Borzoi (Russkaya Psovaya Borzaya)
The Borzoi (Russkaya Psovaya Borzaya - Barzoï), once known as the Russian Wolfhound, originated in the 17th century in Russia when Russian aristocracy crossed Arabian Greyhounds with a heavy-coated Russian breed. The first Borzoi standard was written in 1650. The Borzoi is a member of the Sighthound family of Hounds and was originally bred for coursing of hare, fox, and wolves on open terrain, relying on sight rather than scent.
With a quiet and gentle nature, the Borzoi is aloof with strangers but devoted to his family. He is gentle, affectionate and loyal with the appearance of being a graceful aristocrat, elegant, and brave combined with muscular power and extreme speed. By nature, the Borzoi is a very efficient hunter with fast reflexes and instincts, intelligent and an independent thinker.
One important characteristic of the breed is the topline which has a graceful curve over the loin. It is due to this that the Borzoi, along with a number of other Sighthounds, is capable of great speed and agility.
