Dog Breeds - Borzoi

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The name Borzoi is based on the Russian word “Borzaya” which means “Quick Dog”. They are also known as the “Russian Wolfhound”. The Borzoi has strong instincts to hunt and chase game. They are structured for speed and can cover a large distance very quickly. Because of this they should be kept in a fenced yard to protect them from traffic and to prevent them from getting lost. It is recommended that Borzoi owners microchip their pet for permanent identification since their speed and love for a good chase can cause them to get lost.

Russian hunters used Borzoi’s in hunting tests to help determine which dogs were fastest and most intelligent. The dogs that excelled in the competitions were used as breeding stock. Although these hunting competitions resulted mostly in the Borzoi’s hunting hare and other small game, the hunters always hoped for wolves. If a wolf was spotted a team of Borzoi’s were released to hunt and hold the wolf down for its owner to kill. The ability to hunt wolves was an important consideration in development of this breed and many different Russian spitz were crossed to increase the breeds overall. This breed can perform very well in obedience and agility competitions, although training can prove difficult as they are stubborn and bore quite easily.

Borzois come in any solid color mixed color combinations. They have a luxurious, silky top-coat that is most commonly flat but can be wavy or curly. Their undercoat is soft and thickens in the winter and sheds in summer. The Borzoi is a sensitive breed that must be treated with respect during training. Harsh training will not be effective and can make the breed very unresponsive and unhappy. Generally they are a quiet breed with a low dominancy. The Borzoi does not make a great guard dog or protector as they are quiet and not excessively territorial. This breed usually gets along well with other breeds and if introduced at a young age they are able to live with cats, however introducing them at a later age may prove difficult as they may not be able to suppress their hunting nature!


Borzoi Breed Information

Breed Group

Hound Group

Coat

May be flat, curly or wavy and long and silky

Color(s)

Any color or color combination, commonly gold, white, grey or tan with black markings

Size

26-30 inches

Weight

60-105 lbs

Exercise:

Require a lot of exercise

Trainability

May be difficult to train

Average Lifespan

10-12 years

Common Health Problems

Prone to bloating, Cardiomyopathy, Progressive retinal atrophy

Most 24PetWatch Clients Insure Borzois with:

QuickCare Gold for Dogs





My husband had been to get an oil change and the men at the garage had kindly put a free bottle of windshield washer fluid in the back seat. However, they forgot to tell him. On the way home he stopped by the grocery store. Zoe, my 3-year-old boxer, was in the back seat and bit into and drank the washer fluid! Zoe was immediately sick and we rushed her to our local veterinarian. We were then hurried to the Animal Hospital where they were more equipped to deal with poisonings. At first they didn't think Zoe would make it, but she pulled through. She stayed in the hospital for 2 days. Without Pethealth Zoe would have been put down. Pethealth covered a huge amount of the bill. We heard about 24Petwatch Pet Insurance through our local veterinarian. Zoe has a great personality, is wonderful with children and the joy of my life.

Client: Dianna Siteman, Ottawa, ON    Pet: Zoe, Boxer, 3 years old   Condition: Poison Ingestion
Claim Submitted:$1160.32    Claim Paid: $1110.32