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DOGS BY BREED :: BORZOI
Borzoi
Information, Facts & Information
The Borzoi is an extra large dog with a narrow but tall body. This dog is also known by the other name of the Russian wolfhound. The Borzoi was bred originally for hunting foxes, hares and wolves. It's origins can be dated back to the Middle Ages. The Borzoi specialised in chasing down fleeing prey (coursing) originating in Russia. It is classified as one of the Hound Dogs Group which we go on to describe in detail in the section at the bottom of this page.
The Borzoi - A Sighthound
The Borzoi Hound belongs to the collection of dogs referred to as Sighthounds or Gazehounds, which specialise in hunting its quarry by sight rather than scent. All of the Borzoi Sighthound breeds originated in the Middle East, Africa and Southwest Asia. It wasn't until the mid 1500's that hounds began to be classified according to their purpose, i.e. sight hounds, scent hounds, etc. Sighthounds have distinctive characteristics, features and traits which are perfect for their purpose. Sighthounds have extremely good vision. They also have a long jaw and lengthy neck which assists them in sighting their quarry. Their lean muscular body, deep chest and long powerful legs essential assets when following any fast and agile prey. Sighthounds also have distinctive feet with elongated middle toes that make the foot appear longer and helps with their firm footing. Their long stride, powerful chest and lungs and agile bodies make it possible for sight hounds to chase and kill their quarry. As a pet the Borzoi Hound is usually a calm and sensitive, gentle giant that responds well to a loving owner.
History of the African Borzoi Hound Dog
The first traceable reference to the Borzoi was made in 1260 as a reference to hare coursing dogs at the Russian court of Grand Duke of Novgorad. The Borzoi was bred by the Russian aristocracy for hundreds of years and this culminated in 1613 when the Imperial Kennels of the Czars was founded. The Russian Czars would often present borzois as gifts to visiting royalty. In 1887 Grand Duke Nikolai Nikolaivitch purchased the Perchino estate in Tula and concentrated on a Borzoi breeding program. Most present Borzois dogs descend from the Perchino type of dog. The Borzoi started as a hare coursing dog but in the 15th and 16th centuries cross breeding between coursing hounds, bear hounds and tall Russian sheepdogs were made. This increased the size and coat of the dog to suit the task of hunting wolves in the cold Russian climate. The extravagant courts of the Czars and Russian nobility indulged in hunting on a grand scale. This scale of these events necessitated hundreds hounds which were kept on huge estates. Over 100 Borzois were known to take part in a hunt. Beaters and scenthounds initially trailed the wolf, followed by hunters on horseback. The Borzois were unleashed when the wolf was sighted. The dogs force the wolf down and hold it until the hunter arrived. The heritage of the great Russian Czars and the Russian nobility came to an abrupt end after the Russian Revolution. The estates were abandoned and many of the borzois were killed or simply died from neglect.
Coat and Colors information
The Borzoi's coat is normally comes in all colours, usually parti-coloured. The coat is silky, flat or wavy and short in some parts.
Health: Potential Problems
All owners of dogs and puppies are concerned about the health care of their pets and just as with humans dog health issues arise from time to time. Resolving dog health problems, including those of the Borzoi, can prove to be costly and it would be wise to consider the benefits of obtaining dog health insurance. Diseases in dogs may occur because of trauma, infection, immune system abnormalities, genetic factors, or degenerative conditions. Common health problems and questions occur in relation to the Bones, Joints, Muscles, Nerves, Ears, Eyes, Teeth and the Mouth. Other, more serious, issues can relate to the Digestive System, Heart & Respiratory Systems, Immune & Blood Systems, Reproduction and Urinary Systems. Potential health problems of the Borzois can include Gastric Torsion.
Comparative Sizing
The pictures above allow for a useful sizing perspective between an average man (Five feet ten inches) or an average sized woman (Five feet six inches) in comparison to the average sized Borzoi dog which we have detailed above. These pictures are extremely important as they provide an immediate and accurate visual representation of the height of an average Borzoi compared to the height of a male or female - essential information but unique to this site. Use the pictures to help to estimate the size of the Borzoi dog to each the various growing stages of children. Use the pictures to provide a guideline to the adult size of Borzoi Puppies. The pictures will also prove to be invaluable when comparing the sizes and heights of other dog breeds. The dimensions will vary according to the sex of the dog or puppy. Girl dogs, or bitches, are on average, 2 inches smaller than boy dogs. Another useful piece of information when considering puppies.
Grooming and Care
Borzois require brushing or combing two or three times a week. All dog breeds require a certain amount of grooming and care is necessary to keep dogs and puppies looking at their best. Grooming consists of not only brushing out the coat and bathing but also giving attention to the eyes, teeth, ears, feet and nails. A regular routine also ensures that any potential health problems are identified as quickly as possible, especially important in puppies and older dogs.
Temperament and Character
The Borzoi is an independent but very sensitive breed of dog. They are calm, gentle, reserved and dignified and makes a well-mannered house dog. Outdoors it will race about and will chase any small animal that runs. It can be timid and is not suited to rough handling - children need to handle the dog quietly and gently. Borzois can live outdoors in temperate climates but are best suited as house dogs with access to a yard.
Living Conditions and Exercise Requirements
The Borzoi dogs and puppies are best suited to living in the country because they require a moderate amount of exercise. The Borzoi breed of dog loves to run and enjoys frequent walks but it is also content to find a comfortable bed or place in the back yard and rest quietly.
Age comparison between the Borzoi Dog Breed and a Human
Age comparisons between dogs and humans are always a matter of debate - we hope that the following information clarifies the situation. After the first year of life, a dog is equivalent to sixteen human years. After two years, they are equivalent to a 24 year old, at three years a 30 year old, and each year after, add 5 human years to determine a dog's age.
Life Expectancy
The life expectancy for this particular breed is 10 to 12 years.
Hound Dog Breed Information
As implied by its name the Hound has been bred to chase a quarry by sight or smell, or a combination of both senses. Sighthounds have exceptional eyesight, combined with the speed and stamina necessary to catch the intended prey once seen, typical examples being the Greyhound and the Whippet. Hounds which rely strongly on the sense of smell to follow the trail of a prey, such as the Bloodhound, quite literally follow their noses, speed and eyesight is of less importance. Characteristics and features have been introduced and strengthened by breeding from animals who already demonstrated the desired traits. Breeding for appearance was only introduced in the 19th Century. Before this time dogs and puppies were bred to increase useful abilities and traits helpful for the duties they were intended for. Thus, the various hound breeds were initially introduced to help man according to specific requirements such as:
- Hunting and running down small quarry
- Flushing out and driving game
- Vermin hunting
- Guard duties
- Tracking
In this day and age only a few hounds still undertake these tasks, but nevertheless, they still harbour the skills and characteristics that made the original Borzoi dog breeding program successful.
The Hound Breed Group of dogs differ in that some hunt by scent and others by sight. Many hounds are kept in packs, in outdoor kennels. Any dogs and puppies belonging to the Hound breeds require a significant amount of exercise as they have high stamina levels suitable for hunting quarry. There are some breeds in this group who make a distinctive 'baying' sound - invaluable information should in considering puppies.
