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Borzoi
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.
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