by Judy Evans

Created on: November 26, 2008

The Borzoi (Borzaya = quick dog in Russian) is a elegant, gentle and graceful dog, nowadays more often proudly gracing the catwalk beside an long-legged model than running down wolves.

The breed standard for the Borzoi was first written in 1650. Until 1936 it was known as the Russian Wolfhound. Their predecessors were bred by the Russian aristocracy as a sight hound. Several breeds are credited with having contributed to the borzoi including Arabian greyhounds, early Russian bear hounds, Southern coursing hounds and the Owtcher, a tall Russian sheepdog. By 1861 hunting parties of over one hundred dogs would go out to hunt, with wolves the most popular prey. Many kennels bred their dogs for a particular colour. The dogs were expected to chase and pin the wolf down until the mounted hunter arrived to finish it off. This translates in modern day dogs to dogs that will hold another dog down without hurting it. This behavior needs to be seen as a hunting behaviour not a territorial or domination action.

Elaborate, ceremonial hunting trials were used to select the best borzoi as breeding stock. During the 1917 Revolution, large numbers of dogs were destroyed as they were seen as a symbol of wealth and tyranny. Later their value to the fur industry was recognized and breeding became officially controlled

The first dogs to be imported into the USA from England arrived in 1889. Exports from Russia itself were extremely rare.

To chase game on the mostly open terrain, the borzoi needed sound legs and feet, strong neck and jaws plus courage and agility. Their instinct is to chase anything that runs from them and they are extremely fast. They have no idea about road safety and like nothing better than to explore over large areas. They are very independent and need a big yard as well as regular doses of free exercise. They adapt quite well to smaller living spaces provided they have regular opportunities for free exercise.

In general they rarely bark and do not make good watch dogs. They are respectful of humans, highly sensitive and best brought up with children while they are young. They can be nervous around insensitive children, and distant and aloof with strangers. They are best suited to active owners who do not shout and threaten.

Dignified, intelligent and gentle, it is also courageous, swift and powerful. The aristocratic borzoi will always react to a fleeing animal. The overall impression is of streamlined athleticism and strength. They can be trained for obedience

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