The Borzoi dog is also known as Russian greyhound for hunting or Russian greyhound, and it is included among the Russian dog breeds that enjoy prestige and great acceptance, due to its great identification with the culture of this country.
This breed of dog possibly owes its elegance and particular figure to the fact that was developed directly by the great tsars. Next you will learn a little more about this breed of dog.
Origin of the Borzoi breed
Without a doubt, when we talk about the culture and history of Russia, it is mandatory to talk about this breed of dog, which due to the link with the tsars almost ended extinct, after the fall of the tsarist monarchy.
This is a breed that has existed for more than 9 centuries. According to what is already documented in the XNUMXth century, these specimens were present accompanying the dukes of the time and very prominent figures such as Peter the Great or Tourgeniev.
Its popularity was such that there was even a kennel run by Dimitri Valtsev and Grand Duke Nicolai Nicolaevitch, called “Perhinskaya Okhota”. Queen Victoria of England is also among the great personalities that he had at his side dogs of this breed, which he received as a present.
Over time the Borzoi were becoming more known and appreciated for their great speed for racing and their hunting skills, spreading its presence throughout Europe and also America.
Features
The specimens are distinguished by their large size, in fact the FCI classifies them within group 10, in section 1 where the “sighthounds with long or wavy hair”. Its texture is thin but strong, they are elongated which gives it that elegant and distinguished appearance.
They are of strong bones not massive and in the case of the females they are a little more elongated than the males. In both the head is very thin, narrow and elongated, the naso-frontal depression is slightly marked and ends in a mobile and good-sized nose.
Teeth are white, large with scissor bite, they are framed by a strong jaw. Their eyes are large, usually hazel in color but also dark brown, and are quite expressive.
Regarding the ears, these are distinguished by their thinness, mobility and because they point backwards, while the neck is long and thin which is another aspect that adds elegance to the breed as well as the equally elongated but muscular limbs. The tail is saber-shaped, thin, and usually hangs down, although when in motion it rises.
We cannot leave out the description of the coat of this distinguished breed of dog, which stands out for its looseness, smoothness and waviness, where we can see very natural short curls in some parts of the body where the hair is more lake, while on the head the hair is short and satin. In the neck area this coat becomes more wavy and abundant and is available in a wide variety of color combinations, Except for the chocolate tones and blue.
Character
From what is known, these dogs can be described as calm specimens with a fairly balanced character, but this is greatly influenced by the education provided since it is a puppy, so it will eventually make it very variable.
Their hunter nature makes these dogs have particularly stimulating, untimely and quick reactions at times. In the family nucleus they are quite close and affectionate with their mastersNow, the relationship you may have with third parties and with other animals will depend a lot on how they have been raised and if a good socialization process was carried out.
This phase of all dogs is vital to be reinforced with a variety of experiences, all positive, so that the animal enjoys a good character in its adult stage and get to relate well with the whole environment.
At first, Borzoi can be very reserved around strangers, but if they have been well educated and socialized they manage to relate without problems. Likewise, they have the ability to adapt to different types of families, however, they are more comfortable with those who have experience with dogs whose way of life is very independent, proactive and definitely very unique in character, such as this breed.
Care
The fur is one of its striking elements and it requires regular care, these are related to brushing that should be done between two and three times a week since this way the coat remains beautiful, healthy and without knots.
This type of hair is best maintained in the shedding season with a metal brush, at this stage brushing is reduced to once a week. The rest of the time a soft card brush is used or a special one to eliminate knots.
At bath time remember to use products (shampoo and conditioner) for dogs, the latter helps the coat stay silky. It is recommended to bathe them once a month or even every two months.
Its large size and muscular build requires a special daily exercise routine, which you can cover with two or three walks each day that last at least 30 minutes at a time, as it is the minimum they need to keep their muscles in tune.
But also this routine allows your sniffing to stay active, that socializes with other dogs and everything that surrounds him and also relieves himself, it is important that you dedicate some of the time of these walks in playing games and some exercises.
Remember that learning is easier and less traumatic if you use positive reinforcement with the borzoi and you should avoid punishment at all costs. Periodic veterinary control is important as well as monitoring your vaccination plan, even so this breed is prone to the following hereditary pathologies:
- Wobbler syndrome.
- Hypothyroidism
- Tricuspid valve dysplasia.
- Microphthalmia.
- Gastric volvulus dilatation syndrome.
- Progressive retinal atrophy.
- Cataract.
Education
Attention to education is paramount and it should start from when they are puppies, starting from socialization with other animals such as people and different environments. Everything you achieve in this first stage in this matter will be key in the future of the dog, preventing behavior problems that are more difficult to treat in the adult stage.
When they are older, it is time to teach them obedience tricks simple such as lying down, sitting down, answering the call, being still, which will facilitate the connection and interaction with you as their tutor and will help you to exercise good control of the dog when you are away from home.