|
|
|
| |
|
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Borzoi
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Borzoi (ˈbɔɹzɔɪ, ˈbɔːzɔɪ) is a breed of domestic dog (Canis
lupus familiaris) also called the Russian Wolfhound and brought to
Russia from Middle-Asian countries. Having medium-length and
slightly curly hair, it is similar in shape to Greyhounds, and is a
member of the sighthound family.
The plural Borzois may be found in dictionaries. However, the
Borzoi Club of America asserts Borzoi is the preferred form for
both singular and plural. At least one manual of grammatical style
rules that the breed name should not be capitalized except at the
beginning of a sentence; again, breed fanciers usually differ, and
capitalize it wherever found.
"Borzaya" ("quick dog") is a Russian term for various types of
native sighthound. The Russkaya Psovaya Borzaya (Psovoi—the
longhaired borzoi) is the breed we know as Borzoi. The system by
which Russians over the ages named their sighthounds was a
series of descriptive terms, not actual names, a fact which makes
the use of Borzoi for the Psovaya a mistake made by the first
Western importers of the breed. "Psovaya" means "longhaired",
just as "Hortaya" (as in Hortaya Borzaya) means shorthaired.
Other Russian sighthound breeds are e.g. "Stepnaya Borzaya"
(from the steppe), called "Stepnoi" or "Krimskaya Borzaya" (from
the Crimea), called "Krimskoi".
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Borzoi
|
|
|
|
|
|
Country of origin
Russia
Weight
75-105 lb
Height
26-32 in
Coat
Long topcoat, soft
undercoat
Color
Varies
Life span
7-10 years
|
|
|
|
|
Description
Borzoi are large Russian sight hounds which look similar to a
number of Middle-Asian breeds such as the Afghan Hound and the
Kyrgyz Taigan. Their fur is silky and flat, and wavy or slightly curly.
Appearance
Borzoi can come in almost 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.
The Borzoi is a large dog within the 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.
Temperament
The Borzoi is a quiet but athletic and independent dog. Most Borzoi
are almost silent, barking only very rarely. They do not have strong
territorial drives and cannot be relied on to raise the alarm upon
sighting a human intruder. They are gentle and highly sensitive
dogs with a natural respect for humans, and as adults they are
decorative couch potatoes with remarkably gracious
house-manners. Borzois should never display dominance or
aggression towards people. Typically however, they are rather
reserved and sensitive to invasion of their personal space; this can
make them nervous around children unless they are brought up
with them from an early age. Despite their size they adapt very well
to suburban living, provided they have a spacious yard and regular
opportunities for free exercise.
The Borzoi ranks 75th out of 78 in Stanley Coren's The Intelligence
of Dogs, being of the lowest breeds in degree of
working/obedience intelligence. It took Borzois at least 80-100
repetitions to understand a new command, obeying the first
command less than 25% of the time.
These dogs are used to pursue, or "course", game and have a
powerful instinct to chase things that run from them. Built for speed
and endurance, they can cover long distances in a very short time.
A fully-fenced yard is an absolute necessity for keeping any
sighthound. They are highly independent and will range far and
wide without containment, and have no regard at all for road traffic.
For off-lead exercise, a Borzoi needs a very large field or park,
either fully fenced or well away from any roads, to ensure its safety.
Health
Life expectancy is 7 to 10 years. Exceptional individuals have lived
to be more than 14 years of age. Dogs that are physically fit and
vigorous in their youth through middle age are more vigorous and
healthy as elderly dogs, all other factors being equal. In the UK
various cancers, followed by cardiac problems, seem to be the
most frequent causes of premature death.
Like its native relative the Hortaya Borzaya, the Borzoi is basically
a very sound breed. OCD, hip and elbow dysplasia have remained
almost unknown, as were congenital eye and heart diseases
before the 1970s. However, in some countries modern breeding
practices have unfortunately introduced a few problems.
As with other very deep-chested breeds, gastric torsion is the most
common serious health problem in the Borzoi. Also known as bloat,
this life-threatening condition is believed to be anatomical rather
than strictly genetic in origin. Many Borzoi owners recommend
feeding the dog from a raised platform instead of placing the
food-dish on the ground, and making sure that the dog rests
quietly for several hours after eating, as the most reliable way to
prevent bloat.
Less common are cardiac problems including cardiomyopathy and
cardiac arrhythmia disorders. A controversy exists as to the
presence of progressive retinal atrophy in the breed. A condition
identified as Borzoi Retinopathy is seen in some individuals,
usually active dogs, which differs from progressive retinal atrophy
in several ways. First, it is unilateral, and rarely seen in animals
less than 3 years of age; second, a clear cut pattern of inheritance
has not been demonstrated; and finally, most affected individuals
do not go blind.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
Borzois vary widely in color
|
|
|
|
|
|
Your No. 1 Dog Breed Test
|
|
|
|
Sitemap
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
