Borzoi
Overview
Borzoi, which means swift in Russian, were definitely built for speed! With their long legs, and athletic frame, these pups have no problems turning on a dime! Also known as the Russian Wolfhound, the Borzoi was bred to chase down wolves, foxes, and hares and are a close second after the Irish Wolfhound when it comes to being the largest sighthound in the world. They can weigh up to 120 lbs. These graceful speed demons came to be when Russian aristocrats crossed Arabian greyhounds with wooly-coated Russian sheepdogs sometime in the 1700s. Not only are they fast, but they are quite the lookers, so it's no surprise that these dogs were the-it dog during the Art Deco period in the '30s and were the dog of choice for Hollywood starlets like Jean Harlow. To protect them from the harsh winters in Russia, they have developed a long silky double coat that is flat, wavy or curly. Borzoi come in a range of colors and require daily brushing to prevent matting.
Common Health Conditions & Recommendations for
Autoimmune Thyroiditis:
is a health condition that is characterized by an inflamed thyroid gland. Sighthounds, like Borzois may be susceptible to developing this condition. A visit to the vet can check their hormone levels to see if it is under-functioning or over-functioning.
Recommendations for Autoimmune Thyroiditis in :
Common Health Conditions & Recommendations for
Heart Disease:
The Borzoi , like many dog breeds, may be prone to heart disease., Early detection of a heart condition can help you better manage symptoms and provide the best quality of life for your beloved pet.
Recommendations for Heart Disease in :
Common Health Conditions & Recommendations for
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA):
is when a pet’s vision progressively gets worse over time and may lead to blindness. The best strategy for this condition is proactive eye care and to do yearly eye exams to maintain eye health.
Recommendations for Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) in :
Personality
With their athletic build, beautiful flowing coat, and amazing field of vision (270 degrees!), Borzois are very prey-driven and need a lot of exercise, so they would be happiest in a fenced-in yard to burn off that extra energy. It is not recommended to let your Borzoi off-leash because they can take off without notice if they see a critter worth chasing. They are good-natured, devoted, gentle creatures that make wonderful family pets. They may be a bit stubborn, so consistency, patience, and a good sense of humor will go a long way when training one of these pups. So if you want a giant breed dog with a nice balance between elegance and speed, you may want to get yourself a Borzoi!