A Brief History of Borzoi: Reasons Behind the Diversity of Types

The Borzoi, a true aristocrat of the dog world, is a breed that holds enigmatic appeal for its fans and baffles many judges with its variety of types. This Russian aristocrat survived against many odds as the breed’s history paralleled the turmoils in its native land. By tracing the Borzoi’s ancestry, we can better understand its diversity and the importance placed on functionality.

Many breeds of sighthounds were used to develop the Borzoi. Throughout the breed’s history in old Russia, the main emphasis had always been placed on breeding a functional coursing hound, suited for hunting hare, fox, and wolf on more or less open terrain. As the hunting practices and conditions changed, so did the Borzoi in its finer and cosmetic points. However, the breed has always been prized for its sound running gear and unique ability for the brosok, Russian for “burst of speed.” Imagine a dog running at what you think is its absolute full speed while pursuing the game. As it gets closer, it seems that the dog shifts gears and, all of a sudden, there is an unexpected acceleration. That is the brosok, one of the most important selection criteria for the Borzoi in its native land.

The original Borzoi, or psovaya, as it has been called in Russia for centuries (literally, long-haired sighthound), was the result of crossbreeding the Saluki-type dogs and native Nordic wolf-like dogs (or laikas). The sighthounds were brought to Russia by the Mongols that invaded the country in the 13th century. The laikas had long legs, slightly arched backs, narrow erect ears, and tails that were straight and carried down. Those laikas served their masters in Russia as versatile hunters that used both sight and scent and coursed their game.

When bred to the sighthounds of the Golden Horde, the resulting crosses were effective hunting dogs marked by elegance, possessing erect or semi-pricked ears (which over generations turned into rose ears), thick coats, frills around their necks, and feathering on the backs of legs, body, and tail. The typical colors were grey or gold sables; most of the dogs were self-colored, though spotted dogs are mentioned as well in the old sources.

The original Borzoi had a definite curve to their topline, a compact format, a narrow but deep chest, a shorter neck, and hindquarters set under the dog when standing naturally. The breed was so exotic looking yet so effective in the combined hunts practiced in Russia that it soon became a sort of national treasure. Great speeds on short distances were required of the sighthounds in order to hunt in the small cleared fields and forest meadows of Russia, so brosok was selected for in the early Borzoi.

The Greyhound was brought to Russia in some numbers during the reign of Vasili III (1505-1533) and played a role in the Borzoi’s development early on. Also, it is well recorded that the Greyhound was added to the Borzoi stock again in the late 19th century. The brindle color in the Borzoi is undoubtedly the legacy of the Greyhound.

The Chart Polski, a Polish sighthound breed that exists to this day, had also been introduced to the early Borzoi gene pool. False Dmitry, the first imposter to the Russian throne during the Times of Trouble in the early 1600s, was an avid hunter. He surrounded himself with Polish nobles, who brought their sighthounds to the court.

The Borzoi (or, to use the Russian term psovaya) had several known varieties and stages of development. The original or ancient psovaya was the result of crossbreeding the sighthounds of the Mongols and local laikas. The chisto-psovaya, according to most sources, emerged after the original psovayas were bred to the Greyhounds and Chart Polskis. The chisto-psovaya were known for their lighter build, very deep briskets with a decent spring of rib, longer necks, elegant smaller heads with large eyes and joyful expressions, plush coats, and shorter but straight tails.

The chisto-psovayas were enthusiastic hunters that trotted in search of prey. They were best suited for short-distance pursuits and had a superb ability for the brosok. After the great Northern wars, gaining access to the Baltic Sea, and following the founding of St. Petersburg in 1703, Russia had developed closer ties to the Baltic region. Peter II, the grandson of the famous Peter the Great, was an avid hunter. At the time, the chisto-psovayas were crossbred to the Courland wirehaired sighthounds, or kloks.

The kloks were bred by the German nobles residing in Courland, a Baltic region of present-day western Latvia. The kloks were massive, tall, shorter on leg, and had curly soft coats all over their bodies, heads, and legs. Their tails were sickle-shaped. Russian hunters of the time were very impressed by the size, width, strength, and fierceness of these impressive hounds, although their speed was inferior to that of the Borzoi.

The result of the systematic crosses was a new breed that emerged in the 1750s named “Courland Long-Coated Sighthound.” These new dogs had a short coat on the head, fronts of legs, and tail, but a profuse and very curly coat on the body. The Courland Long-Coated Sighthounds were somewhat awkward, shorter on the leg, and generally inferior to Borzoi in overall appearance and speed.

So, it was only natural for the Russian breeders to continue crossbreeding them with their psovayas (Borzoi). Eventually, that led to a complete disappearance of the Courland sighthounds and the emergence of the gusto-psovaya. The gusto-psovaya, which literally means “thick-haired sighthound,” represents the next stage of the Borzoi’s development. The gusto-psovayas were considered a rare and highly valued breed in the early 1800s.

They were tall and wide dogs with thick, curly, and long coats furnished by profuse, wavy, or curly feathering. The gusto-psovayas had very high-set small ears and beautiful chiseled narrow heads with excellent veining. The rise to their topline began closer to the shoulders in males, whereas the bitches had flatter backs, though their toplines never sagged. The typical colors were grey and gold sables, and all shades of gold, and they came in self-colored and spotted varieties. The gusto-psovayas had a supreme ability to accelerate on short-distance pursuits.

By the 1830s, due to the deforestation of Russia, hunting practices were slowly changing. The Russian breeders were beginning to be dissatisfied with the gusto-psovaya’s inability to pursue game on long distances. So, the drop-eared sighthound breeds, which were brought into the country after the Russo-Turkish War of the late 1700s, were to play a central role in the further development of the Borzoi. The Mountain sighthounds, or gorskayas, were the ultimate answer to the gusto-psovaya’s shortcomings.

The Mountain sighthounds were both fast and had great stamina. They were beautiful, elegant, graceful, and well-proportioned dogs. They had a slight rise to their topline and were longer in the body. They had gorgeous chiseled heads with a marked seam, prominent eyebrows, and occiput. Their beautiful eyes were coal-black. The ribs had both good spring and depth of brisket. The Mountain Sighthounds were known for their good tuck-ups, sickle-shaped or ringed tails, and short coats with feathering on ears, tail, and rear legs. The Mountain Sighthounds are thought to be the ones that brought the black and tan pattern into the Borzoi.

Another breed that was brought to Russia around the same time was the Crimean Sighthounds (krymka). They were much like the Mountain Sighthounds, except coarser. The Crimean Sighthounds had amazing stamina and good speed on long distances. However, they lacked the elegance of the Mountain sighthounds. They had smaller heads, level or sagging toplines, ring tails, great spring of rib, but shallower brisket.

So, when the drop-eared sighthounds arrived in Russia, a sort of frenzy began among the breeders, who started crossbreeding Mountain Sighthounds, as well as Crimean sight-hounds with the gusto-psovayas. By the 1860s, all Borzoi in Russia had Mountain or Crimean sighthounds in their pedigrees. The gusto-psovaya type was lost in its pure form. The Borzoi gained more stamina but, unfortunately, many exhibited looser ear sets and ring tails.

Another Russian sighthound breed, which had already been in existence then and exists to this day, is the Hortaya Sighthound, or, simply put, the shorthaired Borzoi. The Hortaya was the result of crossbreeding the chisto-psovaya back to Chart Polski and the Greyhound again.

With the abolition of serfdom in 1861, most landowners in Russia could no longer afford to keep large kennels, some of which housed up to 400 dogs. The number of old kennels was staggering, as most self-respecting landowners in Russia hunted with sighthounds. There were many distinct lines of Borzoi. After 1861, the breeders could no longer keep different lines and varieties of sighthounds. The result proved rather disastrous for the breeds. Basically, all varieties and/or breeds of sighthounds (Chisto-psovayas, Gusto-psovayas, Mountain, Crimean, and sometimes even hortayas sighthounds) were consolidated and crossbred rather carelessly. Many excellent lines of Borzoi were lost altogether.

