Also known as the Borzoi, Russian Hound Dogs were popular with Russian nobility, developed by breeding Arabian Greyhounds with longer-haired Russian sheepdogs. They were called Russian Wolfhounds in America until the 1930s when they were then called Borzoi from the Russian word “swift.” This Sighthound was a fierce hunter and was a popular hunting dog for hundreds of years to catch wolves, fox and hare. Over the years, it became more of a companion dog with a calmer temperament.
The Borzoi looks similar to the greyhound with long, strong legs that can run at great speed. Its coat is long and silky, with longer hair on the neck, hindquarters and tail than elsewhere. Colors include black, white, tan or gray. Some have black markings with mixed colors or a golden coat. Males can grow 28 inches tall with a weight of between 75 and 105 pounds. Females can grow at least 26 inches tall and weigh between 60 and 90 pounds.
Personality
The Borzoi is a calm and gentle breed that is sensitive and sometimes timid. It needs vigorous daily exercise and sprinting. It is good with children but not very playful. Most are reserved with strangers. A sweet, smart dog, the Russian Hound is loyal to its owner and is very affectionate to the humans closest to it. They take well to obedience training, but keep in mind this breed is less cooperative than other similar breeds. They learn quickly, guided by a firm yet gentle hand when it comes to discipline. They are naturally clean dogs and very rarely bark. However, characterized by agility with no instinct for territory, they need to be kept in a fenced-in yard. Once they set their sights on prey, such as a small animal like a rabbit, they will take off and may not hear your calls to them. While the Russian Hound does well with children, it’s not the ideal playmate because it doesn’t roughhouse well.
Breed Characteristics
| Type: | Pure |
| Family: | Sighthound |
| Function: | Hunting |
| Origin: | Asia |
| Preferred Climate: | Any Climate |
| Group: | Hounds |
| Life Span: | 10-12 Years |
| Nicknames: | Russian Hound, Russian Wolfhound, Russkaya Psovaya Borzaya, Psowaya Barsaya |
| Hypoallergenic: | No |
Borzoi Build Information
The Borzoi looks similar to the greyhound with long, strong legs that can run at great speed. Its coat is long and silky, with longer hair on the neck, hindquarters and tail than elsewhere. Colors include black, white, tan or gray. Some have black markings with mixed colors or a golden coat. Males can grow 28 inches tall with a weight of between 75 and 105 pounds. Females can grow at least 26 inches tall and weigh between 60 and 90 pounds.
| Size: | Giant |
| Length (Male): | 22-27 in. |
| Length (Female): | 22-24 in. |
| Weight: | > 65 lbs |
| Litter Size: | 5 – 10 Puppies |
| Tail Dock or Crop: | No |
Behaviour and Personality
The Borzoi is a calm and gentle breed that is sensitive and sometimes timid. It needs vigorous daily exercise and sprinting. It is good with children but not very playful. Most are reserved with strangers. A sweet, smart dog, the Russian Hound is loyal to its owner and is very affectionate to the humans closest to it. They take well to obedience training, but keep in mind this breed is less cooperative than other similar breeds. They learn quickly, guided by a firm yet gentle hand when it comes to discipline. They are naturally clean dogs and very rarely bark. However, characterized by agility with no instinct for territory, they need to be kept in a fenced-in yard. Once they set their sights on prey, such as a small animal like a rabbit, they will take off and may not hear your calls to them. While the Russian Hound does well with children, it’s not the ideal playmate because it doesn’t roughhouse well.
| Activity Level: | Moderately Active |
| Affection Level: | Moderate Affectionate |
| Aggressiveness Level: | Moderate |
| Barking: | Quiet |
| Dominating or Submissive?: | None |
| Energy Level: | Moderately Active |
| Good to Other Pets: | Friendly |
| Guardian Skills: | No |
| Independant: | Yes |
| Kid Friendliness: | Moderate Friendly |
Appearance
It has a long silky coat, which protects it from cold temperatures. They need to be brushed several times a week and tend to shed at times. It’s not too difficult to keep up with the Russian Hound’s grooming habits. Brush its long, silky coat regularly but shampoo only when it’s necessary. Be sure to clip the hair in between its toes for comfort. Be aware, this dog is a heavy shedder on a seasonal basis.
| Colors: | Black & Tan, Black & White, Gray, Tan, Yellow |
| Shedding: | Moderate |
| Grooming: | Medium Maintenance |
| Coat Type: | Feathered |
Borzoi Common Health Conditions
This breed often succumbs to bloat. As such, owners should never overfeed their dog with large meals, instead, give him two to three small meals throughout the day. Don’t take him out for a walk or run after eating, as this can upset the stomach. If drugs or medications need to be given, talk with the vet, as this breed is sensitive to drugs of any kind.
Borzoi Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
Similar in build to the Greyhound, the Russian Hound features a narrow, domed head, long muzzle, large black nose, small ears, arched back line, narrow chest and straight front legs. If you love to jog, the Russian Hound makes an ideal jogging companion. They require lots of daily exercise, so runs are great. However, they also need to be able to explore off leash. The Russian Hound is known by many nicknames, including Borzoi, Russian Wolfhound, Russkaya Psovaya Borzaya and Psowaya Barsaya. The Russian Hound has a life expectancy of between 10 and 12 years.
| Training: | Moderately easy to train |
| Hunting Companion: | Yes |
| Jolly for Jogging: | Yes |
| Sighting Capabilities: | Yes |
| Ideal for Tracking: | No |
| Retrieving Skills: | No |
| Pointing Breed: | No |
| Herding Skills: | No |
| Dutiful Watchdog: | No |
| Security Guard Capable: | No |
| Police Performer: | No |
| Wet Water rescues: | No |
| Assist Disable Owners: | No |
| Dog Sledding: | No |
| Able to Perform Dog Carting: | No |
| Agile/Zippy: | No |
| Fun with Lure Coursing: | Yes |
| Obedient: | No |
| Possible Schutzhund Work: | No |
| Trainable for Tricks: | No |
