Borzoi dogs: breeds and features

Greyhounds are a group of hunting dog breeds that were originally used for baiting prey. Greyhounds are distinguished by their high running speed, very slender physique and endurance. They are much better than other hunting dogs for hunting in the open. What you need to know if you want to get a greyhound dog as a pet and do not want to use the animal for its intended purpose?

What breeds are included in the group

The FCI (Federation Cynologique Internationale) classification includes 13 greyhound breeds. These are the Afghan Hound, Saluki, Russian Hound Hound, Deerhound, Irish Wolfhound, Greyhound, Whippet, Italian Greyhound, Slyugi, Azawakh, Hungarian Greyhound (Magyar Agar), Polish Greyhound (Polish Heart) and Spanish Greyhound (Galgo).

All breeds come from different countries – for example, from Afghanistan, Russia, Spain, Italy, Poland, Hungary. 

Borzoi dogs (not according to classifications) are also divided into subspecies: for example, broad-haired, canine, Crimean, mountain, Moldavian.

The most popular representatives of the group

All members of the group are quite popular. In Russia, Russian hounds and Afghan hounds are especially successful. Since there are not so many representatives in this group of breeds, all dogs can be considered quite popular.

Appearance

Borzoi dogs differ from other breeds in their specific appearance. These are tall, slender animals with long legs, the shape of the body is streamlined and perfectly adapted for fast and long runs. Animals are very graceful, it is pleasant to watch them run. Their muzzle is elongated, their head is light.

In motion, the dog stretches the body and paws, which increases the speed of running – greyhounds can reach speeds of up to 60 km / h.

There are many coat colors of greyhounds – from plain (black, white, gray, red) to spotted and combining all possible colors in color.

These dogs have excellent eyesight and a keen sense of smell, which helps them when hunting.

Temperament

Animals are absolutely non-aggressive and balanced – in ancient times, a dog was killed for trying to bite the owner. Greyhounds have a flock temperament and are accustomed to living in the company of their own kind. If you live outside the city, your pet will protect its territory from the attacks of other dogs, but at the same time allow people to move freely around the site. A dog can easily switch attention – five minutes ago she was playing with her relatives, and now she is already chasing a neighbor’s spitz.

Borzoi puppy training should begin as early as possible. If you miss the moment, the pet may become uncontrollable. Greyhounds are quite easy to train and quickly memorize commands, but because of their stubbornness, they do not always like to repeat what has been passed. 

Supervise your puppy during walks – he can chase a cat or someone else’s dog and get lost. It is necessary to walk a greyhound on a leash, and it is even better to accustom a puppy to walking in a harness.

Features of care

Greyhounds need grooming, but they love and know how to groom themselves on their own. The pet’s coat must be carefully combed out and remove tangles and matted lumps. This must be done at least once a week. You can wash your dog not very often, only when dirt is visible on the coat. Greyhounds shed heavily depending on the season, and during the molt, the dog has to be brushed more often. The hair on the paws between the toes should be carefully trimmed with small scissors. This does not apply to greyhounds from Africa – their coat is very short and does not require special care. 

Greyhounds are very active by nature, so get ready to walk a lot and for a long time with your pet. Train or play with your dog while walking – greyhounds need as much physical activity as possible. Your dog will be happy if you take him with you when you go for a run in the park or plan to take a bike ride. 

Talk to your veterinarian about your pet’s diet. Due to the fact that greyhounds have an accelerated metabolism, they may need enhanced nutrition. You may need to feed your dog more than twice a day. Make sure she always has plenty of fresh water.

History and purpose of breeding 

Arabia is considered the birthplace of greyhounds. It was from there that they first came to Ancient Egypt, and then to Mesopotamia. (The mummies of ancient greyhounds were found in Egyptian tombs.) Through Afghanistan, greyhounds got to the Caucasus and the Volga, through Syria – to Europe. 

Greyhounds were bred to hunt by baiting. At the courts of Russian and European aristocrats, whole packs of greyhounds were kept – only rich people could afford such entertainment. In the future, hunting with greyhounds became a kind of sport. 

Now greyhounds are often bred not only for hunting, but also as companion dogs. These are active dogs with whom it will never be boring.