The Borzoi is also known as the Russian Greyhound, Russian Hunting Greyhound or Russkaya Psovaya Borzaya and it is one of the most popular and beloved Russian dog breeds in Russia. It is a canine breed that was developed directly by the great tsars, which could explain such an elegant and unique morphology.
In this issue of PlanèteAnimal, we are going to tell you about the Borzoi dog breed, one of the most remarkable hunting greyhounds in the world. Today, he is very popular as a companion dog and he arouses the curiosity of everyone who crosses his path!
Happy reading!
Origin
- Asia
- Russia
Physical Characteristics
- End
- Muscular
- Lying
- Long ears
Origin of the Borzoi
The Borzoi dog breed is part of Russian national history and culture. However, the fact that its origin is closely linked to the tsars almost put an end to the breed, because after the fall of the tsarist monarchy, the borzois practically disappeared. It is estimated to have been developed over nine centuries ago.
" There is evidence of the first specimens in the 11th century, when the French Chronicle recounts how three large Borzois accompanied Anna Yaroslavna, daughter of the Grand Duke of Kiev, when she came to France to marry Henry I.Some of the most notable figures who owned Borzoi dogs include Ivan the Terrible, Peter the Great, Nicholas II, Pushkin, and Turgenev. In fact, a famous kennel of these dogs called Perhinskaya Okhota was opened by Grand Duke Nicolai Nicolaevich and Dmitri V altsev."
Another notable figure in Borzoi history is Queen Victoria of England, who received a pair of Borzoi dogs as a gift. Later, the breed spread throughout Europe and America and became popular due to its speed in races and ability to hunt.
Characteristics of the Borzoi
" The Borzoi is a large dog belonging to group 10 of sighthounds according to the FCI. It is also classified in Section 1, which includes long-haired or wavy-haired sighthounds. Their constitution is elegant and slightly elongated, which gives them a refined look and even qualified as aristocratic by some."
The Borzoi has strong but not massive bones, with females slightly longer than males. Its head is thin, long and narrow, with a slight nasofrontal depression. Its nose is large and mobile, while its jaw is strong, with a scissor bite and white teeth. The eyes are large and expressive, usually dark hazel or brown in color. The ears are thin and mobile, and the neck is long and slender, as are the extremities which are particularly long and muscular. The Borzoi's tail is long, thin, saber-shaped and has a low insertion.
His height at the withers is:
- Males: between 75 and 85 cm.
- Females: between 68 and 78 cm.
" Finally we&39;ll talk about his coat, which is soft, loose and wavy. Naturally, you should see short curls. In the head area, his hair is satiny and short.On the body it is longer and wavy. The neck coat is much denser and wavy. Virtually any color combination is allowed except for blue, chocolate and their derivatives. This dog also has feathering which is generally lighter."
Character of Borzoi
It is not easy to determine the character of Borzoi dogs, but in general we can say that it is a balanced and calm dog. Even so, the education provided by the tutor will end up shaping the character of each particular individual, which can vary greatly. You should also know that, from its past as a hunting dog, the Borzoi can have quick and impetuous reactions in certain situations.
Although they can be reserved and wary of strangers, in the family nucleus they are dogs that form a very close bond with their guardians. However, their relationship with other people, animals and environments will directly depend on their stage of socialization, during which the tutor should strive to provide them with positive and varied experiences.
They can adapt to all types of families, but they tend to fit best with experienced dog guardians who have a proactive and independent lifestyle.
Caring for a Borzoi
The Borzoi's coat requires regular care and should be brushed at least 2 to 3 times a week. This will help keep their fur he althy and tangle-free. You can use a metal brush for moulting times (only once a week) and a carding brush the rest of the year. Bow brushes can also be useful.
As for the bath, it is advisable to give a bath every one or two months, always using a specific shampoo for dogs and, if possible, a conditioner, which will help us keep the softer, shinier coat.
To continue on what a borzoi needs to be happy and he althy, know that you need to pay close attention to routine walks and exercise.It will be essential to take a minimum of two to three walks a day of at least 30 minutes. It will be necessary to combine one or two walks with physical exercise.
Through the practice of obedience, canine skills or tricks, intelligence games, smell games or various activities, you will guarantee your best friend a good mental stimulation.
Borzoi Training
Borzoi education should start as early as possible and we recommend that you don't joke about puppy socialization. This period is particularly sensitive, since it will directly influence the adult character of the dog and help us to prevent the appearance of various behavioral problems, such as fear and aggression. It is highly recommended during this stage to encourage calm and positive behavior through hugs, kind words and even prizes.
We will also teach the puppy to inhibit biting and urinate in a newspaper, until he is vaccinated and ready to learn to urinate in the street.
Next, we'll introduce the Borzoi to basic obedience exercises. This learning is essential for good communication between you and your dog. You should always work on basic commands always using positive reinforcement, and never punishment.
Borzoi He alth
You should take him to the vet every 6-12 months. These visits allow you to respect the vaccination schedule as well as the deworming routine. Similarly, a visit to a specialist will quickly detect any pathology.
However, like most standardized dog breeds, the Borzoi dog is susceptible to various hereditary diseases, including:
- Wobbler Syndrome
- Gastric dilatation-volvulus syndrome
- Microphthalmos
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Tricuspid valve dysplasia
- Cataracts
- Hypothyroidism
We will end this borzoi dog breed file with its life expectancy, which is between 7 and 12 years.
Pictures of Borzoi or Russian Greyhound