At the first Imperial Hunting Society dog show in 1874, not a single gusto-psovaya, which then was considered the purebred Borzoi of the old type, was present. The members of the Imperial Society agreed that no more drop-eared sighthounds should be mixed with their beloved native breed. The fanciers concentrated their efforts on making the breed more uniform and started bringing back the breed’s lost features while holding on to some positive traits acquired from the Mountain and Crimean sighthounds. They put the beginning of the modern psovaya, or as we call it, the Borzoi.

By 1888, the first standard for the modern Borzoi was written by Nikolai Petrovich Ermolov, an undisputed authority on the breed, whose family bred Borzoi for over 200 years. The members of the Imperial Society accepted the standard and used it as a guide to bring the breed to a more uniform state.

The Perchino kennel of the Grand Duke Nikolai Nikolaevich, the Tsar’s uncle, was instrumental in the process. They had bred many truly remarkable Borzois in the early 20th century. The Grand Duke was able to achieve results because of the enormous resources that were used in his breeding operation. The kennel manager, Dmitry Valtsev, would later write a book, The Perchino Hunt, that has been translated into English and should be required reading for all Borzoi enthusiasts.

The Grand Duke was able to acquire the best breeding stock of functional Borzoi from the most distinguished Borzoi breeders. He then selected for the cosmetic features that were typical of the original Borzoi before the addition of the Mountain and Crimean Sighthounds, but at the same time kept the positive influence of those breeds. Mr. Valtsev led a very sophisticated breeding program, at the center of which he placed the dog’s hunting abilities and breed type.

So, in addition to breeding structurally sound animals that had the ability for the brosok (an original Borzoi feature) as well as the bonus ability for long-distance pursuits (inherited from the Mountain Sighthounds), in an attempt to bring back the original Borzoi, the Perchino dogs were also selected for such beautiful cosmetic features as overall elegance, nice heads with veining, dark eyes, high ear sets, hare feet, good straight tails, and proper silky coat texture with profuse feathering.

The process of bringing the breed back to a uniform state had not been completed by the time the Russian Empire was nearing the beginning of its end, first marked by the 1905 revolution, then its involvement in WWI and, finally, the 1917 Bolshevik revolution that devastated the country and nearly destroyed the Borzoi breed in its native land. Approximately 150 Borzoi exported from Russia are behind all the current dogs. The variety of type exists to this day, and one can see the different cosmetic features of the Borzoi’s ancestors in the dogs of today.

However, presently, few hunt with Borzoi, and it takes a truly experienced and dedicated breeder to understand and ensure the continuation of the functional sighthound, which was an absolute priority for all breeders of old times.

The post A Brief History of Borzoi: Reasons Behind the Diversity of Types appeared first on Showsight Magazine.

Borzoi were bred by royalty to excel in the rugged Steppes of Russia. Large double-coated hounds that hunt by sight, built for speed, strength, agility, and endurance, all in balance to overtake and hold wolf and hare. In silhouette, a continuous curve from the tip of nose to tail, with well-set shoulders and graceful topline, all balanced to enable the double suspension gallop. The chest is rather narrow, with depth for heart and lungs. The head is long and narrow, with obliquely set eyes, fine rose ears, and a strong muzzle to catch and hold its prey. All bred in balance to produce a hound to work at speed and perform in difficult conditions, yet exhibiting its noble and elegant heritage when in repose.

Less than 125 words describe the essence of the breed. But how do you explain the attraction to Borzoi that has extended centuries, and what is the essence of the breed?

Originally bred to eliminate the wolf to protect life and livestock, the adoption by the Russian Aristocracy is well documented. From small, organized hunts to eliminate a threat, over time, transforming to grand scale hunts that would last for a month. These hunts became pageantry and the theater for competition for hound, horse, and rider. The scale and grandeur are well documented in Leo Tolstoy’s novel, War and Peace. Originally, each noble had their own distinct line and look, with matched pairs in color and size from kennels that could reach into the hundreds of dogs. These hunts were the epitome of the nobel aristocracy, and with the fall of the Russian Dynasty the Borzoi were seen as the representation of oppression and the excess of the ruling class. But this was not the end of the breed, as they made their way across Europe traveling with their owners in exile.

Originally, the Borzoi were only owned by the aristocratic class. Borzoi were often given as gifts to other royalty and dignitaries throughout Europe. From those lines, the breed survived to become a new status symbol of the Roaring Twenties and the Art Deco scene of the early 20th century. Eventually they became part of the art scene, with Erté painting the image of a beautifully gowned, tall and slender woman with two Borzoi at her side. Possibly, a vision of Diana the Huntress modernized with pearls and satin. In no time, the Borzoi were seen in a new society and on the catwalk with models in New York and Paris. With the rise of the silent movie screens, the popularity of the Borzoi was seen as part of the new aristocracy. From playing a part in the production of the theater, such as in the ballet Giselle, to even accompanying Liberace on the Vegas stage, the Borzoi had found a way of becoming a timeless status symbol.

Somehow the allure of the romantic history of the Czars, to the fashion of the 1920s and the proliferation of paintings and sculpture, has kept this breed in vogue. Surprising that a hound can both chase down a wolf and walk composed with a model under the lights. This feat has its own allure. Mostly, today’s Borzoi go from the couch to the field and are adept in both environments. It is this calm, controlled power and speed on the end of the lead that has its attraction. Very much like owning a vintage sports car that can go from the city streets to the track and look beautiful in both environments. Western society has always been attracted to tall, lean, and athletic lines and the Borzoi fits that mold.

The AKC Borzoi Breed Standard reads: “The Borzoi should always possess unmistakable elegance, with flowing lines, graceful in motion or repose.” Louis Muir, one of the great Borzoi breeders and all-rounder AKC judge, wrote that the Borzoi must exhibit that great “Nobility and Romanticism.” Without this element they are just another hound. The Standard also states special emphasis on sound running gear. It is this juxtaposition of atheism and beauty that makes this breed unique. A lean, long, chiseled head, with dark, obliquely set eyes yet soft in expression, is also a balance between ferocity, strength, and purpose yet soft and beautiful. Even the description of the topline describes both elegance and form and function used for the double suspension gallop by simply stating, “Rising… at the loins in a graceful curve.” The tail is described as long, set on and carried low in a “graceful curve.”

If you told an artist they had to create a painting with only two colors, most would feel stifled; not the Borzoi Standard: “Any color, or combination of colors, is acceptable.” Not surprising, the Borzoi community has many artists in residency. It does not stop there. On coat: “Long, silky… either flat, wavy or rather curly” are all equal in desirability—so many options.

The Standard is written for athleticism, speed, power, and endurance to chase, catch, and hold their prey, just so the hunter can finish the task and boast about their hound back at the hunting lodge. Not much different than owning a classic sports car and finishing first at the car show. There is an attraction to owning something with power, speed, and graceful curves and 500 horsepower under the bonnet. The juxtaposition of having power and elegance can be a strong attraction. To combine both beauty and power is a fine line. Too much in either direction results in coarse and bulky or lithe and clumsy.

The Borzoi is a breed of two opposing forces: elegance and athleticism. The best of the breeders tread this fine line and work to keep both in balance throughout their breeding programs. One of my favorite examples of seeing this was at the end of my judging of the Borzoi Club of America National. Sorting down the large entry of Specials for correctly built dogs that could do their job, yet exhibited a certain elegance in silhouette, I ended with 16 in the final cut. When the 16 came back into my ring it was an artist’s vision with color, coat, graceful curves, strength, and power. I did indulge and take an extra moment to let that fill my eye. It was a thrill to just stop and admire the balance of elegance and athleticism that is a priority in this noble breed.

The post The Essence of the Borzoi appeared first on Showsight Magazine.

Interview with Bill and Lynda Sarman, Breeders of Radost Borzoi

Where do I live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a breeder?

Radost Borzoi kennel is located at Bill and Lynda’s personal ranch, “Ruby Seitz (DBA),” on just shy of 35 acres in Northeastern Nevada’s beautiful region of the Ruby Mountains.

