Friday, November 14, 2014

Breed Focus: Borzoi

The Borzoi is another member of the sight hound group. They are very similar in structure to the greyhound but have MUCH different coats. Their original purpose was to hunt larger game such as wolves. They originated from Russia, where they were kept by the nobility. Today, many are used for lure chasing and other show ring events.
Like the Greyhound, Borzois do best with a fenced in yard. They need to be quite tall as this breed can jump fences if properly motivated. Underground fences are not typically enough to keep them in when sufficiently motivated. Another characteristic to keep in mind is that they will require regularly brushing and grooming. Their long hair can get tangled very easily.
Overall Borzois tend to be pretty healthy. As with many large breed dogs they do seem to have increase risk for hip dysplasia. One way to decrease the risk is to ensure that the parents were cleared by the Orthopedic Foundation of Animals for sound hips. They are also prone to gastric dilatation and volvulus.  For more information on this condition please click here. There are several diseases of the eyes such as retinal disease and cataracts that seem to be passed from generation to generation. It is best to research the breeder prior to purchasing a puppy! 
Although they can reach great speeds and have high energy at times, Borzois are typically very calm and gentle dogs. They can make excellent family companions and adapt to many different living situations. For more information on if this breed could be a good fit for your family please visit the following websites here, here and here




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