A coursing dog, the Borzoi has existed in Russia for hundreds of years and was the dog of choice for many Russian nobles. The Borzoi used to be referred to as the Russian Wolfhound and before that as the Siberian Wolfhound. The Borzoi descends from the Persian Greyhound but was likely crossed at one time with a Collie-type dog. The dog was an excellent wolf, hare, and fox hunter with the great hunting kennels in Russia dated as far back as the early 1600's. The breed gradually spread around the world in the 1800's as nobles and royalty of other countries were often presented with breeding pairs as gifts. The Borzoi dog breed was recognised by national kennel clubs in the late 1890's.

Appearance
The Borzoi is a large variety of sighthound, with males frequently reaching in excess of 100 pounds (45 kg). Males should stand at least 28 inches (about 70 centimeters) at the shoulder, while females shouldn't be less than 26 inches (about 66 centimeters). Despite their size the overall impression is of streamlining and grace, with a curvy shapeliness and compact strength. The Borzoi might be said to be the Porsche of sighthounds, if the Irish Wolfhound is the Range Rover.

Character
The Borzoi is a quiet, intelligent, moderately active, independent dog. They adapt very well to suburban living, provided they have a spacious yard and regular opportunities for free exercise.
Most adult Borzoi are almost mute, barking only very rarely. The Borzois are gentle, sensitive dogs with gracious house-manners and a natural respect for humans. Borzoi should never display dominance over people. However they are sometimes nervous around children and need to be introduced to them at an early age if they are to be the pet in a young family.
 

Temperament
Borzois are dogs used to pursue, or "course," game and they have a strong instinct to chase things that run from them. Borzoi are built for speed and can cover incredible distances in a very short time. They need a fully-fenced yard if automobile traffic is present within several miles of their home. For off-lead exercise they need a very large field or park, either fully fenced or well away from any traffic, to ensure their safety.

Borzoi do not have strong territorial drives compared to breeds such as Mastiffs and German Shepherds, and they are definitely not to be thought of as a "fighting" or "guard dog". They cannot be relied on to raise the alarm upon sighting a human intruder.

Generally, Borzoi should not be territorially aggressive to other domestic dogs. Against wolves and other wild canids, they are born with specialized skills, but these are quite different from the dog-fighting instincts seen in some breeds. It is quite common for Borzoi at play to course (run down) another dog, seizing it by the neck and holding it immobile. Young pups do this with their litter-mates, trading off as to who is the prey. The Borzoi is a specific hunting behavior, not a fighting or territorial domination behavior.

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 instinct of the Borzoi is triggered by movement and much depends on how the cat behaves.

Exercise/Training
The Borzoi needs the chance to exert itself daily. Although a long walk can satisfy most of its needs, it should be combined with a sprint in a large safe area.

Color
Borzoi can come in any color or color 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.

Grooming
The coat of the Borzoi, which is characteristically fuller on males, needs brushing or combing two or three times a week; at times it sheds a lot. A good nutrition and regular brushing keeps the proper coat shine and the skin healthy. Bathing doesn’t harm the coat of the Borzoi as long as you use a good quality shampoo that doesn't dry the skin and coat and is formulated for a canine coat. The ears of the Borzoi should be kept clean and regularly inspected as well.

Any breed described as "good with children", the dog must be accustomed to children. Any dog that is not well socialized with children will not behave predictably around them. As with all dogs, they should never be left alone with young children.


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