My dad, mom, and I have been breeding Golden Retrievers since the late 1960s, and then, I mentally started looking into Borzoi in 1980, thus acquiring my first Borzoi in January 1997. A dear friend/mentor/breeder, Barbara Binder, Borzoi del Viento, asked me to co-breed a litter with her in January of 2003, thus producing our first litter on March 07, 2003, the famous Gold Rush litter, and continuing on with other friends/breeders to produce more famous and well-known litters.

What is my kennel name? How many dogs do I currently keep?

Our kennel name is Radost Borzoi. In August 2010, the American Kennel Club registered our kennel name “RADOST®.” (We renew every five years with AKC.)

We currently have seven Borzoi residing here. “Adele” and “Sammy” are two that we bred almost 14 years ago… they are still with us, going strong. “Izzy” and “Fane” are their dam and sire! “Eve” is going on 12 years young. She is “Winn’s” daughter. “Mason” is going on 10 years young. “Dicah” is our only intact female. She is 4.5 years young and is Winn’s great-granddaughter. And our two brothers who just turned 18 months old, “Droamo” and “Tyrion,” are Winn’s great-grandsons!

Which show dogs from the past have been my noteworthy winners?

CH Sky Run San Quentin del Viento JC (Quentin)

• Owner: Lynda C. Sarman
• Breeder: Barbara Binder (Borzoi del Viento)
• DOB: 5/2/98 – 02/05/08
• Sire: CH Sky Run Gavril Virtual Zip JC
• Dam: CH Tazeb’s Zena, CD (Eng. Imp.)
• Quentin’s CHIC #13227

MBOSS MGroup-Placing GCH AM CH Kansai’Z Elsa (Elsa)

• Owners: Lynda Cattoni Sarman & Cricket Murray
• Breeder: Karen “Cricket” Murray (Kansai Borzoi)
• DOB: November 14, 2003 – May 20, 2015
• Sire: AM CH Osdow Av Fjascho JC (Fargo)
• Dam: BISS AM CAN CH Wind’nSatin Color On The Air (Princess)
• Elsa’s AKC DNA Profile: V626317; CHIC #42046

AM CH Radost White Rock (Winn)

• Great-Grandsire to “Dustin” and many other amazing offspring!
• Owners: Lynda Cattoni Sarman, Karen Murray & Dawn Port
• Breeders: Lynda C. Sarman (Radost Borzoi), Karen “Cricket” Murray (Kansai Borzoi), and Janice McMinn (Revelstone Borzoi)
• DOB: October 29, 2009 – May 06, 2021
• Sire: MBIS MBISS AM GCHP, CAN GCH, INT’L CH Aashtori Wildhunt Hidden Adenda CGCA ROMXC (Casper)
• Dam: MBOSS MGroup Placing GCH AM CH Kansai’Z Elsa (Elsa)
• Winoc’s AKC DNA Profile: V626316; CHIC #103320

M Group Placing GCH AM CH Radost La Vida Dulce (Vida)

• Owners: Lynda Cattoni Sarman & Susan Pinkerton (Menigma Borzoi-UK)
• Breeders: Lynda C. Sarman, Karen Murray, and Janice McMinn
• DOB: October 29, 2009 – March 07, 2018
• Sire: MBIS MBISS AM GCHP, CAN GCH, INT’L CH Aashtori Wildhunt Hidden Adenda CGCA ROMXC (Casper)
• Dam: MBOSS MGroup Placing Am GCH CH Kansai’Z Elsa
• La Vida’s AKC DNA Profile: V626315; CHIC #97187

Which have been my most influential sires and dams?

KINOBI STARDANCE RADOST JC (Izzy)

• Owners: Lynda Cattoni Sarman & Rebecca Peters-Campbell
• Breeder: Rebecca Peters-Campbell (Kinobi Borzoi)
• DOB: September 30, 2003 – April 26, 2017
• Sire: Silkenswift Black Aster SC (Aster)
• Dam: BIS MBISS AM CAN CH Kyrov Kinobi Dancing Star JC (Dani)
• Izzy’s AKC DNA Profile: V626318

AM CH Kansai’Z Fane (Fane)

• Owners: Lynda Cattoni Sarman & Elaine Kilmer
• Breeder: Karen “Cricket” Murray
• DOB: July 1, 2004 – December 1, 2009
• Sire: CH Osdow Av Fjascho JC (Fargo)
• Dam: BISS AM CAN CH Wind ‘N Satin Color On The Air (Princess)

MBOSS MGroup Placing GCH AM CH Kansai’Z Elsa (Elsa)

• Owners: Lynda Cattoni Sarman & Karen “Cricket” Murray
• Breeder: Karen “Cricket” Murray (Kansai Borzoi)
• DOB: November 14, 2003 – May 20, 2015
• Sire: AM CH Osdow Av Fjascho JC (Fargo)
• Dam: BISS AM CAN CH Wind’nSatin Color On The Air (Princess)
• Elsa’s AKC DNA Profile: V626317; CHIC #42046

AM CH Radost White Rock (Winn)

• Great-Grandsire to Dustin and many other amazing offspring!
• Owners: Lynda Cattoni Sarman, Karen Murray & Dawn Port
• Breeders: Lynda C. Sarman (Radost Borzoi) Karen “Cricket” Murray (Kansai Borzoi), and Janice McMinn (Revelstone Borzoi)
• DOB: October 29, 2009 – May 06, 2021
• Sire: MBIS MBISS AM GCHP, CAN GCH, INT’L CH Aashtori Wildhunt Hidden Adenda CGCA ROMXC (Casper)
• Dam: MBOSS MGroup Placing GCH AM CH Kansai’Z Elsa (Elsa)
• Winoc’s AKC DNA Profile: V626316; CHIC #103320

M Group Placing GCH AM CH Radost La Vida Dulce (Vida)

• Owners: Lynda Cattoni Sarman & Susan Pinkerton (Menigma Borzoi-UK)
• Breeders: Lynda C. Sarman, Karen “Cricket” Murray, and Janice McMinn
• DOB: October 29, 2009 – March 07, 2018
• Sire: MBIS MBISS AM GCHP, CAN GCH, INT’L CH Aashtori Wildhunt Hidden Adenda CGCA ROMXC (Casper)
• Dam: MBOSS MGroup Placing AM GCH CH Kansai’Z Elsa (Elsa)
• La Vida’s AKC DNA Profile: V626315; CHIC #97187

Can I talk a bit about my facilities? Where are my puppies whelped? How are they raised?

Our facilities for our babies is incorporated into our home. We house our elderly in our home on raised beds, and puppies are in the attached building to our home. They have raised beds, and access inside and out with dog doors that can accommodate -20 degree conditions. There is an outside day yard for adults and puppies… then a big performance yard, all 6 ft. high farm fence with drilling pipe metal posts. We have 3 ft. deep cemented barriers around the perimeter of the performance yard.

Our puppies are whelped in a whelping room with a dog door so that momma is able to go in and out into a fenced 6 ft. day yard. We use a top-end Jonart extra-large whelping box with side hog rails for the convenience of the dam and for us to be able to lay down with them all. The vets at Elko Veterinary Clinic are on-call in case of an emergency. Weighing and medical supplies are all on-hand, and in case any of us has to nurse the babies… bottles and supplies are available and ready. There is a handy “door” affixed to the whelping box, so when the pups’ eyes are opened and they are ready to venture out of the whelping box, they can; however, they are enclosed back into the whelping box at nighttime.

We are with the babies almost on a 24-hour basis for the first week. An on-call vet comes to check the babies and administer the first sets of shots and check-ups. We stay in the kennel area; we have a bedroom and the kennel has its own laundry area and kitchen area, complete with dishwasher. There is a heating/air-conditioning unit in the kennel. The whelping box bedding is rubber-backed sheep shear and cotton waterproof bed mats. We usually do laundry quite a lot throughout the day.

When they are three weeks old, puppies are raised starting off with an organic home-cooked base and grass-fed beef, gently cooked. They keep on this diet, adjusted as they grow. They are driven to the vet clinic at eight weeks of age and start outings. Socialization is very important. We usually have relatives with young children come to play with the babies, and West Paw toys with organic treats are a must to promote play and bonding. Basic Obedience training begins and Conformation stands are taught. After four months of age, five months… after rabies shots, we go to Obedience training to allow pups to socialize with other breeds and to get them to learn the basics of both Obedience and Conformation. Playing with “lure” toys promotes what our breed was bred for.

