Borzoi

Template:Short description Template:About Template:EngvarB Template:Use dmy dates Template:Infobox dog breed

The BorzoiTemplate:Efn or Russian Hunting SighthoundTemplate:Efn is a Russian breed of hunting dog of sighthound type. It was formerly used for wolf hunting;Template:R until 1936, the breed was known as the Russian Wolfhound.Template:R<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

EtymologyEdit

The system by which Russians over the ages named their sighthounds was a series of descriptive terms rather than actual names. [[:wiktionary:ru:борзый|Template:Transliteration]] is the masculine singular form of an archaic Russian adjective that means 'fast'. Template:Transliteration ('fast dog') is the basic term for sighthounds used by Russians, though Template:Transliteration is usually dropped. The name Template:Transliteration derived from the word Template:Transliteration, which means 'wavy, silky coat', just as Template:Transliteration (as in hortaya borzaya) means shorthaired. In modern Russian, the breed commonly called the Borzoi is officially known as Template:Transliteration. Other Russian sighthound breeds are Template:Transliteration (from the steppe), called Template:Transliteration; and Template:Transliteration (from the Crimea), called Template:Transliteration.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>Template:Failed verification

HistoryEdit

The Borzoi originated in the sixteenth century Russia by crossing Saluki and European sighthounds with thick-coated Russian breeds.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

The Borzoi was popular with the Tsars before the 1917 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.Template:R<ref name=":1">Template:Cite journal</ref> 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.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

The Russkaya Psovaya Borzaya was definitively accepted by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale in 1956.Template:R

1879 Borzoi Flock.jpg

Borzoi owned by Max Hartenstein, Berlin, Germany, 1879
Borzo by a Chair-George Hare.jpg

Borzo by a Chair (St George Hare, 19th century)
Tikhmenev (1904) Wolf hunt with borzois.jpg

Wolf hunting with borzois (1904), Efim A. Tikhmenev
Sarah Bernhardt Clairin Henderson.jpg

Sarah Bernhardt, portrait by Georges Clairin

DescriptionEdit

AppearanceEdit

Borzois are large Russian sighthounds that resemble some central Asian breeds such as the Afghan hound, Saluki, and the Kyrgyz Taigan. Borzois come in a variety of colours.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>

TemperamentEdit

The Borzoi is an affectionate and athletic breed of dog with a calm temperament.<ref name=":0">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

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 in competitive obedience and agility trials with the right kind of training.Template:R<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Coat galleryEdit

Coat colours
Medalowy borgoj.jpg

Red
Borzoi black female.png

Black
Three Borzoi.jpg

White and yellow-and-white
Borzoi red & white.jpg

Red and white
Black and white borzoi.jpg

Black and white
Borzoi 600.jpg

White and brown
Kidai.jpg

White and grey
Borzoi portrait Flickr.jpg

White and sandy

HealthEdit

A 2024 UK study found an average life expectancy of 12 years for Borzois, with a sample size of 43, compared to 12.7 for purebreds and 12 for mongrels.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>

An American study looking at echocardiographs of clinically healthy Borzoi found 53.8% to have heart murmurs, 30.2% to have trace or mild mitral regurgitation, 36.1% to have mild tricuspid regurgitation, and 14.4% to have cardiac disease.Template:R

NotesEdit

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ReferencesEdit

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