Since the beginning of human evolution, dogs have been the faithful companions of humanity. They evolved from wild and dangerous wolves into friendly and homely pets. Today, you can find hundreds of purebred and mixed-breed dogs of different sizes, appearances, and friendliness. These dogs can be easily recognized based on their distinct features like snoot length, hair length, height, weight, ears, and whatnot. One such dog that stands out with its unique long snoot is Borzoi.
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If you have ever come across a dog that looks like a greyhound with long hair, it’s probably a Borzoi, mainly because they have a striking resemblance with greyhounds but have long hairs. Borzoi dogs originated from Russia and are also called Russian Wolfhounds. If you plan to buy or adopt a Borzoi, here are a few factors that you need to know. Take a look.
Origin
Borzoi is a hunting sighthound dog breed that belongs to the hound breed family. It descended from the early working dogs carried by immigrants from Russia in the 17th century. The literal meaning of Borzoi is fast. Borzoi dogs were initially bred for hunting.
Back in the day, the Russian hunters used to have breeding programs to find the strongest and fastest hunting dogs. There were also hunting trials to determine the hunting capabilities of Borzoi dogs. That means it’s safe to say that Borzoi dogs are good for hunting, and therefore they are primarily placed in farms and jungles. Keep it in mind while adopting or buying Borzoi.
Appearance
Borzoi, or Russian sighthound, is known for its unique appearance. Though they are large, they aren’t as bulky as other giant dogs like Rottweilers and Mastiffs. They have a sleek and slim body which helps them run faster and maneuver easily. The blessing they got from their hunting ancestors!
Their tall body and long hair make them look like similar breeds like the Afghan Hound and Saluki. Many people often confuse them with a dog that looks like a greyhound with long hair. The long and pointy snoot complements their slender and long body structure. They have long, slim, and yet strong legs that support them in the running faster. Every physical characteristic of Borzoi makes them stronger and quicker. So if you plan to buy or adopt them, be ready to keep up with their pace.
Temperament
Understanding the dog’s personality traits before bringing them home is essential. You need to know how they will behave around the kids, other pets, family members, and the surrounding environment. Borzoi dogs exhibit the features of aristocrats and some bits of court jesters. They are playful, calm, and good-natured and love to enjoy whatever entertainment comes their way.
Whether it’s chasing a squirrel in the park or playing with a chew toy, they get happier when the playtime involves running. They just love to run. Due to their hunting genes, they love to be active and agile. So, don’t panic if they start chasing small animals like squirrels or raccoons.
Borzois are a perfect breed for outdoor spaces like farms. As they have a hunting heritage, they need open spaces to run around and may not be suitable for small apartments. Their activity levels help them to stay healthy and strong. If you plan to purchase or adopt these majestic beasts, keep these points in mind.