borz-what?

tidbits of info about the breed,
some common facts,
some personal experiences,
and of course, some photos...

{ Borzoi are members of the sighthound family. 
      They are similar to greyhounds and saluki in shape,
      but have larger bodies, and silky, often wavy hair.
      Coat at the neck, hindquarters, and tail is longer, feathered, and profuse.

{ Borzoi are sweet companions, loyal, loving and affectionate with their owners.
      They are rather catlike, with independent and undemanding natures.
      Around strangers, borzoi are often shy and aloof.

{ The Borzoi has been bred by the Russian aristocracy for hundreds of years.
      They were bred to hunt wolves, fox and hare over the open plains of Russia.
      The breed was known as the "Russian Wolfhound" in America until 1936,
      after which the name was formally changed to Borzoi. In Russia today,
      the breed we know as Borzoi is called "Russkaya Psovaya Borzaya". "Borzói" is
      the masculine singular form of an archaic Russian adjective that means "fast".

{ The Borzoi is the second fastest dog ~ only the greyhound is faster.  A speed study
       published in April 2007 clocked a borzoi at 35.7 mph!
      
{ In juxtaposition to their prevailing gentle demeanor, borzoi at play are a sight to
      behold...their grace, speed, and agility are unmatched.  A goofy, playful borzoi
      exemplifies the joyful, carefree delight of doghood.

{ Unlike some of the other giant breeds with relatively short life expectancy,
      Borzoi generally live about 10-12 years. Healthy, active borzoi may live even longer.

{ Borzoi have an exploratory, roaming nature.  Because of this, you will want to keep
      them inside a securely fenced yard, and on a leash when out and about.  Under the
      right circumstances, a borzoi can be let off leash to run and play, but be cautious -
      should your borzoi spot something of interest and be feeling freewheeling...
      he could bolt and within minutes be miles away and out of earshot.

{ Borzoi can do well around small animals, such as cats, if they are socialized with
       them at a young age.  Otherwise - you are best to be very careful...after all, borzoi
       were bred to chase down game, both large (wolves) and small (fox, hare, etc.).

{ Borzoi in the home are quiet couch potatoes...they keep themselves clean and can
      often be found lounging on the sofa or sprawled out in their bed.  Master of the nap.

{ Being the recipient of Borzoi love is a special thing.  I have owned and loved many
      dogs, but the gratification from my relationships with borzoi are a step beyond. 
      Borzoi truly are members of the family - more than just pets.


{{{ With that, I will leave you with a few images of my family...