What is my “process” for selecting Show Puppies? Performance Puppies?

We do puppy socialization testing and have them chase lure toys to see if they have the drive to chase. We check for shyness, aggressiveness, boldness, assertiveness, and loving, caring babies. Food aggressiveness is a big one. If a pup is very aggressive, we see if they will respond to positive correction. We try to always promote positive corrections if needed.

Do I compete in Companion Events? Performance Events?

Yes, we try to get puppies out at six months of age with Conformation classes. We do promote CGC Testing and Basic Obedience, also Agility training and events. We do not get puppies into performance running events until they are around 18 months of age.

Our adult dogs do Conformation, Lure Coursing, Rally, and Agility, when available.

Is “performance” part of my decision-making when it comes to breeding?

Yes, that is what our breed was bred for.

How would I define “conditioning” as it relates to my breed?

It is so important to “condition” our babies after the age of 18 months old. Before then, they have access to a performance yard and our acreage. We go on long walks and get to venture outdoors. Adult dogs, we road work. I usually road work our adults 3-5 miles a day for 3-5 days a week. They also have access to the performance yard, which is 250 ft. x 125 ft.

Are there any health-related concerns in my breed? Any special nutritional needs?

Concerns include bloat, osteosarcoma, and DM. We do special nutritional diets for our babies, not that they need it; we just want to provide the best diet we can for them.

Do I think my breed is supported by a sufficient number of preservation breeders?

I do, and I pray that it will continue to be so.

Is my breed well suited to be a family dog? Who are the best candidates to own my breed?

Absolutely! We try to raise our Borzoi to be first and foremost family companions. It is so important to find just the right homes for them. I am sorry, but we do ask lots of questions in regards to care, environment, diet, vet care, and most importantly, secure yards and home life. We ask to see photos of the homes to be and we also request a signed vet letter stating that they know how to care for a sighthound and, hopefully, a Borzoi!

What is the biggest misconception about my breed? What is my breed’s best-kept secret?

The biggest misconception is that they were bred to hunt and kill. Yes, they were bred to hunt and take down prey, but it is up to the owner to allow them to kill their prey. The best-kept secret… Borzoi are highly intelligent. They CAN reason!

If I could share a comment or two with judges of my breed, what would I like to say to them?

Borzoi come in all shapes, sizes, and colors… read the Standard and stay true to the Standard. If they are balanced and move effortlessly, they meet the height requirements and structure requirements, so then they should not be penalized if they are too big or seem too small, as long as they are balanced and move effortlessly like the Standard states. Make sure that their down and back is true… no toeing in or elbowing out… and not knitting in the back legs.

Do I have any words of wisdom to pass along to newer breeders?

Always remember… there were prior breeders who helped to mold your selected pedigree. Give gratitude to them. Recognize them for their efforts in trying to do the best they can. Do as much research and health testing as possible, and to me, I feel that if I breed a litter, they are mine for life. If ever an owner wishes to return them, they are always welcomed back to our home or we will try to assist the owner to find another home for them. AND we, as breeders, need to realize that it is the new owner who will care, condition, love, and provide for our babies. We have to recognize them also.

For a bit of fun, what’s the most amusing thing I’ve ever experienced with a Hound?

This is one of many stories, but it will show you the intelligence of a Borzoi.

A dear friend of mine and I co-owned a canine/feline store, and one night we were closing up the store. My girls would come with me to work and stay in the store with me for people to meet and greet them. They did not come every night, but most. Anyway, one of my favorite brood bitches would watch me do all sorts of things. One night, my “Izzy” was placed in the van and told that I would be out shortly after we’d closed the store. Well, my partner and I got caught up chatting, rather than closing the store, and Izzy proceeded to jump into the front set and turn my headlights on as if to say, “Mom, time to go!”

I stated to my partner that Izzy had turned the lights on and we both laughed, and then we proceeded to finish our conversation… ah, not good enough for Izzy. I do not know how she knew where the high beams were, but all of a sudden she was flashing the headlights at us! Thank goodness my partner was there or no one would have believed she was doing this! Hahahaha! Smart girly girl. There are many more stories I could share of the Borzoi intelligence and their reasoning abilities.

Are you looking for a Borzoi puppy?

The best way to ensure a long and happy relationship with a purebred dog is to purchase one from a responsible breeder. Not sure where to begin finding a breeder?

Contact the National Parent Club’s Breeder Referral person, which you can find on the AKC Breeder Referral Contacts page.

Want to help rescue and re-home a Borzoi dog?

Did you know nearly every recognized AKC purebred has a dedicated rescue group? Find your new best friend on the AKC Rescue Network Listing.

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Interview with Owner Handler, Kelley Frary – Purebred Doberman Pinscher and Borzoi Dog Breeds

I’m Kelley Frary and I live in Des Moines, Iowa. I’m a realtor in my everyday life, but a huge advocate for dogs in my free time. I’m a member of several canine organizations here in Iowa and compete in several other sports in addition to conformation.

I got my first well-bred dog at 23 and planned on just dabbling in shows and trying it out. Lo and behold, I’ve spent the last seven years fully enjoying every opportunity! The friends and family I’ve made through dogs have truly been the gift of a lifetime.

1. When were you first introduced to the sport of purebred dogs? To your breed?

Kelley Frary: I, from a very young age, watched the greats at Westminster and the National Dog Show. I was enchanted by the opportunity to shine with your canine companion and have your moment to represent a breed that you are deeply passionate about. I asked my mother if we would be able to look into getting a Doberman Pinscher, as they were a favorite of mine, and she replied, “They’re too scary. You’ll have to get one when you’re an adult.” So, as soon as I found myself able as an adult… I did years of research to land on the perfect breeder, which is what started my Owner Handler journey.

I, from a very young age, watched the greats at Westminster and the National Dog Show… I did years of research to land on the perfect breeder, which is what started my Owner Handler journey.

2. How many years in dogs? How many as an Owner Handler?

Kelley Frary: I’ve been in the sport of purebred dogs for seven years. All seven of those years were spent owner handling. I’ve got both a GCH Doberman (AKC GCH U-GCH Old Drum’s Red Rockefeller CGCA CAA DDCN NW2 TKN SCN SEN SIN SPOT) and a GCH Borzoi (GCH Konza Sojourn In A Gadda Da Vida SC CA). I just recently bred a singleton Borzoi puppy.

3. Do you attend show handling classes? Have you attended any handling seminars?

Kelley Frary: I’m so blessed to have a wealth of opportunities with handling classes here in the central Iowa area. We truly have a familial vibe in those classes to judge/help each other and improve our handling skills. I’ve been fortunate to attend a couple of handling seminars offered at shows done by professional handlers, which I’ve found to be extremely helpful for honing my handling skills.

4. Have you found virtual learning tools to be helpful? Classes? Videos? Websites? Social Media?

Kelley Frary: I’ve found social media to be a great place for feedback on improving things or for encouragement to keep going when I find difficulties. I think the best tool I’ve found online is watching my breeds at big events like the National Dog Show or Westminster or live streams of specialties, and emulating what I see to improve.

5. Do you compete in the National Owner-Handled Series? Are rankings important to you?

Kelley Frary: At the end of the day, I think we can all agree that our dogs are fantastic regardless of their ranking. However, being a competitive person, I do enjoy the chase of staying in the Top 20 rankings for my breeds and I enjoy being in Groups with other Owner Handlers. It is a huge honor when I get to present my dogs at the national in the Owner Handler Top 20, and get to go around the ring and celebrate our year of success!

6. In which class(es) are you most likely to enter your dog(s)? Why?

Kelley Frary: I’m most likely to enter the Puppy Classes or American-Bred Class. I find those classes to be a little forgiving of mistakes, whether that’s by my handling or a novice dog.

