Beauty and elegance are only some of the features that define the Borzoi. This breed showcases an excellent combination of good looks, calm nature, and affection towards its family. Besides its beautiful appearance, the Borzoi also has a robust body, which allows it to run at an incredible rate.
Just by looking at the Borzoi, we can tell that it is a gentle creature. Owning one is surely worth it since they are capable of various works while looking at its best. This dog would indeed make an incredible companion indoors or outdoors.
Origins of the Borzoi
Despite the elegant appearance of the Borzoi, they are once a part of a horrible history in Russia. During the Romanov rule, wolf hunting is a common practice in Russia. They were passionate about the sport, wherein hounds were their primary target. Unfortunately, the Borzoi is part of the list of hounds that would act as preys. The hunters, who are highly devoted and passionate about hunting, calculate every move and exert effort to hunt down the hounds. As expected, the hunters succeeded in executing their targets at the end of the event.
Moreover, the population of the Borzoi continued to decline up to the 20th century. The breeding of Borzois, as well as other Russian breeds, made a significant step back – putting them in the brink of extinction. Thankfully, many dog lovers in England and America started to import the Borzoi, an act which saves them from being extinct.
Interestingly, Englishmen also called the Borzoi as the Russian Wolfhound. However, after numerous debates, its name was officially recognized as Borzoi, which derived from the word borzyi means ‘swift’ in Russia. Borzoi puppies are also adorable!
Characteristics of the Borzoi
Height: 26 – 28 inches
Weight: 60 – 105 pounds
Life Expectancy: 9 – 14 years
Hypoallergenic: No
As mentioned earlier, the Borzoi is a large dog that could stand up to twenty-eight inches tall and weighs up to 105 pounds. We can easily recognize the Borzoiby its elegant appearance, mainly by its luxurious coat that only covers its body. However, don’t be deceived by its beautiful fur since this dog also has an athletic body.
The Borzoi is a quiet and affectionate dog. That is why they are perfect for being a family dog since they are loyal and devoted to showing affection towards their master. However, they may be stubborn sometimes, but with proper training, as well as patience, the Borzoi is a dog that you would surely love.
Moreover, the Borzoi is a sighthound. Unlike scenthounds, sighthounds are dogs that heavily rely on their eyes for hunting. A passing squirrel or a cat can easily trigger their keen sense of sight. If you live in a neighborhood that has a lot of small animals roaming around, then this factor should be considered.
Overall, we can say that the Borzoi is an excellent dog. It has a unique combination of elegance and power, which makes it stand out among other dogs. With proper training, the Borzoi would be an excellent dog to own in the house.
Caring for the Borzoi
The Borzoi is a dog the works best with high-quality dog food, but homemade meals are also acceptable, as long as they are vet-approved. One thing to consider when feeding Borzois is that they tend to eat less compared to other large breeds. Their elegance also shows when they are eating, so make sure to serve them ample amounts only.
Overfeeding them could cause bloating, as well as obesity. These factors could potentially lead to more serious harm if not treated properly.
Borzois are long-coated. Which means they require more maintenance to have clean and healthy fur. Make it a habit to quick-brush their coat every day with a comb or pin brush to remove any dead hair, as well as dirt. Furthermore, there comes a time once a year, wherein the Borzoi tends to shed more fur. During this time of the year, they require more grooming to keep their coat clean and healthy.
Like other dog breeds, the Borzoi requires a bath occasionally to remove dirt. Lastly, make sure to trim their nails regularly to prevent them from harm whenever they walk or run.