Borzoi
Description
The Borzoi are gentle, well-mannered dogs who are graceful and beautiful at the same time, yet they enjoy having fun and racing games. Generally known as the Russian Wolfhound, the Borzoi is a tall, elegant dog who’s body is designed for speed. Borzois are affectionate with their owners and tolerant of other dogs. Puppies grow rapidly and should not be overworked until fully mature which is one year of age.
Size of Male: Height: 28-32 inches Weight: 75-105 pounds
Size of Female: Height: 26-30 inches Weight: 60-85 pounds
Temperament
The Borzoi is a sweet, undemanding and undemonstrative dog. Borzois are proud and self-aware dogs that are extremely loyal to their family. When necessary Borzois will protect their family. Intelligent and easy to train. The training of this breed has to be based upon mutual respect. They cannot be trained to perform, but they can learn basic requirements for living with you. Cat-like, silent and docile, but can be willful and snappish if pushed too far. They like to roam and are incredibly fast. Good with other dogs but should not be trusted with small non-canine pets such as cats and rabbits. The Borzois snap can kill a small animal in a second. Socialize them very well with cats and other pets at as young an age as possible, but remember the Borzoi will always be a hunter that will race after a fleeing animal. The Borzoi are noble dogs that get along fairly well with children, but it is not ideally suited for being a child’s companion as it does not take kindly to teasing and are certainly not playmates. They prize their rest and do not like rough play. They do not like intrusive strangers. During the growing stage, these dogs need a highly nutritional diet.
Living Conditions
A Borzoi will do ok in an apartment if sufficiently exercised. Borzois are relatively inactive indoors and are so peaceful it might escape notice, but outside they need plenty of space to walk and run – so it will do best with at least an average-sized yard. In the city, the Borzoi should only be let off the lead in a safe, enclosed space to prevent attacking incidents and danger of running away.
Upkeep
The Borzoi needs the chance to exert itself daily. Although a long walk can satisfy most of a Borzoi’s needs, it should be combined with a sprint in a large safe area. The Borzoi’s coat, which is characteristically fuller on males, needs brushing or combing two or three times a week; Sometimes they can also shed a lot. Borzois can live outdoors in temperate climates as long as they have soft bedding and good shelter, but most do best as house dogs with access to a yard.
Health
Major concerns: gastric torsion
Minor concerns: cardiomyopathy, cataracts, hypothyroidism
Life expectancy: 10 – 12 years