7. Is it a challenge to compete with your breed(s) as an Owner Handler?

Kelley Frary: When I entered the Doberman Pinscher breed, I was told that it would be incredibly difficult to finish my dog’s championship owner-handled. One thing I’ve found is that my breed is blessed with some of the best handlers in the world, and watching their techniques and professionalism was such a great learning tool for myself.

8. Are you intimidated by the Professional Handlers? By the Judges?

Kelley Frary: I definitely was when I first started. It certainly took me a couple of years to find confidence in my handling abilities and in my dog. I think I was more intimidated by Professional Handlers than by Judges. But after getting to know some, this definitely softened and I was able to feel more relaxed. Consequently, being more relaxed helped me and my dog to perform better—and I started seeing some great results!

9. Who have been your mentor(s) as an Owner Handler?

Kelley Frary: I’ve really bonded with Owner Handlers in other breeds and I think it’s important to have that connection on especially hard days at the dog show. It’s truly a familial vibe of encouragement when I’m in the ring and I look forward to seeing my friends’ faces when I’m nervous.

I’ve really bonded with Owner Handlers in other breeds and I think it’s important to have that connection on especially hard days at the dog show

10. How important is the Owner Handler to the future of the dog sport?

Kelley Frary: I think it’s incredibly important to embrace the Owner Handlers, as they often can be more connected with the general public. Their success in the dog world certainly shows and I believe it’s a great tool to get other people interested. They are great advocates for the sport!

11. What are your goals as an Owner Handler? Is there a victory that has eluded you?

Kelley Frary: Owner handling my Doberman to his Grand Championship was a huge goal of mine. He has won several Owner-Handled RBIS placements, but has never won the Owner-Handled BIS honor. He’s going to be turning seven this year, so I’m tempted to bring him out for the Veteran Class and chase down that last goal!

12. Is there a funny story that you can share about your experiences as an Owner Handler?

Kelley Frary: I remember one of my very first shows where I was handed a Best Owner-Handled ribbon, but truly had no idea what that meant or what I needed to do after receiving it. I stayed to watch Groups in the afternoon, fully not understanding that I was going to need to enter the NOHS Working Group ring.

After watching them enter, somebody asked me why I wasn’t in the ring and it occurred to me that that’s what the ribbon meant. I was so embarrassed to enter late into the ring and stop the judge from what he was doing, but I mustered up the courage. The judge was incredibly nice and let me go around. It’s funny to think how far we’ve come from that moment!

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Interview with Hound Group Breeder Karen Staudt-Cartabona – Majenkir Borzoi Kennel

Where do I live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a breeder?

Karen Staudt-Cartabona: Majenkir Borzoi Kennels are located high on a hill in beautiful Swartswood, New Jersey, overlooking Swartswood Lake and State Park. We are surrounded on three sides by protected, preserved lands, which make this private area the ideal place for a kennel. The bloodline’s foundation bitch, CH Tanya Majenkir of Kalevala CD ROM, was purchased in 1963. Her first litter came a few years later. “Tanya” was the foundation and is still the cornerstone behind all Majenkir Borzoi. She was the result of a brother/sister mating and was genetically prepotent for many fine features that came down from the Russian hunting dogs imported from Russia a few short generations before her. Her granddam was a coursing hunter who lost several toes in a bear trap and was unable to hunt. Alcyone Delvos was sent East to become a brood bitch for Elizabeth Allison. Louie Murr was quite impressed with her quality and allowed her to be bred to one of his last remaining stud dogs; Vigow II, end product of his famous Romanoff Kennel.

What is my kennel name? How many dogs do I currently keep?

Karen Staudt-Cartabona: Majenkir Borzoi LLC Reg. is licensed with the USDA to keep compliant with New Jersey rules and regulations for keeping, and especially for breeding, dogs. Many New Jersey townships have a six-dog limit and breeding restrictions.

At present, we have 12 adults, while over the decades there were often 30 or more adults. I was able to maintain several lines and variations within the breed.

Which show dogs from the past have been my noteworthy winners?

Karen Staudt-Cartabona: This is difficult to answer, since there have been so many generations of top winners since the start in the 1960s.

Tanya’s second litter was successful. After realizing the weaknesses apparent in the first litter, I searched for and found a more suitable stud dog. Tauskey produced CH MAJENKIR SVERKAI SNOW STAG, CD ROMX. As a team, and with help from so many who were so gracious with their knowledge and help, I learned to handle and present my dog. He began winning and I was hooked for life. Snow Stag was a BCOA National BOB winner and became a ROM sire.

CH MAJENKIR GYRFALCON, FLD CH ROMX, a No. 1 Borzoi and, to date, the Top-Producing Borzoi in breed history. “Gerry” was every breeder’s dream both in the show ring and as a stud dog—and as my companion. Gerry set what is now known worldwide as the Majenkir type.

In 2003, a group calling themselves “Friends of Majenkir” commissioned an original bronze by Kay Collins to perpetuate Gerry’s memory. One of the three copies is now on permanent display at the AKC Museum of the Dog in New York City. One of Gerry’s sons, also a multiple No. 1 Borzoi in the 1990s, was an impressive winner. He is multiple BIS BISS CH MAJENKIR ARCTICUS ROMX, also among the top Borzoi producers.

MBIS MRBIS BISS GCH. MAJENKR BOOKSTOR VINTAGE GLAMOUR, No. 1 Borzoi National BOB winner, handled by Stuart McGraw. Co-owned and co-bred with Howard and Karen Spey.

The bloodline has produced top winners and producers worldwide for others, and continues to do so. A bitch of special note is the all-time top-winning No. 1 Borzoi and RBIS at Westminster KC, “Lucy,” sired by a Majenkir dog. (Max was also a top winner and producer in Japan.) Breed No. 1 BIS BISS CH MAJENKIR ORCHID ANNIE, owned by Dick and Alice Reese.

There have been unbroken generations of winners at Specialties, including the BCOA National, in both Breed and in the Classes, right through to the present. Also No. 1 Borzoi. Breeders continue today to establish their own successful winning kennels based on the bloodline.

Which have been my most influential sires and dams?

Karen Staudt-Cartabona: A majority of Majenkir show dogs over the decades, both sexes, have gone on to become Top Producers. The bloodline’s foundation is unique among dog breeds. Tanya was just a few generations away from Borzoi imported from the great Russian hunting kennels of aristocrats such as the Grand Duke Nicholas Nikolaevich, who bred and hunted them, kenneling upwards of 100 Borzoi. The American Industrialist, Joseph Thomas, went to Russia in the early 1900s to visit these kennels. He was permitted to bring several quality Borzoi back to the US, with which he founded his legendary O’Valley Farm Kennel. A majority of Borzoi were destroyed during the Russian Revolution. If Joseph Thomas had not imported those dogs, there would not be the Borzoi as we know it today; a unique and true-life fairytale story.

I was told by my mentor, Louis Murr, Romanoff, to always stay with the main line, as it would never do me wrong. Not only has this been the base of my own kennel, Majenkir bloodlines and crosses have excelled in the show ring and on the coursing field on live game around the world.

If one looks back at pedigrees of a majority of top-winning Borzoi, the dogs often have Majenkir up close or a dash of the bloodline somewhere in their pedigree.

Can I talk a bit about my facilities? Where are my puppies whelped? How are they raised?

Karen Staudt-Cartabona: The pups are whelped in the house. Later they move to larger quarters and into the puppy house which has connecting runs. These open into larger and longer runs as the pups grow. Exercise is always a priority. The adults are kept in long kennel runs, each over 100 ft., the entire area sloping gently upward. The base is crushed stone. The runs open onto a large exercise field where the dogs are run daily in small groups. They are turned out in all-weather, except extreme heat.

Individual houses have metal kenneling separating each side with a center aisle; each holds two to four dogs. The Borzoi sleep on raised palettes or “clamshell” beds.

What is my “process” for selecting show puppies? At what age do I make my decisions?

Karen Staudt-Cartabona: Evaluation begins the moment a pup is born into my hands. The better-quality pups are usually self-evident. I look at head profiles and depth, length and thickness of tails, and width of hock. Then I watch their movement as they mature. I make my final selections at 8 weeks. In the main line, invariably what you see is what you will get at maturity. Other bloodlines, many of which were outcrosses, were introduced over the years. They matured quite differently, and I have gotten more surprises.

