Borzoi Characteristics: The noble and dutiful Borzoi is a breed of Large to Giant dog classified as a member of the Hound Dog Group (AKC:1891), a Sighthound. The Borzoi, is characterized by its elegant, majestic appearance with a long, lean and narrow head and intelligent expression. Other characteristics include large, dark, slanting, almond shaped eyes; small. set back ears; a deep, prominent and a fast, fluid gait. The temperament of the Borzoi can be described as Respectful, Independent, Gentle. The coat type of the Borzoi is described as long, smooth/curly coat in assorted colors. Due to its characteristics and qualities, the Borzoi demonstrated the desired traits of a Hunting Dog and is known by its nick name the "Sighthound of the Russian Czars". The origin of the Borzoi dog breed was in Russia where it was developed in the early Middle Ages. Fast Facts about the Borzoi: The following facts provide fast information about the Borzoi breed. Size: Large to Giant *** Breed Group: Hound Dog Group (AKC:1891), a Sighthound *** Nick name: "Sighthound of the Russian Czars" *** Origin: Russia *** Male Height: 28 inches (71 cm) *** Female Height: 26 inches (66 cm) *** Male Weight: 75 - 105 pounds (34 - 48 kg) *** Female Weight: 60 - 90 pounds (27 - 41kg) *** Coat Type: long, smooth/curly coat *** Coat Colors: assorted colors *** Litter Size: 1-11 puppies *** Health Problems: Gastric Torsion *** Lifespan: 10-12 years *** Hypoallergenic: No Borzoi Breed Group and Dog Type - Hound Dog Group (AKC:1891), a Sighthound: The Borzoi is one of the many breeds of dogs that belong to the Hound Dog Group (AKC:1891), a Sighthound. Other names for the Borzoi: The Borzoi is known by the nickname of the "Sighthound of the Russian Czars". Other names for this breed of dog include the Russian Wolfhound and Russkaya Psovaya Borzaya. Origin of the name: The origin of the name "Borzoi" derives from the Russian word 'borzoy' literally meaning "swift, quick". Borzoi - Sighthound: The Borzoi is a Sighthound, one of the hunting dog breeds, built for speed and agility with excellent eyesight to track small and large game, especially the wolf and the fox. Borzoi History and Origin: The country of origin of the Borzoi breed, also known as the Russian Wolfhound, was in Russia during the early Middle Ages by Russian nobility. The ancestors of the beautiful, elegant Borzoi were the from Central Asian sighthounds such as the Greyhound and the Afghan Hound. The Borzoi was noted for its keen eyesight, its speed, endurance and resistance to cold. Hunting was the favorite sport of the Imperial Russian Czars and the Russian nobility (the Dvoryanstvo) who used packs of Borzoi sighthounds primarily to hunt for the excessive population of gray wolves that roamed the massive estates and fence-free lands of Russia. The Borzoi dogs were restrained on very long leads by horse riding hunters who galloped after the wolves, then slipped the Borzoi dogs who ran up alongside, biting and harassing the wolf until it lost its balance. It was common for one Borzoi to attack the hind legs of a wolf and for other dogs to grab its ears and strike its throat. The hunter would finish the wolf with a knife. The Cossacks, the independent communities of the steppe frontier also used the fierce Borzoi to hunt for wolves together with other animals such as moose, red deer and wild boar. The dominance of wolves, and their attacks on people and livestock, feature prominently in Russian literature, including in the works of Leo Tolstoy (1828 - 1910) and Anton Chekhov (1860 - 1904) . Tolstoy's famous novel 'War and Peace' contains descriptions of the hounds and Borzoi hunting wolves. The Borzoi was also used by the Russian nobility in the sport of 'lure coursing'. Borzoi History - The Decline of the Borzoi: In 1861 Czar Alexander II freed all Russian serfs. The liberation of the serfs resulted in the closing of many of the large estates and their enormous kennels. The Borzoi breed suffered a decline until 1873 when the 'Society for the Development of Hunting Dogs and Proper Conduct for Hunting' was founded in Moscow to ensure the preservation of the Borzoi breed. In 1887 a supporter of the Borzoi, Grand Duke Nicholas Nikolaevich (1856 - 1929) established the famous Perchino kennels. Grand Duke Nikolaevich occasionally gave gifts of the Borzoi to members of the European aristocracy and wealthy Americans. The Borzoi was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1891. The first Borzoi was introduced to Britain in 1892 by the Duchess of Newcastle. The Russian Revolution in 1917 dismantled the Tsarist autocracy and most of the Borzoi dogs were killed. The Borzoi was revived in Russia by the efforts of Constantin