Borzoi

Appearance

Borzoi can come in almost any colour or colour combination. As a general approximation, “long-haired greyhound” is a useful description. The long top-coat is silky and quite flat, with varying degrees of waviness or curling. The soft undercoat thickens in winter or cold climates, but is shed in hot weather to prevent overheating. In its texture and distribution over the body, the Borzoi coat is unique.

The Borzoi is a large dog within the variety of sight hounds, with males frequently reaching in excess of 100 pounds (45 kg). Males should stand at least 30 inches and 35 inches at the shoulder, while females shouldn’t be less than 26 inches. Despite their size, the overall impression is of streamlining and grace, with a curvy shapeliness and compact strength.

Temperament

The Borzoi is a quiet but athletic and independent dog. Most Borzoi are almost silent, barking only very rarely. They do not have strong territorial drives and cannot be relied on to raise the alarm upon sighting a human intruder. They are gentle and highly sensitive dogs with a natural respect for humans, and as adults they are decorative couch potatoes with remarkably gracious house-manners.

Borzois should never display dominance or aggression towards people. Typically however, they are rather reserved and sensitive to invasion of their personal space; this can make them nervous around children unless they are brought up with them from an early age. Despite their size they adapt very well to suburban living, provided they have a spacious yard and regular opportunities for free exercise.

These dogs are used to pursue, or “course”, game and have a powerful instinct to chase things that run from them. Built for speed and endurance, they can cover long distances in a very short time. A fully-fenced yard is an absolute necessity for keeping any sight hound. They are highly independent and will range far and wide without containment, and have no regard at all for road traffic. For off-lead exercise, a Borzoi needs a very large field or park, either fully fenced or well away from any roads, to ensure its safety.

Borzoi can be raised very successfully to live with cats and other small animals provided they are introduced to them at a young age. Some, however, will possess the hunting instinct to such a degree that they find it impossible not to chase a cat that is moving quickly. The hunting instinct is triggered by movement and much depends on how the cat behaves.

They are selective learners who quickly become bored with repetitive, apparently pointless, activity, and they can be very stubborn when they are not properly motivated. Like other sight hounds they cannot understand or tolerate harsh treatment or training based on punishment, and will be extremely unhappy if raised voices and threats are a part of their daily life.

For more information please click on: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Borzoi

Other interesting sites include: http://theborzoiclub.org.uk/