I select for layback of shoulder assembly, concentrating on the length and arm set under the pups; this, combined with a long sweep to the rear from stifle to hock, and that low, wide hock. Shoulders take four generations to set and can be lost in one generation. Of course, the entire dog is important, but these are among my must-haves.

How do I prepare my pups for the show ring? Does my breed require any special preparation?

Karen Staudt-Cartabona: The young dogs are fast learners. I take youngsters with an adult to a local show or shopping center. A calm and outgoing temperament is indispensable. Borzoi overall are very adaptable and easy to train, although there are wide variations within the breed. While young dogs are often a bit hesitant, any shyness is unacceptable.

I have watched grooming evolve into major importance. Borzoi coats, if permitted to dry naturally, have large, soft curls—quite beautiful and unique to the breed. Most show dogs are blown dry, and meticulously scissored and sculpted.

Can I share my thoughts on how my breed is currently presented in the show ring?

Karen Staudt-Cartabona: While most Borzoi are shown on a proper loose lead, which enables them to move out correctly, there is more of a tendency to “string them up.” When set up, this will show more length of neck while destroying proper shoulder placement and losing that lovely arch to the crest of the neck. Tight lead gaiting presents more “flash” going around, while giving the Borzoi too much of a gaited horse movement; a high head with restricted or hackneyed movement. Correct movement is always that which covers the most amount of ground with the least amount of effort.

Are there any health-related concerns within my breed? Any special nutritional needs?

Karen Staudt-Cartabona: I have always found the breed quite healthy overall. Anything living may occasionally produce or be subject to cardiac issues. Vet-checking pups and health testing of adults will keep these issues under control. I also believe that the closer to the AKC Breed Standard the Hound is, the fewer problems will be encountered. For example, the breed does not have HD. This is due to strong hereditary muscling in the powerful rear, keeping those hips in their deep sockets. Stiff toplines will develop orthopedic problems, as the entire spine assembly is off. The Breed Standard stresses the importance of form following function. Following this guideline will decrease possible orthopedic problems.

I feed a predominately raw beef diet. I have fed many dietary variations over the years and have learned that Borzoi do not do well on kibble-based diets, especially one containing corn. Among my large collection of books and articles covering Borzoi-related historical facts, most of the experts, including Joseph Thomas whose mentoring came directly from those Russian breeders, give the same advice for raising and feeding pups and adults. They stress exercise, while feeding meat and avoiding corn products.

I often liken the Borzoi to a Polar Bear. They were specifically bred to survive frigid temperatures and to hunt over frozen steppes in Russian winters. They do well as outside dogs, though even with the best of care and attention it becomes difficult to breed, raise, and show them in the hotter areas of the country. As happens with most Sighthounds, they do not do well in a handler’s string. Most of the top Sighthounds have had a dedicated handler who understands and can provide the individual care and exercise needed. Many of the handlers are co-owners and even breeders.

In my opinion, is my breed in good condition overall? Any trends that warrant concern?

Karen Staudt-Cartabona: Sadly, too many of the preservation breeders have passed. While breeders still produce outstanding dogs, there seem to be fewer with an idea of what they are breeding for, except for that big, instant winner. When I read the comments on social media of those calling themselves breeders who are giving advice, I roll my eyes. Too many have no idea as to the future damage they are doing to the breed. There is so little linebreeding, or breeding for a continuation of a line. A major problem is with those who expect instant success while basing an entire breeding program on the original “heart” dog, regardless of whether that beloved dog is worthy or even suitable to pass on his genes. The dog carries their kennel name, so breeding him makes them a “breeder.” There is also “fad” breeding, such as selecting for odd coloring or especially breeding for size and excessive coat and fringing. While a tall, heavily coated male is an impressive sight in the ring, it is often the case that the larger dogs, while they may even have lovely type, are not functionally sound. This is proven in the coursing field, where an oversized dog is unable to accelerate, brake, and turn after live game. Majenkir show dogs have proven themselves by also winning and achieving titles in Open Field events.

Is my breed well-suited to be a family dog? Who are the best candidates to own my breed?

Karen Staudt-Cartabona: A true Borzoi has a unique Sighthound temperament, which I often describe as almost cat-like except that, contrary to cats, Borzoi are eager to please and are very gentle, loyal, and devoted. They are easy to housebreak and live with. Borzoi are subtly intelligent and often outwit their owners by playing dumb. They are never yappy, and will not chase and retrieve a ball endlessly. They thrive on long walks and especially enjoy a good run with another Sighthound. They are very dependable with children. They will hunt and course small animals but will accept the family cat when carefully introduced. The drawbacks to the breed are their need for exercise and seasonal shedding. The vacuum must run constantly!

Do I feel that my breed is supported by a sufficient number of preservation breeders?

Karen Staudt-Cartabona: No, not any longer. Too many breeders who had an identifiable type are gone, while breeders of today do not seem to have an in-depth or even clear understanding of what a Borzoi is and should be. They do not seem to realize that we need to continually look to and understand the AKC Standard as the blueprint for the points necessary to be selected for and preserved. Without this blueprint, we may have a Hound thought to be pretty—but it will not be a Borzoi.

For a bit of fun, what’s the most amusing thing I’ve ever experienced with a Hound?

Karen Staudt-Cartabona: My daily life with them as a pack is amusing. The longer I am with these amazing Hounds, the more I learn about the subtleties of life among them and their interaction with each other. There is so much meaning in a slight glance or in just the raising of an eyebrow!

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Interview with Hound Group Breeder Virginia Jones – Rivervue Borzoi 

Where do I live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a breeder?

Rivervue Borzoi – Virginia Jones: I currently reside just outside of Brighton, Michigan, on 13 acres in Green Oak Township on the beautiful Huron River, a National Water Trailway. I’ve owned and loved Borzoi for 31 years now and have been involved in breeding Borzoi on a small scale for 27 years.

What is my kennel name? How many dogs do I currently keep?

Rivervue Borzoi – Virginia Jones: My kennel name is Rivervue, but originally, I bred Borzoi under the kennel prefix of Venice Shores for a few years until I moved to my current location. I breed very selectively so that I never have more than eight dogs of various ages to manage at a time. I currently have six Borzoi at my Rivervue kennel.

Which show dogs from the past have been my noteworthy winners?

Rivervue Borzoi – Virginia Jones: My very first Borzoi, AM/CAN CH Majenkir Bogatyr of Venice Shores JC (Bogey), had some incredible wins under my totally novice hands, and finished both his American and Canadian championships and Junior Courser title at a very young age.

BISS AM/CAN CH Borscana Vargavinter JC (Vinnie) completed both of his championships before he was two years of age and had many Specialty wins along the way.

Then along came MBISS MRBISS GCHS Aruzia Joyous Pennyroyal at Rivervue (Penny) who started her show career at six months, on the day, with a Best in Show Puppy and rapidly earned her championship, grand championships through Silver, multiple Best in Specialty wins, multiple Reserve Best in Show wins, and far too many Group wins and placements for me to even count! A bitch worth her weight in gold who just won Best in Specialty Show on May 28th at the Midwest Borzoi Club Specialty in conjunction with the Kalamazoo five-day cluster.

Which have been my most influential sires and dams?

Rivervue Borzoi – Virginia Jones: When it comes to sires, I would have to say that my first Borzoi, Bogey, has had the most influence on the breed. He was bred once to Majenkir Bellefleur and produced an all-champion litter. A son, AM/RUS CH Majenkir Novik Mily (Mily), was sent to Russia and produced several important litters there for different kennels, with offspring having much success in the show ring and on the field. Bogey was the first American-bred Borzoi to earn the Russian Hunting Championship title. He was returned to Majenkir kennel and produced an outstanding litter, with offspring seen in many pedigrees today. A littermate to Mily, Majenkir Mirabella, proved her worth as a brood bitch for Karen Staudt-Cartabona, producing three lovely litters for her resulting in a National Specialty Field Trial winner for the Raynbo Kennel, DC Majenkir Raynbo Dazzle, and 11 champions in total, with several that produced for Borzoi kennels here and in Canada.

