Group: Hounds

Weight: male: 75-105, female: 60-85 lbs

Height: male: at least 28, female: at least 26 inches



History

It is believed that the Borzoi was first brought from Arabia to Russian round about the 1600s. In Russia this hound was adopted by the nobility, where they crossed it with longer hair sheepdogs - they were then used are fierce and brave wolf hunters, therefore earning the name Russian Wolfhound. These dogs were bred for hundreds of years by the Russian nobility. These dogs also became favoured for gifts among the royal people.

Characteristics

Borzois are tall and aristocratic dogs. Many consider them to be the personification of stylishness and beauty. They radiate gracious harmony, discretion, and self-assurance. They are a quiet and loyal companion. Borzois also display outstanding talents in hunting, sighting, and coursing.

Temperament

The Borzoi is a very sweet and clever dog. These dogs are also very self conscious and proud dogs that are very loyal to their families. They also tend to be very affectionate with the people they know well. These dogs can also be trained in obedience - but it should be remembered that they are hounds and are therefore much more free-thinking. They are however very bright and capable learners. Training of these dogs has to be based on mutual respect though. They are very quiet dogs, and very rarely will they bark.

Care

During normal times of the year, these dogs should be brushed about twice a week. When they shed more during certain times of the year, they should be brushed on a daily basis. Also make sure that the hair between their toes is trimmed. Their coats can also be shampooed when it is deemed necessary. For more detailed info, take a look at the Borzoi Grooming page.

Training

Borzois are considered a giant breed of dogs - these dogs will therefore not fit into every household. Being sight-hounds, they require continuous attention and restraint. Basic obedience training and socialization is also very important with these dogs. They also excel in agility. Harsh or heavy-handed training methods also do not accommodate well with this breed. Since they prefer to be clean, housetraining is a relatively easy task. Borzois also require patient, calm and consistent guidance.

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