Borzoi

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN - Russia.

MOST SUITED AS - Hunting by sight of large and small game, companion.

SIZE
The shoulder-height is 70 - 82cm (27 1/2 - 32 1/2in) for dogs, and about 5cm (2in) shorter for bitches.

COAT
The coat consists of soft, medium-length wavy hair. Accepted colours are white, gold, red, grey, black, black roan, and patched.

CARE REQUIRED
The coat needs regular grooming. Trim excess hair between the pads of the feet. During the growing stage, these dogs need a high nutritional diet; do not scrimp on it.

CHARACTER
These are proud and self aware dogs that are loyal to their family. They are also good natured, equable, calm when indoors, and more likely to be distant than to want to follow you about.
The Borzoi can be difficult to fathom. When necessary, they will protect your home.

TRAINING
The training of this breed has to be based upon mutual respect. They are not very obedient, so expect no miracles, but teach them the basic requirements.

SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR
These dogs do not like intrusive strangers. They are noble animals that get on fairly well with children but they are certainly not playmates. They prize their rest and do not like rough play. They are usually fine with like-minded dogs. It is advisable to train them socially with cats and other pets as young as possible but they will always be hunters that tend to react to the sight of a fleeing animal.

EXERCISE
Indoors the Borzoi can be so peaceful it might escape notice but out of doors it needs lots of space to walk and run. In some countries it is forbidden to allow all the dogs in this fleet-footed hunting category off the lead. They usually enjoy running alongside a cycle but beware - a Borzoi is quite likely to shoot off after any prey it catches sight of. You will need to react very quickly if this happens.

These majestic dogs are at their best with an owner who has a large area of fenced ground in which they can run all day to their heart's content. Indoors they like to be close to the family and are fond of rest and comfort, making them un­suitable for life in a kennel.