The Borzoi dog is a regal, sight-hound breed that is often compared to a greyhound in appearance. Sighthounds, better known as gazehounds to some, are a category of dogs that rely on sight and speed when hunting.
Sighthounds rely heavily on their vision to help them catch prey rather than depending on the scent, as some other hound dogs do. Their name would suggest that their sight is excellent, and they rely on this vision and their speed to hunt fast animals such as hares and deer.
They are tall, slender dogs with long snouts, pointed ears, and thick, silky fur coats. Though their appearance may make them look like a gentle giant, don’t let that fool you; these dogs are powerful and athletic, with a highly sensitive sense of smell. They were initially bred in Russia, thus also called Russian Wolfhound, to hunt big game such as deer, foxes, and wolves.
Today, they are bred primarily as companion animals and make loyal, loving pets, but they’re not the right fit for everyone.
Movie Stars and Their Borzoi Dogs
If you’re a fan of classic Hollywood films, you’ve probably seen a Borzoi on the silver screen. These elegant dogs were popular companions of film stars in the early to mid-twentieth century. Today, they are still prized for their beauty and grace.
Two of the most famous actresses of the early 20th century, Jean Harlow and Greta Garbo, were both notorious for their love of borzois. In fact, Harlow even named her dog “Baby” after her character in the 1931 film Red Dust. On the other hand, Garbo was rarely seen without her two Borzois by her side and was even photographed with them for Vogue magazine on several occasions.
While they may not be as popular as they once were, there’s no denying that Borzois are still one of Hollywood’s favorite breeds of dogs. So next time you’re flipping through channels and come across a classic film starring any of Tinseltown’s most prominent names from yesteryear, keep an eye out for their furry friends in the background!
Borzoi Dog History
The first time the Borzoi breed was mentioned in writing dates back to the 1600s, though historians believe the breed is significantly older. Some believe that the Borzoi is a descendant of Oriental hounds brought to Russia in the 17th century by Peter the Great.
They were then crossbred with other types of hounds and wolfhounds to create the animals we know today as Borzois. Because of their aristocratic roots, they became popular pets in Russian Aristocracy. Some of the most famous artists from that period, Rebel-Russi and Kramskoy, featured them in their paintings.
During the reign of Catherine the Great, the Borzoi became popular among Russia’s nobility. They were often given as gifts to dignitaries from other countries. As a result, the breed began to spread throughout Europe and eventually made its way to America.
The American Kennel Club recognized the Borzoi in 1891 as a member of the AKC Hound group and identified the Borzoi as a versatile dog used for sighting, hunting, and lure coursing.
Appearance
The Borzoi is a large and powerful dog, yet surprisingly graceful. Males can stand up to 30 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh as much as 110 pounds. Females are slightly smaller, typically reaching 28 inches in height and 80 pounds in weight.
They have long, narrow muzzles; long necks; deep chests; and long legs that enable them to cover ground quickly. They have a silky coat and come in a variety of colors, including white, black, gray, fawn, cream, red, sable, brindle, and golden.
The head of a Borzoi is long and narrow with a tapered muzzle. The ears are small and fold back against the head. The eyes are almond-shaped and dark brown.
The tail is long and straight and hangs down below the hock when the dog is resting. When the dog is excited or moving, the tail is carried over the back in a graceful arch.
The Borzoi’s most prominent feature is its lengthy legs. When running at full speed, the dog appears both elegant and swift. The gait is effortless and smooth, covering ground quickly without appearing to be exerting any significant amount of energy.
Because they were initially bred for hunting in cold climates, this breed’s coat has a thick undercoat that helps protect them from the elements.
Personality
Borzois are gentle giants with a calm temperament. They are not particularly yappy or high-energy, but they require plenty of exercise to stay healthy and happy. If left alone for too long, they may become bored and destructive.
They thrive on human companionship and love spending time with their families—especially if there’s a soft spot on the couch where they can curl up for a nap. They get along well with other pets in the home but may be too shy around strangers to make good watchdogs.
Even though they’re large dogs, they don’t need a lot of space to be happy—a few walks around the block each day will suffice. Just be sure you can provide them with a soft bed where they can curl up and rest their heads; Borzois LOVE to sleep!
Temperament
The Borzoi dog is a gentle giant. These dogs are imposing—but their sweet dispositions more than makeup for their size. Borzois are one of the most friendly dog breeds, known for getting along well with other dogs and being gentle with children.
