Borzoi

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History/Origin
The term Borzoi is from the word Borzaya, which means quick dog in Russian. Borzaya refers to the different kinds of native Russian sighthound.

Borzoi dogs are believed to have originated in Russia, although it is also believed that Kublai Khan brought this dog breed to Russia sometime in the 9th or 10th century. This type of dog is actually similar to Russian hunting dogs, which are characterized by their great speed and ability in catching wolves.

Psovoi, a type of Borzoi canines, was famous among Russian aristocrats back in the early 1900s. In fact, Psovois were not sold but were just given as presents by the aristocrats. During the Revolution of 1917, many Psovois were killed by Russian revolutionaries because the dogs were apparently associated with aristocracy and tyranny, which were pervasive in the country during that time. Later on, a Russian soldier, Constantin Esmont, convinced the government that breeding different kinds of Borzaya was beneficial not only to hunters but also to the country's fur industry.

Although exportation of Borzayas from Soviet Union was rare back in the 19th century, there were enough Borzoi dogs exported to countries such as England, America, and countries in the Western Europe.

Description
Borzoi dogs have black noses, dark oblong eyes, curved backs, and narrow but deep chests. Borzoi dogs come in different colors: gold, tan, white, gray, or a mixture of these colors. They have long-haired coats, which are flat and silky and often curly or wavy. In the winter season, their undercoats thicken; but in hot season, their undercoats are shed.

Furthermore, the males usually weigh over a hundred pounds and stand at about 28 inches or taller. On the other hand, the females usually stand 26 inches or taller.

Temperament
Borzoi dogs are smart, quiet, and active. They do not bark very often, making them almost mute. These dogs are also very well-mannered, making their breed a good choice for household pets. They show their affection to people they are familiar with, and their intelligence makes them good learners and easily trainable.

These dogs have behaviors similar to other animals or other, more active breeds of dogs. These dogs are considered to have cat-like qualities as they like to keep themselves clean. Also, these dogs have hunter-like characteristics, so it is better not to let them mingle with other small animals. Unless they were earlier trained to socialise with other animals, these dogs can kill small animals in an instant.