borzoi

BREED DESCRIPTION & INFORMATION

Borzoi
Ch. Lepus Abominable Snowman (aka "Yeti")
Photo Copyright ©Mark Raycroft
Courtesy of Lepus Reg'd Whippets & Borzoi

Breed Registries:

Note: The breed registries indicated above are the most recognized all-breed registries. The breed may 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 FCI is the World Canine Organization, which includes 84 members and contract partners (one member per country) that each issue their own pedigrees and train their own judges. The FCI recognizes 339 breeds, with each being the "property" of a specific country. The "owner" countries of the breeds write the standards of these breeds in co-operation with the Standards and Scientific Commissions of the FCI, and the translation and updating are carried out by the FCI. The FCI is not a breed registry nor does it issue pedigrees.

Origin:

Russia

Height:

Males: 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

Brief History of the Breed:

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.

Breed Profile:

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.

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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:

  1. 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 And Your Saluki from the Saluki Club of America, as well as Anasthesia in Sighthounds from the Irish Wolfhound Society of Ireland.
  2. 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:

Only Natural Pet Store

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Breed Standards

  AKC Borzoi DVD
Published by: AKC
Duration: 22 mins.
Discussion of the breed standard: good structure and movement, acceptable colors, correct head, size. Developed for breeders, exhibitors and judges.

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Grooming Information

  • Grooming Your Borzoi By Margery Armstrong
  • Grooming — This section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website includes tips, articles and information covering all aspects of dog grooming along with a listing of Groomers from across Canada.
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Training Resources

  • Training — For training information, see this growing section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website for tips, articles, as well as listings of training centres across Canada.

Training Tools & Equipment
Choose from a wide variety of items from Dogwise.com



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Additional Information

Select from the following links to view Breeder listings; Breed Clubs; Rescue Organizations; as well as Books and other Merchandise specific to the breed:

Breeders  /  Breed Clubs  /  Rescues  /  Books & More