All about Borzoi - Breed Info

• Origin: Developed in Russia during the 17th century by the aristocracy for hunting wolves across the vast countryside.
   
• Name Meaning: "Borzoi" comes from the old Russian word "borzyi", meaning "swift."
   
• Royal Ties: Bred by Russian nobility, Borzoi were often gifted to other monarchs—making them global aristocratic companions.
   
• AKC Recognition: The breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1891.
   

• Elegant Appearance: Graceful with long, silky coats and noble posture.
   
• Quiet Demeanor: Generally calm, quiet, and even a bit aloof with strangers.
   
• Intelligent & Independent: Not overly obedient—but sensitive and smart.
   
• Loyal & Loving: Bond strongly with their families; affectionate without being clingy.
   
• Great with Routine: Thrive in a calm home environment with daily walks and predictable structure.

Borzoi may be a good fit if you:

• Appreciate a quiet, graceful companion.
   
• Want a dog that isn’t hyper or “needy.”
   
• Have a peaceful home and a securely fenced area.
   
• Are okay with an independent thinker—not a typical “fetch and follow” type dog.
   
• Enjoy grooming and caring for a beautiful coat.

• Elegant and graceful, yet powerful and swift.
   
• Combines speed, endurance, and strength.
   
• Appearance should be aristocratic and form should follow function.
   
• Never bulky or clumsy.
   

• Dignified, quiet, and intelligent.
   
• Independent and sometimes aloof, but affectionate with trusted humans.
   
• Should never be shy, timid, or aggressive.
   

• Dogs: 28 inches minimum at the withers preferred (some exceed 32").
   
• Bitches: 26 inches minimum preferred.
   
• Weight: Males range from 75–105 lbs, females 60–85 lbs.
   
• Overall proportion and balance more important than exact size.
   

• Long and lean body, well muscled without being heavy.
   
• Proportions favor length over height.
   
• A Borzoi should look slightly longer than tall.
   
• Bone structure should be fine but strong.
   

• Long, narrow, and aristocratic with a slight Roman finish.
   
• Skull nearly flat, narrow, and long.
   
• Stop (forehead angle) is barely perceptible.
   
• Muzzle is long and tapers gradually.
   
• Eyes: Dark, expressive, almond-shaped, and set obliquely.
   
• Ears: Small, fine, and folded back; may be raised when alert.
   

• Neck: Long, clean, slightly arched.
   
• Topline: Gracefully rising from shoulders to hips and falling slightly to tail.
   
• Chest: Deep and narrow, with good spring of ribs.
   
• Back: Strong and slightly arched over the loin.
   
• Tail: Long, set low, carried in a graceful curve.
   

• Shoulders: Well laid back and sloping.
   
• Forelegs: Straight, long, and strong with flat bone.
   
• Feet: Hare-shaped; well arched toes with thick pads.
   

• Powerful and muscular, built for drive.
   
• Well bent stifles and hocks.
   
• Thighs are long and wide.
   

• Silky, flat, or slightly wavy.
   
• Not woolly or curly.
   
• Longer fringing on neck, tail, chest, and backs of legs.
   
• Should emphasize the outline and movement of the dog.
   

• All colors and patterns are acceptable.
   
• No color or marking is preferred over another.
   

• Should move with effortless, flowing grace.
   
• Powerful rear drive, reaching front extension.
   
• Movement should be smooth and balanced, never choppy or hackneyed.

• Star: Keira Knightley
   
• Scene: Several Borzoi appear alongside Russian nobility during a hunting scene, staying true to the breed’s roots in Tsarist Russia.
   
• Why It Matters: Aesthetically accurate and symbolic of Russian aristocracy.
   

• Season 1, Episode 1: A Borzoi is seen being walked by a footman.
   
• Context: Symbol of upper-class British households in the early 1900s.
   
• Breed Note: At the time, owning exotic breeds like the Borzoi was a mark of status.
   

• Director: Martin Scorsese
   
• Sighted: A Borzoi makes a brief appearance in the background in a Paris street scene.
   
• Style: Adds visual elegance to the period setting.
   

• Character: Mrs. Coulter (Nicole Kidman)
   
• Daemon: Her animal familiar appears in the form of a golden monkey, but she’s frequently shown with a pair of Borzoi-like dogs in behind-the-scenes and visual inspiration.
   
• Aesthetic Use: Borzoi-like elegance used to emphasize her icy control and power.
   

• Old Hollywood Classic
   
• A Borzoi is seen lounging as part of the wealthy backdrop in a high-society home.
   
• Symbol of luxury and aloofness.
   

• Pablo Picasso included Borzoi in sketches and studies of Russian nobility.
   
• Russian Imperial Art: The Borzoi was a central feature in 19th-century Russian oil paintings and tapestries, often shown coursing wolves.
   
• Art Deco Era: The Borzoi became a style icon during the 1920s–30s, symbolizing grace and modernity.