Esmont who travelled across Russia from 1946 - 1950 visiting horse farms to select horses for the Russian army. On his travels Esmont saw Borzoi dogs, once used by the Cossacks in the steppe regions of Southern Russia still be used for hunting. He noted that the Borzoi was able to catch rabbits and foxes without mauling the animals and ruining their pelts. Esmont convinced the Soviet government to preserve the Borzoi for use by hunters in the fur trade and the beautiful, elegant Borzoi was saved from extinction. Borzoi Modern History: The modern history of the Borzoi moved on and although the Borzoi is still valued in Russia mainly for its hunting abilities, the breed is now enjoyed as a companion dog. Borzoi Height: The Borzoi breed is classified as a large to giant sized dog. The height to the shoulder of a male dog is 28 inches (71 cm). The height to the shoulder of a female dog is 26 inches (66 cm). Borzoi Weight: Not surprisingly for a large to giant sized dog, the weight of a male dog is 75 - 105 pounds (34 - 48 kg). The weight of the smaller female dog is 60 - 90 pounds (27 - 41kg). Borzoi Coat Type: The coat type is described as a long, smooth/curly coat. Borzoi Coat Colors: The colors of this dog breed consist of assorted colors consisting of Black, White, Fawn, Brindle, Cream and Red. (N.B. Brindle is a brownish or tawny color. The term "Red" refers to reddish shades of orange, brown, and tan colors.). Borzoi Grooming - MODERATE Grooming Needs: The dog grooming needs of the Borzoi is not extensive and therefore categorized as Moderate in order to maintain a healthy coat, reducing the risk of skin infections. The modest grooming needs of the Borzoi is considered to be mid-maintenance requiring weekly brushing and combing. Dog Grooming Requirements should include bathing the dog on a monthly basis and making regular inspections of the teeth, eyes, nails and ears. Borzoi Litter Size: The litter size of this dog breed ranges from 1-11 puppies. Borzoi puppies for sale can be obtained reputable breeders and from rescue centers. The cost of Borzoi puppies varies depending on location, pedigree history and the dog breeder. Borzoi Temperament and personality: The temperament and personality of this popular dog breed is described as Noble, Respectful, Independent, Gentle and Dutiful. Borzoi Exercise Requirements - HIGH Exercise Requirements: The exercise requirements of this breed of dog is high. The Borzoi requires regular daily exercise consisting of approximately one to two hours each day. This large, powerful dog has a fast, fluid gait with strides of a moderate length and requires a brisk walking speed or jogging by the owner to meet the dogs exercise requirements. Borzoi Diet: A fully grown Borzoi should be fed twice a day. A diet consisting of a premium dog food can be balanced with fresh food eaten by the family. The question is What Can Dogs Eat?. Check out our comprehensive list of what dogs can and what dogs cannot eat. Borzoi Health Problems: Potential health problems of the Borzoi breed include Gastric Torsion . Resolving health problems can prove to be expensive and it is always wise to obtain pet insurance or dog health insurance when buying a dog. Is the Borzoi dog breed said to be Hypoallergenic? Answer: No. Borzoi Lifespan: The life expectancy of dogs vary according to the size, breed of dog and any serious health problems. The typical lifespan of the Borzoi breed is 10-12 years. Borzoi Male Dog Names: Male Dog names are most often chosen to reflect favorite names of the owner or the strength, size, coloring and country of origin of the Borzoi breed. To give you some inspiration regarding good male Borzoi names our small selection might be of help with naming boy dogs. Our top male dog names are: Tzar *** Josh *** Rufus *** Sammy *** Zeus *** Rogue *** Sabre *** Charlie *** Bear *** Chaos *** Casey *** Murphy. Borzoi Female Dog Names: Female Dog names tend to be softer, prettier and reflect the temperament of the girl dog. Our top choice of good female Borzoi names are Juno *** Bella *** Hannah *** Princess *** Kishi *** Sandy *** Lily *** Penny *** Cinders *** Empress. Fast Facts about the Borzoi: The following facts provide fast information about the Borzoi breed. Scientific name: Canis lupus familiaris *** Dog Breed Group: Hound Dog Group (AKC:1891), a Sighthound *** Size: Large to Giant *** Country of Origin: Russia *** History / Date: early Middle Ages *** Male Borzoi Height: 28 inches (71 cm) *** Male Borzoi Weight: 75 - 105 pounds (34 - 48 kg) *** Coat Type: long, smooth/curly coat *** Litter Size: 1-11 puppies *** Borzoi Health Problems: Hip dysplasia, thyroid, and joint problems *** Borzoi Lifespan: 10-12 years *** | 