History
The Borzoi was developed in Russia as a coursing and hunting dog. They later became popular as a companion for royalty across continental Europe.
Description
The Borzoi is eleganct and graceful with a coat that is silky and of medium length with heavy feathering on the legs, undercarriages and tails.
Grooming and Physical Needs
- Grooming Needs: A Borzoi will require regular grooming and the hair between the pads must be trimmed frequently. During the moulting seasons they will shed tremendously.
- Coat Type: Medium length with heavy feathering on the legs, undercarriages and tails.
- Moulting: Seasonally heavy shedder.
- Exercise Needs: Having a large open space to run is paramount for a Borzoi. They are runners with lots of energy, and they love to chase! Training may be needed to have them focus more on you than wild critters.
- Average Life Span: 10 to 12 years.
Behaviour
- Family: No longer a royal hunting Dog, now the Borzoi's most important job is that of family companionship. With their sweet, gentle demeanor, it's a job at which they excel at.
- Temperament: Gentle and affectionate.
- Trainability: The Borzoi can be a stubborn and independent thinker making them semi-difficult to train unless given a lot of attention.
- Sociability (Other Pets): Generally, Borzoi aren't aggressive toward other Dogs, although in an uncontrolled situation their sighthound heritage may take over, especially if small dogs are running around.
- Barking: Borzoi bark infrequently and do not have strong guarding instincts, so don't expect them to be good watchdogs.
Talents
These are good-natured, proud dogs and, despite their size, very gentle and calm in the house. This makes them great for apartment owners, provided they’re walked regularly.
Notes
Owners of a Borzoi should prepare for serious grooming and exercise care.