13 Interesting Facts About Borzoi Breed That You Must Know

Because of its looks and heritage as sprinters used to hunt wolves in Russia, the borzoi (pronounced BOR-zoy) has long been associated with the Russian nobility. Known for their size, calm demeanor, and kind nature, Borzois perform best when given lots of room to roam. If you’ve never seen one, you may easily recognize them by their beautiful lines and smooth coat. It made them a favorite of Hollywood stars in the 1920s and 1930s.

Is there a dog more opulent than the borzoi in existence? Borzois have always been loved and admired, whether in the palaces of the Russian nobility or onstage with rock ‘n’ roll royalty. In this article, we have mentioned 13 interesting facts about Borzoi Breed.

Top 13 Interesting Facts about Borzoi Breed

The elegant Borzoi is a fairly big breed with a Russian hunting history. The graceful flowing lines of this hound make for a gorgeous dog, whether he’s sleeping or racing. Here are 13 intriguing facts about the bright, yet autonomous Borzoi.

1. When it comes to borzoi dogs, the first thing you’ll notice is their size: these are not little canines. Puppy males stand 28 inches or more and weigh 75–105 pounds, while females stand 26 inches or more and weigh 60–85 pounds. The borzoi’s long legs and sleek appearance were designed for speed and leaping over fields at 35–40 mph. Borzoi is recognized for their beautiful appearance, because of their silky coats, Roman noses, and long, gracefully curving tails. This is why they were popular with early Hollywood stars and luxury advertisements. For the American Kennel Club, any hue or a mix of colors is acceptable for the borzoi breed, as long as the coat is smooth and not curly (but never wooly).
2. As a sighthound, the Borzoi belongs to the Hound family. In other words, they hunt by seeing and pursuing prey with the help of their keen sense of vision. Scenthounds, such as Beagles and Basset Hounds, utilize their noses to find and track the scent of prey, however, this isn’t the case. If you want to train your Borzoi to identify and follow odors as well as their other abilities as a sighthound, try participating in tracking trials with your dog.
3. Borzoi dogs were originally bred to hunt open country wildlife like wolves, foxes, and hares. To catch their prey, they needed all three: speed, agility, and stamina. As a result of its Russian origins and long association with the Russian nobility, the breed enjoys a prestigious pedigree. The Borzoi derives its name from the Russian word for “fast.”
4. Borzoi is well-suited to the sport of lure coursing, which was developed to allow sighthounds to participate in a simulated hunting environment. The route is at least 500 yards long and is zigzagged. Dogs chase a plastic lure composed of white waste bag strips that are pulled by a motor using a line-and-pulley system. Agility, Rally, and obedience competitions are some possible hobbies for your Borzoi.
5. Their long, silky hair can be straight or curly, and it can be flat or wavy. According to the breed standard, any hue or mix of colors is acceptable. The Borzoi sheds a lot, much like other long-haired breeds. Both males and females that have been spayed or neutered will go through a heat cycle and shed once a year. Brushing your hair regularly will help protect it from becoming unmanageable. Fortunately, the smooth coat repels mud and grime, reducing the frequency of bathing. However, it is necessary to cut the hair between the paw pads regularly.
6. Borzois have a hunting background, therefore they require frequent activity to be in good shape. Running for at least half an hour a day is the best kind of exercise. However, this must take place within a secure enclosure. Because they have such a strong desire to chase, dogs should never be left unattended in an unsafe environment.
7. Borzoi has a soft side when it comes to their human companions. Most of them will make excellent friends if they are reared in a family with youngsters. They will, however, not put up with rough treatment, therefore teaching youngsters how to treat their dog with respect is critical. A Borzoi’s huge size also poses a danger to little children, who might easily be knocked down even by mistake. If you have a Borzoi, keep an eye on any young children that may be in the vicinity.
8. The Borzoi is an intelligent dog, but teaching them may be difficult due to their independent and occasionally obstinate nature. Success comes from being dependable and perseverant. Additionally, your Borzoi will look forward to training sessions more eagerly if you make them enjoyable for him. This breed responds best to approaches that emphasize positive reinforcement. When teaching your Borzoi, keep in mind his or her lineage. Consider reinforcing positive behavior by letting him use his natural propensity for rushing after moving objects.
9. Borzoi’s reputation for elegance made it somewhat of a sensation during the Art Deco era. It was commonly featured in pictures of the day with fashionably attired women, including a noteworthy print by Russian-French artist Erté.
10. Stars of the silver screen soon caught on: French actress Sarah Bernhardt owned a borzoi (who was depicted resting at her feet in a famous painting that now hangs in the Petit Palais in Paris). Midcentury movie icon Mae West owned two borzois, while Swedish-American actress Greta Garbo of the 1920s and ‘30s also had a borzoi. Having a borzoi was the height of good fashion.
11. Today, you may locate the borzoi in one very common location: Go to any bookshop and have a peek at the spines of the books. See a recognizable figure? Yep, publishing house Alfred A. Knopf’s logo is a jumping borzoi.
12. When it comes to personality, the Borzoi is similar to our feline companions in that they’re laid-back and undemanding. These well-behaved dogs aren’t troublemakers, and you won’t find them destroying your home’s furnishings. But, much like the rest of our animal companions, they’re devoted to their owners.
13. A working dog breed, the Borzoi is just that. They used to be known as the Russian Wolfhound since they were bred to hunt wolves, hares, and foxes for the nobility. And they haven’t forgotten how to have fun either. As sighthounds (dogs that track and hunt game by sight), Borzoi is prone to chase anything that moves. They can still sprint as fast as the wind. If you have one or are considering getting one, you must walk them on a leash and have a backyard that is enclosed.

To end the article, there’s another fun fact for you. Borzois are a breed of dog known for their speed and self-reliance. As a result of their breeding, they were bred to follow their nose wherever it takes them. Keep your dog on a leash or in a fenced-in area at all times to avoid losing them. I hope you liked this article. Share your views in the comment section below.