Vinnie, imported from the famous Borscana Kennel of Sweden as a puppy, produced just two litters but was an incredibly prepotent sire, stamping his mark on his get. His first litter of six had only one surviving puppy after a horrific whelping that had me rethinking whether I had the stuffing to continue on this path. The surviving puppy, CH Venice Shores Angelina, completed her championship rapidly within two weekends with three 5-pt. majors on one weekend, and a 4-pt major and single point at her next show. His second litter of one female came 22 years later from frozen semen, producing my newest upcoming little star, Rivervue The Soloist (Natalie), four points and a Best of Breed win over Specials from the puppy classes. She earned both of her majors at the Kalamazoo 5-day Cluster the last weekend of May, again from the 9-12 Month Puppy Class, bringing her total points to 11.

My most influential dam has been CH Avalyn Silverbrite of Rivervue (Minnow). When bred to GCH Aruzia Moonstone of Rivervue (Stoney), she produced GCH Rivervue Coming on Strong (Brinda Lee), dam of Rivervue The Soloist, and CH Rivervue Gimmie Me Some Lovin (Spencer), Group winner under Borzoi breeder-judge, John Reeve-Newson. Both finished their championships by 15 months, with multiple BOB and Group wins and placements along the way.

Can I talk a bit about my facilities? Where are my puppies whelped? How are they raised?

Rivervue Borzoi – Virginia Jones: I have 13 acres of mostly wooded property with a kennel building attached to my house with four runs, a medium-sized fenced yard off the back of my home adjoining the kennel runs, and a two-acre fenced field on the opposite side of my kennels so that all of the runs open to the fenced field. Puppies are whelped in my bedroom at the foot of my bed, so I can sleep with one eye open and watch them at all times! They are raised in the house and are gradually introduced to the family of Borzoi one at a time. At 5 to 6 weeks, they start their outdoor investigation and have a covered kennel run and heated kennel to protect them from the elements. They all sleep in the house at night, up in the living room where they will learn house manners and meet visitors—lots of visitors of all ages for early socialization. At 10 to 12 weeks, we are off to go and see all the sights and sounds in and around the town, learning and experiencing as many new things as we can to stimulate all their senses and build their confidence so that they will blossom into secure and stable adults.

What is my “process” for selecting show puppies? At what age do I make my decisions?

Rivervue Borzoi – Virginia Jones: I love to study the outlines of the puppies when they are first born, but typically I evaluate my puppies between 8 and 9 weeks of age. The proportions, structure, angles, pigment, and personalities really show true at this age, and what I see at this age is what they will be as full-grown adults—just with a lot more silky, long coat! I spend hours watching them run and play to determine who uses themselves well when moving and who stands over themselves solidly. Final decisions are made when their adult teeth come in to assure they have good bites and full dentition. To date, I’ve never had a problem with either.

How do I prepare my pups for the show ring? Does my breed require any special preparation?

Rivervue Borzoi – Virginia Jones: I like to spend some time, early on, getting them used to bathing and grooming with lots of treats so that they learn to love their show baths and not fear the blow dryer or the nail Dremel. Borzoi require minimal trimming and should be shown primarily in their natural state. I take them to a few drop-in conformation classes so that they are familiar with stacking, moving, and being in a ring with other dogs, and being handled and touched by other people. I start examining bites, stacking, and getting brushed on a grooming table at a young age. Again, lots of treats are involved so that by the time they are old enough to show they are comfortable with the whole process. They learn while young that showing is a very rewarding experience for them!

Can I share my thoughts on how my breed is currently presented in the show ring?

Rivervue Borzoi – Virginia Jones: We have far more professional handlers now in the Borzoi rings, at any and every show, than we ever did when I started in the breed. Most people back then showed their own dogs and you quickly learned who the prominent breeders were in Borzoi so that it was not so difficult to approach breeders to help with mentoring. And I think that the lack of close contact with other breeders is a disservice to people hoping to become more involved in the breed. I think that along with the use of handlers came more extreme grooming, some almost to the point of looking sculpted. No one used a blow dryer on Borzoi back in the day! The owner-handler really has to put on their “A” game to be able to compete in the rings against so many handlers, and better quality dogs are often overlooked by their professionally handled counterparts.

Are there any health-related concerns within my breed? Any special nutritional needs?

Rivervue Borzoi – Virginia Jones: I learned much about the breed’s health as our Borzoi Club of America Health Chairman for almost 15 years, and I continue on as the Health Research Coordinator and Club Liaison to CHF, OFA, and MAF. As with any large, deep-chested breed, bloat and torsion are something to be mindful of as is heart disease. We also have incidences of Degenerative Myelopathy which we now have a marker test for screening. Cancer, of course, is a concern, with Osteosarcoma and Hemangiosarcoma being the most frequently seen cancers. Thyroid disease is of some concern as well in Borzoi. But having said all this, the Borzoi breed is, comparatively speaking, actually quite a relatively healthy breed.

For nutritional needs, caution must be minded not to supplement puppies or feed them puppy foods that most other breeds use. They are a very fast-growing breed and they have a lot of growing to do, from puppy to adult, so it’s important to pay close attention to any abnormal changes in the bones; like bowing or knuckling-over. These should be remedied very quickly with the appropriate balance of nutrition intended for a large breed of dog. Too much weight is never a good thing on a running hound and places too much strain on bones and organs. I’ve had my best success feeding a fish-based kibble, and also with raw feeding under the guidance of a nutritionist. Good quality nutrition is important to the total development and future of the dog in every aspect, so pinching pennies here is not where you want to save a buck. Skimp on the toys, fancy beds, leashes, and designer paraphernalia, and put your money where their mouth is!

In my opinion, is my breed in good condition overall? Any trends that warrant concern?

Rivervue Borzoi – Virginia Jones: As of the last couple of years, we have seen an increase in the number of dogs that have succumbed to sudden death, and also an increase in the number of lung lobe torsions. Both are concerning to me. Currently, we are working with the CHF and Texas A&M on moving a research grant forward to determine the genetic cause for sudden death in Borzoi, focusing on the association with Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM). Trends unrelated to health that seem to be changing include many newer people to the breed who are far too focused on the color of the dog and not on the structure beneath that color. Any color is acceptable in our breed, but the lack of knowledge behind correct structure and movement of a fast-running sighthound is, by far, the most important knowledge to be obtained, and too few of our newer folks are seeking out education and mentorship. We have people jumping into breeding dogs way too quickly who do not have the depth of breed knowledge for this. This results in the majority of dogs in the ring being average, with few stand-outs, sometimes to the deterrent that the stand-outs look so different from the rest of the dogs in the ring that they are overlooked by judges who lack a depth of familiarity with our breed.

Is my breed well-suited to be a family dog? Who are the best candidates to own my breed?

Rivervue Borzoi – Virginia Jones: Borzoi are very well-suited to be a family dog. They adore their people and do very well with children. The owner needs to understand that, although they are a very large breed, they have a very soft temperament and need a soft touch when it comes to corrections. A heavy-handed, loud owner will end up with a fearful Borzoi. They learn quickly, but frequently ponder what is asked of them to see if there’s anything in it for them—or not. They are a breed that does extremely well with lots of reward and praise. They will never have the on-command demand of the Golden Retriever, but they are easily trainable with a patient owner who’s willing to find the right method that works for that dog. Borzoi are sighthounds, first and foremost, so they need a home with a large fenced-in yard to achieve their daily exercise needs. They should never be let off-leash in an uncontained area, as the risk of them spotting something to chase is far too great and they can cover many, many miles before they realize that they have no idea where they are. They are solely focused on the chase and neither see nor hear anything else. Borzoi are very docile in the house, which is great because, if this were not the case, that’s a lot of dog with a great potential to wipe out anything in its surroundings! They love their sofa time with their owners and will enjoy watching their favorite TV programs together with their owner. On the downside, they are shedding machines, so it’s best to say goodbye to your carpeting for a hard surface floor that can be easily “Swiffered” on a daily basis. They love to be brushed, and a regular schedule for this helps to keep the dog hair tumble weeds from dancing across your floors.

