Borzoi facts for kids

Borzoi female dog.

The Borzoi is a special type of dog that comes from Russia. It used to be known as the Russian Wolf Hound.

This dog breed was first brought to the United States in 1889. Just one year later, it was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club. Borzoi dogs are known for being very beautiful and having a gentle personality, which makes them wonderful pets.

History of the Borzoi

The rules for what a Borzoi should look like were written way back in 1650, and they haven't changed much since then! In Russia, these dogs were very popular with the royalty, especially the Tsars (who were like kings). It was actually against the law to sell them. Instead, Borzois were given as special gifts to people who did great things for the Tsars.

You can even find Borzoi dogs mentioned in famous Russian novels, like "Anna Karenina" by Leo Tolstoy. However, during the Russian Revolution, many Borzoi dogs were killed because they were seen as a symbol of royalty. Luckily, a few of these amazing dogs were taken out of the country and saved.

What Borzois Look Like

Borzois are quite tall, usually standing about 30 to 32 inches (76 to 81 cm) high at their withers (which is the highest part of their back, near their shoulders). They typically weigh between 75 to 100 pounds (34 to 45 kg).

These dogs have a long, flowing coat. They can come in many different colors, including solid white, brown and white, gray and white, or brindle (which is a striped pattern). Some Borzois are even all black.

Borzoi Health

People who care for Borzois have done a great job of keeping the breed healthy. Borzois generally don't have as many health problems as some other dog breeds.

Borzois in Modern Times

Because of their very elegant and graceful looks, Borzois have been used in advertising for fancy things like luxury cars and jewelry.

Images for kids

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  Borzoi Flock DHSB 325, owned by Max Hartenstein, Berlin, Germany, 1879

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  Wolf hunting with borzois (1904), Efim A. Tikhmenev.

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  The famous actress, Sarah Bernhardt, depicted with Borzoi, by Georges Clairin, French painter

See also

In Spanish: Borzoi para niños