Long-Haired Greyhound and Russian Wolfhound are further names for the Borzoi Dog. The Russian word for the given name Borzoi is “quick or speedy.” Large dog breeds like the Borzoi prefer both regular exercise and quality time with their owners. The Borzoi does not require frequent bathing, but his long, silky coat does require regular brushing. This breed of medium-sized to giant dog is powerful yet graceful. The Borzois is a breed of sighthound that originated in Russia. During a hunt, sighthounds rely on their keen vision and swift running. The Borzoi was developed for wolf, fox, and rabbit coursing and hunting. In groups of three, they would go hunting and catch their prey together. Later, they rose to fame in Europe as royal families’ pets.

History

Borzoi were created as a crossbreed between Russian sheepdogs and greyhounds as early as the 1700s. bred over many years by Russian Tsars for their hunting and coursing adventures. However, the Borzois population shrank over time. Since there were so few Borzoi dog breeds left by 1873, the Royal Russians founded the Imperial Association to safeguard and advance the breed.

Following the 1917 revolution, hunting and coursing retreats gradually lost favor as more humane wolf-capturing techniques replaced the use of dogs entirely. Without a managed breeding program, the Borzoi dog breeds were in danger of going extinct in the late 1940s, according to a Soviet soldier by the name of Constantin Esmont. He had a key role in the regulation of breeding. However, a small number of Borzoi exports were made to England, Scandinavia, and Western Europe in the late 19th century. Borzoi exports were relatively uncommon throughout the Soviet era.

Size

It features long, slender legs, a somewhat small body, a deep chest, a tucked tummy, an arched loin, and a long tail, just like a regular greyhound. He has a remarkably long and narrow head. At least 25 inches tall for women and at least 28 inches for guys. These would be regarded as very little borzoi dogs in reality. Males today often measure 30 to 34 inches tall, while ladies are typically a little shorter. However, because they are slender, they weigh less than other dogs of a similar height. In general, men weigh 80 to 110 pounds, while women weigh 65 to 90 pounds. The coat is either curly, wavy, or straight, and it is fairly long and smooth. When given the right nutrients, this unusual animal has been reported to survive up to 14 years old. Its average lifespan is ten years.

Personality

Different factors, including training, socialization, and genetics, have an impact on temperament. Nice-tempered Borzoi dog breeds are active and inquisitive, and they are eager to approach people and be petted. Select a puppy that is in the midst of the pack rather than one that is bullying its littermates or cowering in a corner. Always meet at least one parent to make sure they are pleasant and comfortable around you. Usually, the mother is the one who is available. It’s also beneficial to meet the parents’ siblings or other family members to get a sense of what the puppy will be like as an adult.

Food

Due to the unique dietary requirements of a tall, lean dog, Borzoi may require a particular diet. Puppy growth formulas have the risk of causing incorrect growth, which could affect the joints and cartilage. For diet recommendations, speak with your breeder or veterinarian. Based on the dog’s average weight and activity level, most Borzoi will require four to eight cups of premium dry food daily. This amount can be provided in a puzzle toy that dispenses food or should be divided between two meals. They could have bloat or stomach torsion. This dangerous condition can be avoided by using higher feeding dishes and limiting movement for one hour after eating. Although Borzoi don’t typically guard their food, it’s never a good idea to let kids touch or take food away from a dog while it’s in the middle of eating.

Grooming

Adult Borzois will be satisfied to walk for an hour or more every day, especially with the flexibility to run in enclosed areas. Younger Borzoi dog breeds need regular, short walks and mental stimulation to prevent boredom but shouldn’t be overexercised. The silky, wavy coat of the Borzoi requires regular brushing and combing several times each week, as well as daily inspection of the paw pads for foreign objects and trimming of the hair there. Given their size, thorough bathing and drying may necessitate professional dog grooming. Hair will fall out on borzois, especially during seasonal moults.

Training

Training sessions for puppies and early socialization are advised. The puppy will grow into a well-adjusted adult if he is exposed to favorable interactions with a diversity of people, places, and situations. Although bright and extremely affectionate with their owners, borzoi dogs may also be independent and even stubborn, making training them difficult. The trick is to be persistent and patient. They are often friendly, well-behaved companions. The Borzoi dog breed should always be on a leash when out and about since it was trained to chase after prey, thus any tiny animal that runs could set it off.

Health

Although borzoi are typically healthy dog breeds, a professional breeder will check breeding stock for diseases including osteochondritis dissecans, progressive retinal atrophy, and elbow and hip dysplasia. They are susceptible to bloat, a sudden and potentially fatal gastrointestinal disease, like other big, deep-chested dogs. Owners should get knowledgeable about the indications that indicate something is happening and what to do in that case. The Borzoi is one kind of sighthound that is more sensitive to anesthetic than other breeds.

Bottom Line

The Borzoi dog is a fascinating canine, graceful with a humorous side and lightning-fast with an otherwise lethargic demeanor. Although Borzoi owners enjoy calm cuddles, they should be ready to deal with a clever dog with a strong sense of independence and a built-in predisposition to chase.

Although borzoi often get along well with kids, their huge size can make them potentially dangerous playmates. No matter how adorable it is while he’s a puppy, you should never allow your Borzoi to develop a habit of leaping up on humans.

The friendly Borzoi dog is a great pet if you have the extra time for training, socialization, and a solid dog-proof fence.