Historically, Russian sighthounds were named through descriptive terms as opposed to actual names.Borzoi is the masculine singular form of an archaic Russian adjective that means 'fast'.Borzaya sobaka ('fast dog') is the basic term for sighthounds used by Russians, thoughsobaka is usually dropped. The namepsovaya derived from the wordpsovina, which means 'wavy, silky coat', just ashortaya (as inhortaya borzaya) means shorthaired. In modern Russian, the breed commonly called the Borzoi is officially known asrusskaya psovaya borzaya. Other Russian sighthound breeds arestepnaya borzaya (from thesteppe), calledstepnoi; andkrimskaya borzaya (from theCrimea), calledkrimskoi.[4][failed verification]
The Borzoi originated in the sixteenth century Russia by crossingSaluki and European sighthounds with thick-coated Russian breeds.[5][6]
The Borzoi was popular with theTsars before the1917 revolution. For centuries, Borzois could not be purchased but only given as gifts from the Tsar.Grand Duke Nicholas Nicolaievich of Russia bred countless Borzoi at Perchino, his private estate.[7]: 10 [8] The breed was almost rendered extinct after the revolution, as the communists associated the breed with the upper classes and killed Borzoi in large numbers.[9][10]
Borzois are large Russiansighthounds that resemble some central Asian breeds such as theAfghan hound,Saluki, and theKyrgyz Taigan. Borzois come in a variety of colours.[12] The Borzoi coat is silky and flat, often wavy or slightly curly. The long top-coat is quite flat, with varying degrees of waviness or curling. The soft undercoat thickens during winter or in cold climates, but is shed in hot weather to prevent overheating. In its texture and distribution over the body, the Borzoi coat is unique. There should be a frill on its neck, as well as feathering on its hindquarters and tail.[13][14] Borzois have a uniquely long snout, likely originating fromGreyhound ancestry.
The Borzoi is an affectionate and athletic breed of dog with a calm temperament.[15]
In terms of obedience, Borzois are selective learners who quickly become bored with repetitive activity, and they can be difficult to motivate. Nevertheless, Borzois are definitely capable of enjoying and performing well incompetitive obedience andagility trials with the right kind oftraining.[7]: 113 [16][17]
A 2024 UK study found an average life expectancy of 12 years for Borzois, with a sample size of 43, compared to 12.7 forpurebreds and 12 formongrels.[18]
Chadwick, Winifred E. (1952).The Borzoi Handbook. London: Nicholson & Watson. Including a translation ofThe Perchino Hunt by His Excellency Dmitri Walzoff (1912).
Martin, Nellie L. (2005).Borzoi—The Russian Wolfhound: Its History, Breeding, Exhibiting and Care. Read Books.ISBN978-1-84664-042-1.
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