However, the Borzoi Club of America does advise that children should be supervised around these dogs as they are notably large.
Borzois have calm demeanors and are not known for being jumpy or barking excessively. Unfortunately, they also have no territorial instinct, which makes them poor watchdogs. But what Borzois lack in guarding abilities, they make up for in love and affection.
Borzois are quiet dogs in terms of their demeanors and vocalizations. They don’t tend to bark much, if at all. This makes them ideal pets for people who live in apartments or close quarters with their neighbors.
Nutrition and Diet
The Borzoi, also known as the Russian wolfhound, is an elegant and regal dog breed. They are generally healthy dogs that make great companions. If you’re considering getting a Borzoi puppy, it’s essential to know their nutrition and diet requirements.
Borzois are relatively active dogs, so they need high-quality dog food that provides them with the nutrients they need. Puppies, in particular, need plenty of calories to support their growth and development. Adult Borzois can do well on a slightly lower-calorie diet, but it’s still important to ensure they get all the nutrients they need.
One thing to keep in mind with Borzois is that they are prone to bloat, a potentially life-threatening condition. Therefore, try to feed your Borzoi several small meals during the day to help prevent bloat. You should also avoid exercising your dog immediately after eating.
If you take good care of your Borzoi and provide them with a nutritious diet, they will be happy and healthy for many years.
The Top Health Concerns for Borzoi Dogs
The Borzoi is a Russian Wolfhound known for its grace, power, and speed. Though these beautiful dogs make wonderful pets, they are not without their share of health issues. Let’s review some of the health problems that are most frequently diagnosed in Borzoi dogs.
Hip Dysplasia
Dysplasia of the hip is a condition in which the hip joint does not fit properly into the socket. This can lead to pain, lameness, and even arthritis. Although it can affect any dog breed, it is prevalent in large, deep-chested breeds like the Borzoi. Get in touch with your veterinarian immediately if you think your Borzoi may show signs of hip dysplasia.
Deep Chested Dogs
As the name suggests, these dogs have much deeper chests than average canines. This may not seem like a big deal, but it puts these dogs at a higher risk of developing issues like bloat.
Bloat is a condition where the stomach twists on itself and cuts off the blood supply. It’s incredibly painful and can even be fatal if not treated immediately. So, if you notice your dog acting unusually lethargic or seeing swollen stomachs, take them to the emergency vet immediately.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
PRA is an eye condition that causes blindness. It happens when the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye, degenerates. PRA typically affects both eyes equally and slowly gets worse over time.
There is no cure for PRA, but treatment options are available to help your dog adjust to blindness.
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Osteochondrosis Dissecans (OCD) is a condition in which cartilage pieces break off the bone and float around in the joint space. This can cause pain, lameness, and joint deformity.
OCD is most commonly seen in large breeds like the Borzoi and usually affects young dogs between four and twelve months old.
Training
Training your Borzoi dog can be challenging, primarily because of its independent nature. Therefore, it’s essential to start early and be consistent with commands so that you can instill good habits in them.
Borzois need firm but kind training from an early age to teach them to respect their owner as the alpha leader of the pack. Without this leadership role being established early on, they can become willful and stubborn as they age. However, they are intelligent dogs that love to please their owner, so training should be easy if you are consistent with your commands and rewards.
One way to help train your Borzoi is to take them on a long walk or jog. This will help them to get some of their energy out and hopefully make them more receptive to training.
Additionally, try to give them access to an open area where they can run around off-leash. This will help them to get even more exercise and tire them out enough that they’re more willing to listen to commands.
Remember, borzois are naturally anxious dogs, so it’s essential to be patient and understanding when training them. However, with a little time and patience, you should be able to train your Borzoi dog successfully.
The Borzoi – An Athletic Dog Breed Perfect for Canine Sports
Borzois love being involved in activities with their owners, such as agility classes, nose work competitions, rally trials, dock diving, obedience trials, etc. This breed excels at dog sports due to its athleticism, intelligence, and natural willingness to please its owner. If you are looking for an active dog that loves being involved, then the Borzoi may be the perfect breed for you!
Borzois in Sports for Canines
Borzois love being active and engaged with their owners. They are the perfect canine athletes due to their sleek build, athleticism, and intelligence. This breed is willing to please and naturally excels in dog sports such as agility, nose work, dock diving, rally trials, and obedience trials.
