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Tolstoy's epic story War and Peace describes the Borzoi on a wolf-hunt: These speedy, aristocratic Russian dogs tracked, captured and pinned wolves until the horsemen arrived. A likely mix of a shorthaired Middle Eastern dog and a long-haired, long-legged Russian Borzoi, this breed found favor with the czars, who often gave them as a royal gifts.

The name derives from a Russian word meaning "fast." Unlike most dogs, who track primarily by smell, the Borzoi uses sight as a primary sense. These tall dogs, largely unchanged for 100 years, possess a reserved disposition and still love to chase.

IDEAL BREED CHARACTERISTICS

Size: Males at least 28 inches, Females at least 26 inches in proportional balance (at the withers).

Appearance: Lean, agile body with effortless, graceful motion.

Coat and Color: Long, silky, straight, wavy or curly coat; shorter hair on the head, ears and front of the legs; feathering on the chest, tail and rear; curly frill on the neck. Any color or combination permitted. Head: Rounded skull with a long, narrow muzzle; dark, triangular eyes; small ears set far back on the head.

Tail: Long, low, gently curved.