brush and a metal comb; the comb should be used after the slicker brush to ensure there are no areas of dead coat left. When using the comb, be sure to comb all the way to the skin. This will remove any and all dead coat, making the coat fluffy and soft while being mat free. The major problem areas with Borzoi are the bib and neck, around the ears, and at the hind quarters. Regular ear cleaning and nail trimming must be done.
Health considerations
The Borzoi can have problems with bloat and hip dysplasia. This breed has a tendency toward anesthetic idiosyncrasies. This is a condition where an individual has an abnormal response to commonly used anesthetics. There is no good way to predict this, and care should be taken if anesthesia is necessary.
Breed characteristics and personality
The Borzoi must have a large fenced yard. He must have regular and rigorous runs and long walks. He is gentle with children. He can be obstinate.
The Borzoi is docile, reserved, obstinate, silent and extremely loyal. He is intelligent and easily trained and has a quiet gentle nature. His beauty and temperament are of prime importance.
The Borzoi is gentle with children and well adapted to living in the home.
Uses
The Borzoi was originally a ferocious hunter of wolves but is now used mainly in lure coursing and as a companion dog.
Web links
AKC Borzoi page
The Borzoi Club of America
The Borzoi Web Ring
The Borzoi World
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