Big Russian Dogs

The Borzoi Hunting Sighthound is definitely the most aristocratic Russian dog. Having a rising reputation of a glamour pet, this Russian wolfhound often accompanies celebrities and takes part in luxuries' commercials. This coverdog can be easily recognized by its long, narrow head and tall, slender body covered in soft and silky, wavy, and a little curly coat of white, tan, bronze, and gray combination of colors. In the meantime, the Borzoi is a large, strong, and healthy dog with great hunting and sporting abilities. Photo Credit: Kim Fleming/Flickr CC History of Borzoi Translated from Russian, the Russkaya Psovaya Borzaya means a swift dog. For several centuries the Borzois were bred by Russian nobility to hunt wolves. The Borzoi, as its breed standard states, should have enough muscles and very strong jaws to fulfill this aim. After the Bolshevik revolution this Russian dog, being one of the symbols of the "tsarist past", was ousted from a new communist life. The fate of the Borzois was left in the hands of several breeding kennels outside the Soviet Union, mostly in Great Britain, and the US. Thanks to Western breeders this top Russian breed has been saved and returned back to people, including Russians themselves. Borzoi Dog Personality The Russian wolfhounds, despite their hunting instincts and speeding powers, have a rather laid-back personality. The Borzoi dog doesn't seek the attention of strangers and prefers to share time with its sleeping or reading master rather than with noisy kids. At the same time, the Borzoi may get suddenly excited at the sight of a game. It would willingly compete with other dogs in spontaneous or arranged dog racing. Photo Credit: Kim Fleming/Flickr CC Health Concerns The borzois are not suffering from many diseases that are common for large dog breeds. Overweight, heart problems, and dysplasia are quite rare. The most dangerous for this Russian dog is bloat. Their life expectancy is up to 8-10 years, or even more. Owning a Borzoi Owning a Borzoi dog is both a pleasure and a responsibility. The Russian wolfhound may become your devoted friend and a beautiful showpiece for your home, but it surely needs daily exercise. Besides taking marvelous Borzoi pictures you should find time for long walks with your dog and give it a chance for sprints in a large fenced area. Its silky coat requires careful attention too. Sweet and gentle, the Borzoi represents a well-mannered home dog. It is quite intelligent and can be taught impressive tricks (click for video). And, of course, the Russian wolfhound is a welcome visitor at any National or World Dog Show. Our reader Jenn, the owner of Empower's Nikolai Loki Noodlebonk, is happy with her one-year-old Borzoi. Loki is quite a character, with a catlike personality and a hugely independent streak, but he also loves snuggles and quality time with us and his big brother, Thor the Great Dane (pictures courtesy of Jenn). Borzoi Size: Height: 26 to 32 inches (males about 30, females about 28) Weight: 55 to 105 pounds (males about 90, females about 70) Borzoi speed: up to 37 mph (60 km/h) Breed Names: Borzoi, Russian wolfhound, Borzoi Hunting Sighthound, Russian Hunting Sighthound, Russkaya Psovaya Borzaya, Barzoi, Русская Борзая Rumble Video: Racing Borzoi Say it in Russian: Borzoi Breed Standard Find a Russian dog name for your Borzoi dog puppy! Learn some Russian dog commands!