Quick Stats for the Borzoi Dog
- Height (at the shoulders): dogs: at least 28 inches (71 cm) ; bitches: at least 26 inches (66 cm)
- Weight: dogs: 75 – 105 pounds (34 – 48 kg) ; bitches: 60 – 90 pounds (27 – 41 kg)
- Life Expectancy: 10 – 12 years
- AKC Group: Hound Group – AKC recognized in 1891
- Shedding: heavy shedder; seasonal shedder
- Living Conditions: okay in apartment (with sufficient exercise); relatively inactive indoors; best with average sized yard (minimum)
Personality of the Borzoi Dog
The Borzoi, also known as the Russian Wolfhound, is a striking member of the AKC Hound Group. They are one of the most well-mannered dogs you will find and make excellent family pets. They are affectionate towards their owners and great with children.
Most Borzoi dogs tend to be reserved and shy around strangers.
History of the Borzoi Dog
The Borzoi originated in Russia and be traced as far back as the Middle Ages. For several hundred years they were bred by Russian aristocrats.
In the early 13th Century they were used to course hare. Eventually, they were crossed with coursing hounds, Russian sheepdogs, and bear hounds to increase the breed’s overall size, and to improve the dog’s coat. The resulting mix was a dog that could hunt wolf even in very cold weather.
They would often hunt in packs of three – one female and two males. When a wolf was spotted, the dogs were unleashed. They would then hunt and take down the wolf with great agility and precision, and hold the wolf there until the hunter arrived on the scene.
By the 1800s, there were seven different types of Borzoi dogs in Russia. The Borzoi of today came from the Perchino variety. Unfortunately, during the Russian Revolution, many of the Borzoi were killed. The breed was able to survive through the efforts of foreign royalty who owned several Borzoi kennels.
Today, the breed is quite popular in the show ring. They are also used as coursing dogs.
The breed was officially registered by the American Kennel Club in 1891.
The Borzoi Dog Care and Grooming
Borzoi dogs do not like really hot weather, but can do well in moderately cool temperatures.
They need plenty of physical exercise. Take them on a long daily walk, but you should also try to provide them with sufficient opportunity to run off leash as well. They like to run so they make excellent jogging partners. They usually enjoy running alongside you on a bicycle ride as well. However, you should know that the Borzoi is likely to chase after prey if given the chance.
They have very long, silky coats that are pretty easy to groom. You should brush their coats regularly with a good firm bristle brush.
They are heavy shedders, but only shed seasonally.
Health Problems of the Borzoi Dog
The average life expectancy of the Borzoi dog is about ten to twelve years.
Major health concerns for this breed are:
- gastric torsion
Minor health issues include:
- hypothyroidism
- cardiomyopathy
- prone to bloat
These other issues can occur, but are rarely seen:
Veterinarians recommend having the Borzoi dog tested specifically for cardiac and thyroid problems.
Image courtesy of Wikipedia
For even more information about this dog breed check out the book:
[...] went about crossing several Wolfhounds with other breeds, specifically the Scottish Wolfhound, Borzoi, and the Great Dane. The breeding practice was successful and today many families enjoy the Irish [...]