Russian hunting greyhound

Proud individualist - Russian hunting greyhound

Undoubtedly, this is an elegant and independent dog, which originated in the "Time of Troubles" of the seventeenth century on the territory of the Russian state. Only by the end of the nineteenth century was the first standard of the Russian Borzoi breed generally accepted by the international community of cynologists established. The description said that it was a beautiful and refined dog, quite sturdy in design, capable of developing great speed and killing an animal.

An excursion into history

Wolf hunting among the aristocrats was the best extreme entertainment among all that existed in those days. There was a harsh selection of dogs that would have such skills as fearlessness, speed, agility, endurance and strength. The progenitors of the breed were the Irish wolfhound, hounds, as well as English, Eastern, Crimean and other greyhounds. The priority was to create dogs capable of defeating such a ferocious opponent as a wolf in a fight

Naturally, only a wealthy person with "weight" in society, as a rule, a landowner, could afford to keep such a unique dog. Representatives of the breed made a splash at exhibitions, becoming winners and favorites of the public over and over again. In the future, various artists will use the image of a "Russian greyhound" in their work.

Exterior

The Russian Borzoi is a predator with excellent eyesight, capable of bypassing anyone at a short distance. Often they are aggressive towards other animals and perceive them as "game". Adults can reach eighty-six centimeters at the withers and one hundred and five in length. The weight varies from twenty-five to forty-seven kilos, depending on the sex and age of the animal.

Due to the narrow and flat skull, the head and muzzle of the "Russian greyhound" are elongated and dry. These dogs are endowed with small, movable and high-set ears, which are tightly pressed in the neck area. Actually, due to the "sharp" hearing and eyesight, the Russian Borzoi is one of the most successful hunters.

Body and limbs

With all its appearance, this graceful and independent dog demonstrates impeccably honed and completed lines of the body with well-developed muscles. The breed has dry and muscular limbs with narrow oval legs. Undoubtedly, for this reason, the Russian Borzoi is a sprinter that accelerates to almost ninety kilometers per hour.

Often the "Russian greyhound" is endowed with a thin, somewhat saber-shaped tail with thick and long hair, which in a peaceful state is lowered down, and during movement is raised to the level of the back, forming a straight line.

Wool and color

The Russian breed got its name "canine" for its soft, wavy coat. In the area of the sides and limbs, the coat is very short and tight-fitting, while on the back and neck, on the contrary, it is longer and more curled.

Almost any color of the breed is possible, but the most common colors are:

• White;
• fawn;
• red;
• grey;
• black.

Temperament and care

In the Russian Borzoi, tenderness and balance coexist in character with frivolity and sometimes aggression at the same time. It is worth remembering that these dogs have no servility to humans, and they can survive in the wild quite independently. The breed requires constant training in nature and special training classes.