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Borzoi: the most honest dog breed review you'll ever find. Information about Borzoi personality and behavior. main page breed review faq health training adopting/buying links My book, Your Purebred Puppy: A Buyer's Guide (published by Henry Holt & Co.), includes a full-page profile of the Borzoi, including these excerpts: "Possessed of a quiet dignity and independence, the Borzoi is sometimes compared to a cat. Once past the puppy stage, he is calm and quiet indoors, gliding through the living room with light-footed grace. Off-leash, though, he explodes into a powerful, driving, floating gallop. The space where he is loosed to run must be safe and enclosed, else he will be out of sight in seconds. Breeders say the leading cause of death in Borzoi is being hit by a car. Most Borzois are polite but reserved with strangers. Because of their great size and strength, they require early socialization to avoid either shyness or aggression. Usually sociable with other dogs of their own size, the Borzoi is a deadly serious chaser of anything that runs, including cats and tiny dogs. Like all sighthounds, Borzoi are independent and not inclined to obey slavishly. Though usually sweet and docile, they can be touch-sensitive and may react with lightning reflexes if grabbed unexpectedly or startled. This is a not a breed to be taken lightly or teased." History In Czarist Russia, Borzois were owned by the aristocracy and hunted in packs, running down wolves across open terrain while the huntsmen followed on horseback. They were originally known as Russian Wolfhounds. Size 26-33 inches and 55-105 lbs

Borzoi What's good about 'em What's bad about 'em If you want a dog who... Is tall and slender, yet very powerful -- a racy athlete Has a silky coat that comes in many colors Is extremely athletic and graceful -- can run swiftly and jump great heights Carries himself in a calm, dignified manner Is mannerly and undemanding in the home (adults only) Is polite with people Doesn't bark much A Borzoi may be right for you. If you don't want to deal with... Providing a safe enclosed area where he can gallop Shyness or suspiciousness when not socialized enough Emotional sensitivity to stress and abrupt changes in schedule Strong instincts to chase other living creatures that run An independent "what's in it for me?" attitude toward training -- can be stubborn and strong-willed Slowness to housebreak Heavy shedding A Borzoi may not be right for you. If I were considering a Borzoi... My major concerns would be: Providing enough running exercise. Borzois don't need miles of running, but they MUST have regular opportunities to vent their energy through all-out galloping a few times a week. Otherwise they will become rambunctious and bored -- which they usually express by destructive chewing. Borzois need access to a large fenced area -- fenced because these independent dogs are likely to take off and not come back. If there is a dog club in your area, get your Borzoi involved in lure coursing (chasing a mechanized lure around a track or across an open field). This is an appropriate outlet for the full-speed galloping behaviors that are "hardwired" into his genes. Providing enough socialization. Standoffish by nature, Borzois need extensive exposure to people and to unusual sights and sounds. Otherwise their natural caution can become shyness or suspicion, which are difficult to live with. If you have small children, I do not recommend Borzoi puppies. First, young Borzois (up to about two years old) romp and jump with great vigor, and things can go flying, including people. Second, the temptation to chase and nip running children is a risk with young Borzois. Finally, even Borzoi adults may feel overwhelmed by the loud voices and quick movements that children can't help making -- and stress and shyness (even defensive biting) may be the result. Chasing other animals. Most people do not realize just how fast and agile sighthounds are -- or how strong their instincts are to chase and seize fleeing creatures. Some male Borzois are aggressive with other male dogs. Many Borzois will pursue your neighbor's cat or small dog, if given the chance. In today's society, the legal liabilities of owning a large hunting breed should be considered. The independent temperament. Borzois are not Golden Retrievers. They are independent thinkers who don't particularly care about pleasing you. Most Borzois are stubborn and can be manipulative. You must show them, through absolute consistency, that you mean what you say. To teach your Borzoi to listen to you, "Respect Training" is mandatory. My Borzoi Training Page discusses the program you need. Emotional sensitivity. Be honest...is there tension in your home? Are people loud or angry or emotional? Are there arguments or fights? Borzois are extremely sensitive to stress and can end up literally sick to their stomachs, with severe digestive upsets and neurotic behaviors, if the people in their home are having family problems. Sighthounds are peaceful, sensitive dogs who need a peaceful, harmonious home. Housebreaking. Borzois tend to resist being told what to do, and housebreaking is no exception. Expect four to six months of consistent crate training before you see results. Heavy shedding. Borzoi shed a LOT. You'll find hair all over your clothing, upholstery, carpeting, under your furniture, and on your countertops. Frequent vacuuming will become a way of life. Health problems. Borzoi are extremely prone to a life-threatening digestive syndrome called bloat. In addition, an alarming number of Borzoi are dying early of cancer and heart disease. To keep this breed healthy, I strongly recommend following all of the advice on my Borzoi Health Page. Frankly, most Borzoi are "too much dog" for the average household. This is one of the most powerful of the sighthounds, with incredible speed and fast reflexes. Very few people really have the knowledge or skills necessary to manage this breed. Not all Borzois are alike! There are energetic Borzois, and placid Borzois. Hard-headed Borzois, and sweet-natured Borzois. Serious Borzois, and good-natured goofballs. Introverted Borzois, and Borzois who love everyone. If you acquire a Borzoi puppy, you can't know for sure what he or she will grow up to be like. Because a good number of purebred puppies do NOT grow up to conform to the "norm." If you're considering an adult Borzoi... There are plenty of adult Borzoi who have already proven themselves NOT to have negative characteristics. If you find such an adult, don't let "typical breed negatives" worry you. When you acquire a puppy, you're acquiring potential -- what he one day will be. So "typical breed characteristics" are very important. But when you acquire an adult, you're acquiring what he already IS. If you would like to link to this review, here is the HTML code: <a href="http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/borzoi.html">Borzoi: What's Good About 'Em, What's Bad About 'Em</a> Copyright © 2000-2008 by Michele Welton. All rights reserved. No part of this website may be reproduced without the permission of the author.