Borzoi C. Miller Size: 29" - 32" tall (shoulder) Weight: 55 - 105 pounds Color: Mostly white patched with any color; solid colors also appear Origin: Russia Purpose: originally a courser, now a stylish pet Photo:This is C. Miller's Borzoi, "Morgana" Her formal name is "Zephyr's Reach Firebird M."

The Borzoi is a tall, graceful dog from the sighthound family. Historically, sighthounds were used to hunt by sight, and are characterized by lighter bones, arched backs, and generally lighter builds. The Borzoi is very tall, ranging in height from 26 inches to 35 inches high at the shoulder, with the vast majority falling around the 29-32 inch mark. In contrast to the greyhound, to whom he resembles, the Borzoi has a long feathered coat. This coat is unique in dogdom. It is scarcely ever flat, and varies from slightly wavy to quite curly. The feathering is long on the tail, hindquarters, and neck frill. The coat can come in many colors, mostly patched on a white background with markings in shades of red, sable, black and tan, brindle, cream, gold, and black. Solid colored dogs in these tints can also appear. Borzoi have long, narrow heads, hare shaped feet, and long, sweeping tails. They should also have a slight arch over the loin.

Borzoi were known in this country before 1936 as the Russian Wolfhound. Borzoi are an ancinet breed. Most countries seem to have their own version of the sighthound, and the Borzoi is Russia's. They were used by the aristocracy in Russia for hunting in a grand scale for fox, hare, and the formidable wolf. Most of the royal families in Russia had their own group of Borzoi, bred and perfected by them. Many times a family's dogs could be distinguished by color, markings, and other details. Russia is a large country, and many families lived many miles from each other. This prevented breeding out to another strain, as it were, and there were many different types of Borzoi in Russia, just as there are worldwide today. There are many theories as to how the borzoi developed, whether or not it was crossed with other breeds, and of course this will never really be known. The breed was almost destroyed in its homeland by the Russian Revolution.

Borzoi today are taller, narrower, and fancier than their wolf hunting ancestors. They are elegant and often seen in style shows with models. Many Borzoi are still keen and willing to hunt. Many scan the horizon constantly for something that is moving. Many pets are used for lure coursing, the chasing of a plastic bag over an elaborate, predetermined course. Some lucky Borzoi are even used in open field coursing, pitting their wits against the extremely speedy jackrabbit. Decades later, some Borzoi are still avid and well built enough to run really well.

Borzoi are gentle pets. They are large dogs, and require alot of space to run safely, yet make quiet housepets when they receive adequate exercise. They do well when walked regularly and allowed to run in a fenced yard. Because of the Borzoi's extreme speed and hunting instincts, he should not be left loose in unfenced areas. One would be very surprised at the territory a Borzoi will cover, especially if there is another Borzoi to run with. If a Borzoi is not allowed to stretch his legs often, he can become agitated and nervous. Many Borzoi have adapted to life in apartments, but only with understanding owners who make the sacrifice to walk their pets on a very regular basis.

Even though the Borzoi's stylish good looks have won him many admirers, he is not the dog for everyone. He is gentle, but quick to temper if mistreated or threatened. His reactions are among the fastest in the dog world. For this reason, he rarely does well around small children. There have been many successful adoptions of Borzoi into young families, but as a rule, he does better with older, considerate children. Because of his coursing heritage, he can be very aggressive with small animals until used to them. He is very independent, and can be very stubborn. Borzoi can be aloof to those they do not know and like. Some are real snobs. Others are more friendly. They learn words and sentences quickly, if it is to their advantage.

Many people think Borzoi are not very bright. Nothing could be further from the truth than this. Borzoi are highly intelligent. Often they only need to be shown something once, whereupon they know the command. Often their independent, and often humorous nature takes over, and when told to perform a command, they will only stare as if they wonder what you are talking about. Many Borzoi have their owners trained into thinking they are dumb, when actually, the dogs get out of doing anything they don't want to. With firm owners, the Borzoi's natural brughtness can be brought out. Many have been obedience stars. There are also many clowns who, with impish delight, ignore the futile calls of their trainers and play to the crowd. Some people find this very irritating, but true Borzoi people find pleasure in their hound's innovation.

Most Borzoi today are in the role of pet. If someone desires a good pet, the best place to buy one is from a breeder. Ask the breeder about health issues such as eye disease, cancer, thyroid, and kidney problems. Ask to see copies of eye certificates. Bloat, or torsion, is common in the breed, but is probably not inherited. Hip dysplasia is extremely rare. If possible, vist the breeder of your potential pet. The premises should be clean, the dogs happy and well-socialized. Avoid kennel situations if the dogs are never in the house. Most breeders are more than happy to show off pictures of their pups' ancestors. Do not hesitate to take an older, well socailized dog. Caring breeders often give potential buyers the third degree. This is the mark of a truly outstanding breeder who feels his dog's value in his heart, and only wants the best match for his dogs.

Buying a show prospect is tougher. In addition to the above criteria, certain details of conformation should be looked for. There are no bad colors in Borzoi, so anything goes. Do not concern yourself with color unless you yourself are partial to a certain color scheme. Look at the bite and make sure the occlusion is good. If the pup is a male, make sure the testicles are both descended. In young pups up to four months old, it is hard to tell exactly how the pup will turn out, and it is a gamble. After four months, the pups will look awkward and grow at different rates until the growth slows down, around nine months of age. Most Borzoi are not ready to be seriously shown until they are 3-4 years old. Some cosmetic details to look for are: dark eyes; small, high set ears; long, low carried tails; dark pigment on the nose and around the mouth and eyes; and well-knuckled feet. Young Borzoi are not heavy like Rottweilers, but should still present a sturdy look. Make sure the dog has adequate body and a nice rise over the loin.

For coursing, it is best to choose a dog from known coursing lines. Some lines will course regardless, but the most consistent coursers come from lines developed for coursing. Coursing prospects should be well-angled with proper, nonextreme toplines and good legs.

Some Borzo can do it all. They can be the supreme pet. They can go to dog shows and win. They can also run like the wind. This is the sort of dog that all breeders should be striving for - the healhty, aristocratic and historically correct Borzoi.

Recommended Reading:
"The Complete Borzoi" - Groshans
"Life with Borzoi" - Gillete
"Gazehounds, the Search For Truth" - Miller

C. Miller
cjmiller@micron.net