|
|
BORZOI BREED DESCRIPTION & INFORMATION
Breed Description / Health Issues / Breed Standards / Grooming / Training / Additional Information
Breed Description
|
| Breed Registries: |
|
|
Note: The breed registries indicated above are the most recognized all-breed registries. The breed may also be recognized by other registries not indicated here. For further details about dog registries, please see the document: Dog Breed Registries in North America.
* The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) is the World Canine Organisation, which includes members (one member per country) that each issue their own pedigrees and train their own judges. The FCI recognizes 332 breeds, with each being the "property" of a specific country. The FCI is not a breed registry nor does it issue pedigrees. |
| Origin: |
Russia |
| Height: |
From 28 to 32 inches (71-81 cm) for adult males at the withers
Females from 27 to 30 inches (68-76 cm)at the withers. |
| Weight: |
Males from 75 to 105 lb. (34-48 kg), Females 15 to 20 lb. (7-9 kg) less |
|
The Borzoi (Russkaya Psovaya Borzaya - Barzoï), once known as the Russian Wolfhound, originated in the 17th century in Russia when Russian aristocracy crossed Arabian Greyhounds with a heavy-coated Russian breed. The first Borzoi standard was written in 1650. The Borzoi is a member of the Sighthound family of Hounds and was originally bred for coursing of hare, fox, and wolves on open terrain, relying on sight rather than scent.
The Borzoi was first registered in Canada in 1892.
With a quiet and gentle nature, the Borzoi is aloof with strangers but devoted to his family. He is gentle, affectionate and loyal with the appearance of being a graceful aristocrat, elegant, and brave combined with muscular power and extreme speed. By nature, the Borzoi is a very efficient hunter with fast reflexes and instincts, intelligent and an independent thinker.
Considered a giant breed, the males are generally larger than the females and have a longer and more profuse coat. The coat is long and silky, either flat, wavy or curly and can be any colour or combination of colours. On the head, ears and front of legs, the coat is short and smooth. On the neck there is a frill that should profuse and be rather curly.
One important characteristic of the breed is the topline which has a graceful curve over the loin. It is due to this that the Borzoi, along with a number of other Sighthounds, is capable of great speed and agility.
|
For additional books, gifts & merchandise, CLICK HERE
|
TOP
Health Issues:
Generally, the Borzoi is a very healthy breed with most diseases that are commonly found in other breeds rarely being seen in the Borzoi. However, like all breeds, some health problems have been seen, including: Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) and Osteocondritis Dissecans (OCD).
Two additional health concerns should be noted:
- Anesthetics Like all members of the Sighthound family, the Borzoi is sensitive to a number of anesthetics. It is very important to discuss this with your Veterinarian in advance of any required surgery. For additional information, see: Anesthesia in Sighthounds from the Saluki Club of America, as well as A Safe Method of Sighthound Anesthesia by Rodger I. Barr, DVM.
- Bloat As with any deep-chested dog, the occurrence of Bloat or Gastric Torsion is a real possibility in the Borzoi. If you are not familiar with this condition, it is absolutely necessary to learn about it and know the symptoms This is a real emergency and a life threatening condition that requires immediate Veterinary attention. See Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (GDV) — Bloat in the Health and Nutrition section of Canada's Guide to Dogs for more information and First Aid for Bloat for an article describing some of the things you can do if you are faced with this situation.
If you are considering the adoption of a Borzoi puppy, or any breed, it is very important to be selective in choosing a responsible and reputable breeder. Ensure that the prospective puppy's parents have all health clearances. Breeding of any dog should not be done until after they have been proven to be free of evidence of significant hereditary diseases. (For more information on selecting a breeder, see the articles on the main Breed Listing and Breeders page.)
Additional Health Resources:
TOP
Breed Standards:
TOP
Grooming:
- Grooming Your Borzoi By Margery Armstrong
- Grooming This growing section of Canada's Guide to Dogs covers grooming information, tips and techniques as well as listings of Groomers from across Canada.
TOP
Training Resources:
- Training For information on training your Borzoi, see this growing section of Canada's Guide to Dogs for tips, articles, as well as listings of training centres across Canada.
TOP
Additional Information:
|
|