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Borzoi

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General
OtherNames		Russian Wolfhound, Psowaya Barsaya
Dog Group Kennel Club		Hound
Breed Classification		Borzois belong to the hound group and are used as companions and seen in the show-ring. Breed societies organise coursing events for the former wolf-coursers to enter.
Cost of Ownership Visit our dog food department
Average Food Cost		£4-7.50
Feeding Requirements		Borzois essentially complete their rapid growth period by 9 to 12 months and it is vitally important that the breeder's diet sheet is strictly followed to ensure the correct growth and formation of bones and limbs. This breed can become finicky eaters therefore it is essential they are not spoiled with treats and table scraps. Although they are big dogs, they are lightweight and therefore are not big eaters.
Other Expenses		The average price of a puppy will be around £400 to £1,000. They are a hardy breed therefore veterinary expenses will be minimal.
Average Puppy Price		£500-800
Lifespan		9 - 15 years
Average Litter Size		6
General Physical Description		These tall and elegant sight hounds are pictures of grace and aristocracy. They carry their long, narrow heads with pride. Their coats are silky and of medium length with heavy feathering on the legs, undercarriages and tails. They have a long reach and a springy stride being driven from powerful hocks, giving them an apparently effortless action. Borzois are dogs of beauty and give every suggestion of power, courage and speed.
Height Min Max Bitch 68cm 0cm Dog 74cm 0cm Weight Min Max Bitch 27kg 41kg Dog 35kg 47kg
Size Category		Giant
Weight Height Range		The bitches' minimum height at the withers is 68cms; the dogs' 74cms. Neither gender have a height limit. Bitches will weigh around 34kgs and dogs around 41kgs.
Ailments		The two most detrimental conditions facing Borzois are bloat and metabolic bone disease. They are known to be sensitive to barbiturates, flea dips and anaesthetics. Soft bedding should be provided to prevent bed sores.
Common Ailments
Susceptibility To Illness Pet insurance for dogs resource Pet health and vet advice		Low
Other
History		Borzois are the best known Russian dogs and have been used there for coursing wolves since the early 17th century. A Russian duke imported several sighthounds from Arabia but they could not survive Russia's harsh winters. Second time around he crossed the hounds with native coated breeds, possibly Tartar coursing hounds or long-legged shepherd dogs. Because of their gentle temperaments and exotic appearances, they made ideal gifts from the Czars to the crowned heads of Europe and in 1903, Joseph Thomas went to Russia to find the ideal Borzoi. He came to the kennels of Artem Balderoff at Woronza and of His Royal Highness, the Grand Duke Nicholas at Tula. The dogs that Joseph Thomas imported were the basis of breeding programmes on both sides of the Atlantic. After the Russian Revolution in 1917, Borzois were associated with the ruling class and many kennels of beautiful dogs were destroyed and the breed only survived thanks to the original gifts to the western world.
Intelligence		Borzois are difficult to train. They are stubborn and not really prone to obedience so it is essential that training is started at a young age. Consistency and patience will work wonders!
Show Characteristics		The head should be long and lean with bones and principal veins easily seen. The occiput is very pronounced. The jaws are long, deep and powerful with a complete scissor bite. The eyes are almond-shaped and dark with an alert and intelligent expression. The ears are small and pointed. The neck should be slightly arched, reasonably long and well-muscled. The back should be rather bony and muscular, rising in a graceful curve with a well-balanced fallaway. The curve is more pronounced in dogs than bitches. The front legs should be straight and clean; the hind legs long and muscular with a well developed second thigh. The front feet are oval with the toes close together, well-arched with thick pads; the hindfeet are longer and less arched. The tail is long, low set, well-feathered and can be sickle- or sabre-shaped. It should not be carried over the back when the dog is in action. Any colour is allowed in the show ring.
Country Of Origin		Russia
Famous Examples
Records Held
Characteristics Visit our dog training aids department
Energy		High
Overall Exercise		> 2 hours
Distress Caused if Left Alone
Personal Protection		Medium
Suitability As Guard Dog		Low
Risk of Sheep Worrying		High
Tendency to Bark		Low
Ease of Transportation		Medium
Level of Aggression		Low
Compatibility With Other Animals		Low
Suitable For Children		Medium
General Character And Temperament		These are good-natured, proud dogs and, despite their size, very gentle and calm in the house. They do not like intrusive strangers, being rather aloof, distant and even nervous. They will get on fairly well with children but do not like rough games and will not become their playmates. They will tolerate other dogs who are similarly-minded to themselves, although again they can be rather nervous of them, but they must be introduced to cats and other household pets at an early age as they will always react to the sight of a fleeing animal.
Grooming Visit our dog grooming department
Coat Length		Short/Medium
Grooming Requirement		Every Day
Trimming		Frequent
Requires Professional Groomer
Grooming		These dogs need regular grooming and the hair between the pads must be trimmed frequently. During the moulting seasons they will cast copious amounts of hair, dogs moulting one a year and bitches every six months.
Colour		Borzois come in white, gold, red, grey, black roan and patched.
Shedding		Moderate
Suffers From Allergies		True
Tendency to Cause Allergies