GROUP 4 - HOUNDS

Brief History
The Borzoi, commonly called the Russian Wolfhound, is a very old breed which has been part of the Russian history and culture for many hundreds of years. Large numbers were bred and kept by the Russian nobility for hunting wolves, fox and other game for sport by the aristocracy. Hunts were large events and often based on several days in residence at country hunting lodges and would have up to 100 Borzoi followed by mounted huntsmen and many followers. The Borzoi were highly prized and valuable, and only given to outsiders as a huge honour. These big and spectacular times have passed, but the Borzoi retains his aristocratic heritage and nobility.

Average Life Span
When considering a dog please realise that you are taking it on for its lifetime.

The average life span is 10 to 12 years.

Temperament
Sensitive, alert, aloof and dignified. Borzoi are very independent, proud and self-aware. They are sweet and undemanding, loyal and affectionate, will protect their family if necessary but may be wary of strangers. They are intelligent and can learn quickly if interested and can have a humorous streak.

General Breed Description
The Borzoi is a very beautiful and aristocratic, large hound, streamlined, graceful and elegant, powerful and incredibly fast. Their historic background in large kennels and hunting gives them good social interaction with other dogs and people. They retain a strong hunting instinct and are an active and very athletic hound. They can make lovely house companions. Obedience training is recommended.

All colours are permissible with the exception of merle.

Coat and Care Requirements
The coat is silky, of moderate length and with significant undercoat. Regular weekly brushing is essential, particularly in summer when Borzoi shed heavily.

Borzoi need a moderate amount of exercise. A very large yard is not necessary, provided they are walked several times each week and have the opportunity to run regularly.

Size
Height: Males 74cms (29ins), Females 68cms (27ins).

Health
All breeds have individual health issues. When speaking to breeders it is recommended you enquire about breed’s health and what health testing the breeder does. In general Borzoi are healthy dogs, but as with many large breeds they can suffer from bloat and torsion. Although rare, hip and shoulder dysplasia can occur and Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD), Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), and Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) are occasionally found. Borzoi are sensitive to anaesthetics.

Suitability
With proper training these large graceful hounds make excellent family/housedogs and are generally good with other dogs, but any small animal that runs across a Borzoi’s line of sight may trigger a chase response. If raised with children they usually make good companions, but do not readily tolerate the rough and tumble of a young child. As with all dogs, young children and pets should always be supervised when together.

In Conclusion
Now you know a little more about this breed. If you have decided this is the dog for you and wish to investigate further, please contact the Breed Club or Dogs Victoria. They will be able to give you information about available puppies and also suggest dog events where you can see the breed and speak to breeders. In this way you will gain a better perspective of the breed and its needs. With any breed of dog, it is important to research and determine suitability for your lifestyle before committing to a puppy which will be a part of your family for many years to come.

Whilst many breeds are recommended for families, it is imperative that when children are with dogs they are supervised at all times. Basic obedience training is a vital part of dog ownership.

Dogs Victoria is about the responsible ownership of all dogs and in particular the preservation of pure breeds.

Link to Dogs Australia Breed Standard https://dogsaustralia.org.au/breed/detail/134