Some international travel agencies advertising travelling in Russia put on wrappers of their guide-books the image of Russian Borzoi.
This name of breed originates from ancient Russian word “borzo” which means fast, rapidly. In Germany these dogs are called “windhund”, which is translated as wind-dog. The history of the=is breed dates back several millenia. In ancient Egypt Borzois were true friends of hunters. One of the representatives of this breed was Pharaoh’s Hound which differs from smooth Borzois with its stand-up ears. It’s considered that African and Asian plains are the birthplace of Borzoi.
Saluki – kind of Persian Borzoi has been considered as one of favorites dogs in Middle East since ancient times. The Muslims did them proud and allowed to be in sheik’s chatri because they believed those animals were pure unlike others. According to experts, Saluki is different in grace, silky hair, harmony of forms and general merit look.
English Borzoi or Greyhound. It’s rational physique became the personification of speed and racing. In England, Greyhound appeared in 9th century but reached popularity two centuries later. Only grand people were allowed to keep these dogs according to Parliament’s decision. Greyhound’s fate in Europe became unfortunate it’s used in dog races but not in hunting. Here, it’s popularity lasts 2-3 years and after it becomes useless. The closest relative of greyhound is English Whippet and small English greyhound. The history of this breed extends back a little more than a hundred years (the first dog was registered only in 1891). This dog is the result of small greyhound and terrier crossing. Whippet barks only when he sees strangers. The main advantages of whippet are small sizes and speed achieved in dog sprint. There’s a saying in England “Whippet is a pauper racehorse”.
Greyhound, whippet and saluki are a little known in East Europe. You can see Afghan hounds in pet relief areas. According to the story Noah took the greyhound into the ark. The truth is modern greyhounds have a little common with Afghan greyhound. Hunting abilities of Afghan greyhound didn’t attract modern breeders but they were interested in decorative peculiarities of the dog: long soft hair and forelock. It’s impossible to go hunting with such a beauty and they come short of speed to other hunting dogs.
Also there’s the smallest dog – the Italian Greyhound. The height at the withers is 37 cm (minimum height is 32 cm). These small and graceful dogs were used as ratters. If the Italian Greyhound is the smallest among greyhounds, there’s the biggest – the Irish Wolfhound.
In some level all these breeds of dogs are the ancestry of Russian Borzoi. Italian Greyhounds and other greyhounds are good but Russian Borzoi is popular all over the world. Germany, France, The USA, Finland and Holland have their own dog clubs that breed these dogs.
In steppe and southern regions of Russia spread Hortaya Borzaya. These big dogs (the height at the withers is 65-75 cm) have V-shaped heads, short straight hair and well developed musculature and calm temper. Unlike other greyhounds these dogs aren’t picky and need less care. They are solely used I hunting.
South Russian steppe hound. Its sizes are just like the sizes of Hortaya Borzaya, but it has more thick hair and loppy down ears. South Russian comes from Sighthounds. South Russian hound stands the cold easily and silky hair doesn’t take spiniferous. It didn’t appear in any dog shows because the standards of this breed were out of question. True lovers of greyhounds made the difference between Hortaya Borzaya and South Russian Hound by their speed, strength and reaction.
