Borzoi
Breed Group: Hound Group
Size Group: Large Dog Breeds
Origin: Certainty is unknown, first officially documented in Russia in 1650
Height: 26”-34”
Weight: 60-105lbs
Color: Black, brindle, gold, red, sable, white, silver or a mix of these
Lifespan: 9-14 years
Temperament: Refined, elegant, loyal, sweet, laidback
Set Your Pup Up For Success
Overview
Originally known in the US as the Russian wolfhound, Borzoi’s name translates into the word “swift”. This name change is apt as these pups can run up to 40mph.
Their exact origin is unknown, but a common rumor is a Russian royal wanted greyhounds for a hunt because of their desirable speed, but greyhounds could not survive the intense cold of Russia.
So they are thought to be a crossbreed between greyhounds and Russian sheepdogs, bred for speed and longevity in the cruel Russian winters. Borzoi are also classified as sighthounds. Their almond shaped eyes, located further out on their skulls, give them a 270-degree field of sight.
Borzoi love human companionship and are best suited to people who do not spend long periods of time away from home. They are wonderful family dogs that need lots of exercise but are not interested in rough play. They, after all are elegant and regal pups.
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Celebrity Owners
Liberace, Rod Stewart, Nick Nolte, Don Johnson, Bo Derek, Michael Douglas
Fun Facts
- Borzoi is one of the possible corporeal forms a Patronus Charm can take.
- Borzoi had a quick cameo in The Hunger Games
- Because of their association with the aristocracy, Borzoi were almost completely wiped out after the Russian Revolution of 1918. They only escaped extinction because many had been given as gifts to neighboring royals.
Health
The most common health problem with Borzoi is gastric dilation-volvulus. This can be avoided by breaking up Borzoi’s feedings throughout the day.
Other issues include hip and elbow dysplasia, osteochondritis dissecans, heart issues, Von Willebrand’s disease, progressive retinal atrophy cataracts, and hypothyroidism. It should be noted that sighthounds are more sensitive to anesthesia due to their low body fat.
While you always hope your pet will live a long and healthy life, it is always a good idea to invest in pet health insurance.
Keeping your dog’s mouth clean and problem free goes a long way to your pup’s overall health. Dental hygiene can be the cause or can be the byproduct of other serious health issues.
Visual inspections can be performed to keep track of the signs of potentially waning oral health. These signs can be anything from bad breath to abnormal chewing to loss of appetite.
Keeping ahead of these warning signs can pay dividends. A preventative approach can delay and stop many of the common dental problems from arising.
Oral health can be tackled in five basic steps:
- Brushing your dog’s teeth to prevent an undesirable buildup of plaque
- Feed your dog a diet where the high quality dog food has dental benefits
- Regularly give your dog dental toys and treats
- Use mouthwash, to help where brushing misses
- At the sign of any abnormalities, consult a vet. You can even do it virtually, from the convenience of your home.
Dogs are just like humans in that they can experience anxiety. The degree to which they are susceptible to anxiety and how they deal with anxiety is breed specific. Left unchecked, initial signs of anxiety could give way to an anxiety disorder. The symptoms of anxiety disorders can lead to a myriad of behavior issues.
Knowing the signs and symptoms will best equip you to keep ahead of it and to nip it in the bud at the earliest signs. There are options available to help with anxiety.
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Grooming
As with most long-haired dogs that frequently shed, Borzoi needs to be brushed with a pin or slicker brush several times a week. While they shed all year long there will be an increased shedding period in the summer and fall when Borzoi will need more active grooming.
Borzoi requires frequent bathing. As with all dogs, keep your pup’s nails clipped, regularly check their ears to make sure they are clean and clear of debris and brush their teeth several times a week.
Coat
Medium length, hard wiry density
Exercise
Borzoi need lots of exercise. While this can be accomplished with long walks, with a minimum of an hour a day, it is ideal to have a fenced in area for your pup to run. When outside of the house it is tantamount to keep your Borzoi leashed as these pups will give chase to other animals at up to 40 mph.
Nutrition
Borzoi need 3 cups of food daily and should eat in several meals throughout the day. They have a propensity to bloat, known as gastric dilation-volvulus, which comes on suddenly and can be life-threatening because it leads to interrupted blood circulation.
We’ve taken a look at some premium dog foods, high in nutrition here.
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Training
Training your Borzoi may take time, consistency and patience will be key. Like all nobility, these dogs tend to be independent, making early socialization with people and other animals important if you would like you dog to enjoy the company of others.
Proper training is essential to ensuring the safety of your dog and those around you. Having your dog come when they should, and in general having them listen is something you want to address early in your pup’s life, as it will pay dividends down the line. There are many tried and true training programs to accomplish this training – faster and better than you might think!
Unless you’re living on a farm, or have the space, a yipping dog, or one that barks all day when you are gone could be an issue with the neighbors and/or landlord. Historically, dogs would bark to communicate with the rest of the pack when hunting and bark as a warning shot to predators eyeing up their flock. Barking is deep rooted in dogs and manifests itself in many ways and for a variety of reasons.
Just like any habit or instinct, there are effective ways you can train this issue away.
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Supplements
A solid Glucosamine Supplement for hips and joints will go a long way to helping your furry friend.
Other helpful supplements include full-spectrum hemp oil or CBD oil. Fish oil skin and coat supplement.
Ensuring a comprehensive preventative vitamin and mineral plan is essential to keeping your dog healthy. Truth is, there are vitamins and minerals that your dog needs, but doesn’t produce naturally. While many of these vitamins and minerals can be found in your dog’s current diet and dog food, the question becomes, are there enough vitamins to ensure they aren’t deficient.
Poor nutrition can lead to some of the most common health issues, such as weak joints, compromised immunity, increased allergies, and low energy.
Vitamins play a vital role in your pet’s health and overall life expectancy. Here are some multivitamin and joint relief options.
As regulations around marijuana have eased, the emergence of CBD oils for humans and dogs have sprung up.
Just to begin to dispel the negative stigma, CBD extract comes from Hemp, marijuana’s cousin. Unlike its cousin, there are no psychoactive qualities in CBD oil. An emerging number of clinical and institutional studies have shown the wide variety of healing qualities in CBD, including pain management, and the containment of seizures and epileptic episodes.
Explore this remedy further to see all the health benefits that have transformed the lives of so many dogs to date.
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The Good
Great with kids
Rarely barks
The "Ruff"
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