Borzoi

• The Borzoi dog breed is an easily recognizable breed, distinct for its heavy-necked ruff, tall, aristocratic build, and thin, long, narrow head.

• The eyes are dark and oblong, the nose is black, and the ears lie back against the neck unless the dog is on alert.

• The long silky coat can be curly or wavy, with the thicker mane at the neck, and can be tan, white, golden, or gray with black markings, in both mixed and solid colors.

———————— Temperament ————————

• Borzois are intelligent, sweet, loyal, and proud. They are very affectionate with people they know. Like most hounds, they are free-thinking and not as willing to please as other breeds, but they can be trained for obedience. They are very intelligent. Training should be consistent, firm, and gentle.

• Dogs are very quiet and rarely bark. They are fast and should not be allowed off-leash except in a fenced-in, safe area.

• These dogs do fine with children, but they don't handle rough-housing well and should not be left alone with non-canine pets.

———————— Height and Weight ————————

• Adult males tend to be at least 28 inches tall and weigh around 75-106 pounds.

• Adult females are generally at least 26 inches tall and weigh about 60-90 pounds.

———————— Living Conditions and Exercise ————————

• The Borzoi dog breed does well in an apartment setting as long as they receive sufficient exercise.

• This breed is generally inactive indoors, but they need plenty of space to run and walk outdoors. They should only be off-leash in an enclosed space.

• To stay healthy and mentally stable, these dogs need a daily long walk and regular time to play and run free. They make good companions for joggers and bicyclists.

———————— Life Expectancy ————————

• Well-cared for dogs can be expected to live 10-12 years.

———————— Grooming ————————

• The easy-to-care-for coat requires occasional combing and brushing. Use a brush with firm bristles. Shampoo only as necessary.

• The hair between the toes should be clipped regularly.

• They are seasonally heavy shedders.

———————— History ————————

• The Borzoi dog breed is an old breed, most likely brought to Russia from Arabia in the early 1600s. There, they were adopted as the dog-of-choice for nobility and crossed with sheepdogs to be used as brave and fierce wolf hunters.

• The Borzoi's popularity spread to Europe - they became favorites of Queen Victoria and the British aristocracy. There the breed became more docile, as they were used more often for companionship than hunting.

• "Borzii" is a Russian word meaning "swift". These dogs are excellent at lure coursing, sighting, and hunting.

———————— Group and Recognition ————————

• Grouping: Southern, AKC Hounds

• Recognition: CKC, ACR, NKC, APRI, FCI, KCGB, AKC, UKC, ANKC, NZKC. BCIL

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