This sensitive breed needs companionship. The association's members included Grand Duke Nicholas, the uncle of Czar Nicholas II, and Artem Boldareff, a wealthy landowner. The Hortaya is also said to be intolerant of highly concentrated kibble feeds. The rumours about persecution of sighthounds in post-revolutionary Russia is a legend of modern times, possibly based on similar incidents in Maoist China. On the head, ears and front of legs it should be short and smooth; on the neck the frill should be profuse and rather curly. Borzoi bark infrequently and do not have strong guarding instincts. The exhibition included paintings, bronzes, and porcelain which had previously not been available to the public. Walks on leash or playtime in a safely fenced area are musts for this breed. Breed isn't the only factor. The Psovoi was popular with the Tsars before the 1917 revolution. Borzoi are large, elegant sighthounds. If they don't get the mental stimulation they need, they'll make their own work--usually with projects you won't like, such as digging and chewing. No matter what the breed or breed type, all dogs have strong jaws, sharp pointy teeth, and may bite in stressful circumstances. Borzoi are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they're prone to certain health conditions. Want to connect with other people who love the same breed as much as you do? Other dogs need more time, patience, and repetition during training. In 2004, the UK Kennel Club held its fourth temporary exhibition, "The Borzoi in Art," which offered unique insights into the Borzoi and how the breed has been depicted in art throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. Borzoi are prone to gastric dilatation volvulus, also known as bloat. If you're unsure whether he's overweight, give him the eye test and the hands-on test. Bones straight and somewhat flattened like blades, with the narrower edge forward. To get a healthy dog, never buy a puppy from an irresponsible breeder, puppy mill, or pet store. © The American Kennel Club, Inc. 2020. Due to poor breeding practices, some breeds are prone to certain genetic health problems, such as hip dysplasia. Founded in 1884, the AKC is the recognized and trusted expert in breed, health, and training information for dogs. He's an independent thinker and can be stubborn. These breeds generally aren't a good fit for homes with smaller pets that can look like prey, such as cats, hamsters, or small dogs. You can find high-protein dog food here! The long top-coat is quite flat, with varying degrees of waviness or curling. Some breeds are brush-and-go dogs; others require regular bathing, clipping, and other grooming just to stay clean and healthy. The Borzoi is a running hound capable of hunting large, fierce game in a very cold climate. An anxious dog can be very destructive--barking, whining, chewing, and otherwise causing mayhem. The elbows have free play and are turned neither in nor out. Teach your child never to approach any dog while he's sleeping or eating or to try to take the dog's food away. These lavish hunting expeditions were common until 1861, when the serfs were emancipated and the nobles could no longer rely on an unlimited work force. Make sure you get the right size. Regular baths keep the Borzoi clean and looking his best. The Borzoi Club of America, Inc. is the official AKC Parent Club for the Borzoi. Meeting siblings or other relatives of the parents is also helpful for evaluating what a puppy will be like when he grows up. Dogs from any breed can be good with children based on their past experiences, training on how to get along with kids, and personality. Some breeds are more free-spirited than others. Short, neatly trimmed nails keep the feet in good condition and protect your shins from getting scratched when your Borzoi enthusiastically jumps up to greet you. If you can hear them clicking on the floor, they're too long. An underground electronic fence will not contain a Borzoi. Socialization helps ensure that your Borzoi puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog. Laboratory-formulated diets designed for a generic "large" or "giant" breed are unlikely to take the needs of the big sighthounds into account. In full stride, he is a princely package of strength, grace, and glamour flying by at 35 to 40 miles per hour. The Borzoi was bred by the Russian aristocracy for hundreds of years. Dogs who are highly sensitive, independent thinking, or assertive may be harder for a first-time dog parent to manage. The sight of a cat or squirrel on the run will quickly stir their pursuit instinct, and fenced-in running room is a must. As well as providing exciting sport, the tests were used for selecting Borzoi breeding stock; only the quickest and most intelligent hunting dogs went on to produce progeny. All rights reserved. Unfortunately, the publicity given to this report has led to unfair denigration of breeds which are under-represented in obedience clubs and poorly understood by the average obedience trainer. [citation needed]. If a wolf was sighted, the hunter would release a team of two or three Borzois. Back: Rising a little at the loins in a graceful curve. Borzois come in virtually any colour. Being built primarily for speed, Borzois do not carry large amounts of body fat or muscle, and therefore have a rather different physiology to other dogs of similar size (such as the Newfoundland, St. Bernard, or Alaskan Malamute). [10] Built for speed and endurance, they can cover long distances in a very short time. These early imports ensured the breed’s survival. The Borzoi's athleticism serves him well in dog sports. Here are some great treats for training your dog to get you started! Crate training is recommended, not only as an aid to housetraining, but also to protect your belongings and prevent your Borzoi puppy from getting into trouble when you're not around to supervise. Exports of Borzois to other countries were extremely rare during the Soviet era. Take a look and find the right sized dog for you! A condition identified as borzoi retinopathy is seen in some individuals, usually active dogs, which differs from progressive retinal atrophy in several ways. Borzois come in virtually any colour. So are breeds with short noses, like Bulldogs or Pugs, since they can't pant as well to cool themselves off. Teeth strong and clean with either an even or a scissors bite. AKC actively advocates for responsible dog ownership and is dedicated to advancing dog sports. Like other large and deep-chested dogs, they can experience bloat, a sudden and life-threatening stomach condition. Dogs who were bred for jobs that require decision making, intelligence, and concentration, such as herding livestock, need to exercise their brains, just as dogs who were bred to run all day need to exercise their bodies. [citation needed] They are highly independent and will range far and wide without containment, with little regard for road traffic. It wasn’t unusual for a hundred Borzoi and just as many servants to be employed in these extravagant affairs, which traditionally concluded with a great feast at the manor house. Essential info about dog health, training, sports and more. Borzoi are large, elegant sighthounds. In its texture and distribution over the body, the Borzoi coat is unique.