If you are considering getting a Borzoi, it is essential to know that they need plenty of exercise. Without proper exercise and mental stimulation, a Borzoi can become bored, leading to destructive behavior. Luckily, there are plenty of sports and activities that both you and your Borzoi can enjoy together!
Canine Sports for You and Your Borzoi
There are many different types of sports available for you and your pup to enjoy together. One popular activity is agility training. Agility training involves obstacles such as tunnels, weave poles, jumps, etc. This type of activity is great for exercising your Borzoi’s body and mind.
Another activity that many people enjoy with their Borzois is nose work. Nosework is a sport where dogs use their noses to locate hidden objects such as food or toys. This type of activity is fun for your pup and also uses up a lot of mental energy!
If you are looking for a less athletic activity with your Borzoi, then rally trial obedience might be the right fit for you. Rally trial obedience is similar to regular obedience but with more distractions, such as people walking by or other dogs in the area.
Dock diving is another great activity to do with your Borzoi! This sport involves your pup jumping off a dock into the water after a toy or toy version of themselves. Dock diving is not only a great way to exercise, but it’s also a lot of fun for both you and your pup!
Finally, one last sport that is perfect for the Borzoi breed is lure coursing. Lure coursing simulates the chase of live prey without actually harming any animals. This activity requires open spaces such as fields or parks so your dog can run freely. It’s important to note that this activity requires special permits, so make sure you check before taking part in one.
How To Care for Your Borzoi Dog
If you have a Borzoi dog, then you know they are one of the most regal and beautiful breeds. With their long, silky coat, they are a high-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming. However, the costs and challenges associated with owning a Borzoi are similar to those of other breeds of similar size.
One of the most important things you can do for your Borzoi’s coat is to brush them regularly. This will help to prevent mats and tangles from forming, and it will also help to distribute the natural oils in their coat which will keep it healthy and looking shiny. It’s best to brush your Borzoi at least once a week, but more frequently if possible.
How To Introduce Your Borzoi to Other Dogs, Pets, and Children
The Borzoi can make a great addition to any family. They are gentle, loving dogs that enjoy spending time with their owners. However, there are a few things you need to keep in mind when introducing your Borzoi to other dogs, pets, and children. Here are a few tips to help make the process go smoothly.
Borzois and Children
The Borzoi is not the recommended dog choice for parents with small children because they are quite large and could easily bowl over a toddler without realizing it. They also aren’t particularly tolerant of toddlers prodding and poking them.
Dogs like this are usually better suited to homes with older children who understand how to interact with other dogs in a respectful way.
It’s essential to teach kids how to act around dogs, and it is always the adult’s responsibility to supervise interactions between children and dogs. This will protect both parties from being hurt – whether that means a child getting bitten or a dog having its ears or tail pulled.
Instruct your child never to bother a dog eating or sleeping, and always ask an adult before petting any animal.
Borzois and Other Pets
Although they are not typically aggressive animals, Borzois may chase smaller prey like cats and rabbits if they feel their territory is threatened. If you have another pet in the household, introduce them slowly so that potential conflicts can be avoided.
Keep your Borzoi on a leash while they sniff out the other animal, so you can stop them if needed. However, with time and patience, most Borzois will get along fine with other dogs and pets in the home.
The Borzois is a gentle giant that makes a great addition to any family. They can get along well with children and other dogs with proper introductions. Just keep in mind that they are large dogs and require plenty of space to run around. But, with patience and care, your Borzoi will be a loyal friend for years to come!
How To Find a Borzoi for Adoption or Purchase
So, you’ve decided you want a Borzoi dog. But where do you get one? Well, there are a few options. First, you could go to a breeder, but that can be expensive. You could also check your local animal shelter, but Borzois are rare, so you might need help finding one.
There are several national rescue groups for borzoi dogs, such as the Borzoi Club of America Rescue Network. These organizations can help connect you with borzoi puppies or adult dogs who need homes.
Another option is to find a reputable breeder through the Club of America’s Breeders Directory. When adopting or buying a borzoi, do your research to ensure you’re getting a healthy dog from a responsible source.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a loving, intelligent dog who will quickly become a member of your family, the Borzoi might be the perfect breed for you. They’re gentle giants who are particularly good with children and have calm demeanors that make them ideal for apartment dwellers or people who live close to their neighbors. So if you’re looking for a new four-legged friend, the Borzoi is definitely worth considering.
*photo by patronestaff – depositphotos
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