Do I feel that my breed is supported by a sufficient number of preservation breeders?

Rivervue Borzoi – Virginia Jones: Right now, I think everyone is calling themselves a “preservation breeder.” I’m not so sure they all understand exactly what this means. If they are simply adding to the total number of Borzoi, many believe that this is preserving the breed. We have very few breeders now who line-breed, unlike what we had in the 1980s and ‘90s. Mostly, it’s “52 Card Pickup.” While this may contribute to genetic diversity, it doesn’t do much for the predictability of retaining breed type. I used to be able to tell exactly which kennel a dog came from at a glance, but now we have mostly “generic” Borzoi. For breeders who focus on always breeding “up,” it becomes more and more difficult to find a kennel that is consistently producing something you may be lacking in your breeding program. I think this lack of conscious breeding is a significant detriment to our breed. Too many people feel the need to always breed to the latest National Specialty winner, hoping to produce the next big winner rather than focus on what their breeding program needs specifically to move forward… and seek out those dogs. I don’t believe that many spend much time studying pedigrees in both depth and breadth; a significant disservice to the breed.

For a bit of fun, what’s the most amusing thing I’ve ever experienced with a Hound?

Rivervue Borzoi – Virginia Jones: The Borzoi dog is a natural comedian, so finding just one thing that is the most amusing would be very difficult. They will make you laugh with their antics every day, and in our troubled times this is certainly a blessing. They love to sleep on their backs—with legs going every which way—and with some part of their body most likely hanging off their bed or sofa. It is not unusual to see one sound asleep, butt on the couch and head draped across the floor. My dogs have all loved to watch TV, but their favorite show, by far, is watching the televised dog shows. All of them line up in front of the TV and watch the dogs go down and back. And when the Borzoi comes into the ring, they all jump up and down. I’ve had a few dogs that were singers, and this is really endearing. AM/CAN CH Borscanna Vargavinter JC had very discerning tastes in music. First and foremost, he adored Santana, and then, Bob Seager. I can remember one summer, on my way to a show, I was stopped at a traffic light with the windows open when the Santana song “Smooth” came on the radio. Vinnie began belting out the song much to the surprise of the person in the car next to me who began laughing hysterically! To this day, every time that song comes on the radio, I can hear him singing along!

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BORZOI BREED TYPE : COAT

A Borzoi will spend hours out in the snow, curled in a ball, comfortable and protected by that double coat. Climate and function have played a big role in developing the breed over hundreds of years. Consider the geography of origin for the Borzoi; the steppes of Russia with its cold harsh winters, hot summer days, and temperatures that run to extremes from day to day and with the time of year. To simplify, the Borzoi is a blend of an ancient Persian greyhound and a heavier, northern working breed similar to an Ovcharka. To get a dense, protective coat that sheds dirt and debris, there had to be a double coat, for protection in the winters, and a silky outer coat. They had to have a silky outer coat with guard hairs so that the dogs would be able to move through rugged terrain with speed, without getting hampered by a wooly or an over-abundant coat. A ruff around the neck was important to protect the Borzoi from the bite of a wolf. With the ruff came fringe on the front legs and hind quarters, also for protection.

There are at least three types of coat in Borzoi; straight, wavy, and curly. All are correct and all should have a correct silky texture. A wooly coat is a fault. To the touch, the coat should be smooth and supple, not dry or harsh. In old photographs, you can see all three coats. However, a difference in length and abundance when compared with today’s show dog is evident. Kept in harsher conditions, those early hunting dogs often did not have the length or quality that our dogs have today. Improvements in nutrition and pet beds have made it easier to grow coats. It is debated that drier climates and higher elevations can make it easier for the coat to break off or appear flat. Those living in the Southern states suggest that, without the cold winter temperatures, it is hard to maintain the bigger and denser coats. Either way, Borzoi shed down to sparse coats during the year—especially the bitches after their seasons. Today’s conditioners, shampoos, oils, supplements, and soft beds have led to our dogs producing longer and more luxurious coats.

One word on color: “Immaterial.”

There may be a bad Borzoi, but there is never a bad color.

BORZOI BREED TYPE : HEAD

A unique feature of a Borzoi is the head. Both fill and finish are breed elements. In profile, there is a smoothness and a sleek appearance, with a barely noticeable stop. The eyes, set obliquely and almond-shaped, lead to that “far-off” expression. (It is true that they see the world differently and can focus on something insignificant off in the distance, rather than on the person at hand.) Ears are small, fine, and are held in a rose. They also can be pricked when at attention. Smaller ears have been found to have tighter ligaments, and some connection with better performance in the field.

One of the breed characteristics is the Roman finish to the nose. This is different than Roman-headed. From the nasal bone to the tip of the nose, there is a downward slope. The Roman finish does not come from the planes of the head, but from the upper nasal cartilage. The planes of the head can be parallel or slightly downward-angled, but never such that they produce a down-faced profile. (This is not just a difference of degrees, but an entirely overdone angle.) In such a long head, a down-faced Borzoi will lead to an undershot bite. Most experienced breeders tread that fine line between beautiful heads with good fill in front of the eyes—with a nearly imperceptible stop—and an overdone, Roman-headed, undershot dog. The finish on any head should always have that sloping cartilage and large black nose that make up the Roman finish. Do not confuse a Roman nose with a Roman head. It might have been easier if the term used would have been “aquiline” (look of eagles) instead, where the beak is curved verses the whole head.

On movement, there is no doubt; Borzoi are bred to move

BORZOI BREED TYPE : MOVEMENT

On movement, there is no doubt; Borzoi are bred to move. Efficient, ground-covering movement has always been a virtue. We are not talking about TRAD (Tremendous Reach and Drive), but a smooth and powerful gait. Borzoi had to follow the nobles on horseback, over very long distances, to the hunting grounds. Once there, they still had to have enough energy to do their job. A short stride or pounding movement is inefficient, leading to dogs that break down or have no stamina once on the field. Short hocks and strong, but springy, pasterns provide sound running gear. Borzoi have hare feet, never splayed. These flexible hounds need strong toplines that can extend in both a convex and a concave arch, to accomplish the double suspension gallop; simply stated, a topline rising at the loin in a graceful curve.

It is interesting that seventy percent of the verbiage in the standard relates directly to movement. In the show ring, a trot is as good as you will get to evaluate movement and, if you do see the double suspension gallop, it would be because the Borzoi escaped its owner’s grasp and headed across the fairgrounds to chase some small game that caught its eye.

Years ago, in the ring next to the Borzoi judging, Anne Rogers Clark started yelling and was seen scooping up her Toy Poodle with both arms. Looking across the ring, we were shocked to see a Borzoi that had caught sight of the Poodle entry and decided the hunt was on. Back in the Borzoi ring, a well-known handler was obliviously looking in the opposite direction, with an empty lead blowing in the wind. Mrs. Clark was not amused, but we were all surprised to see that you can do a double suspension gallop in the Toy ring.

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Solving The Borzoi Puzzle | Allowing the Pieces to Fall into Place. In these days of small entries and the continuing loss of experienced fanciers, the best dog in the ring on a given day may still not be breeding stock. While this phenomenon is not limited to any specific breed, it is particularly frustrating for judges of Hounds. The majority of Hound breeds are rare breeds and, sometimes, even decent-sized entries at an all-breed show can challenge one to find individuals that actually have enough good points to carry on the next generation.

Though Borzoi are not yet on the endangered species list, the number of dogs bred and shown has greatly decreased in the last fifteen years. Specialties still provide a showcase for the breeders’ best, however, so a student of the breed will be well-served to attend the big ones, especially the National. A judge, on an average weekend, is faced with a wide variety of Borzoi and a limited amount of time. He must find the individual pieces and fit them into the class placements to complete the jigsaw puzzle that is a breed entry. When the pieces are all there, it is a very satisfying exercise.

So, which pieces of the puzzle are key?

The Borzoi standard sets immediate priorities for the breeder or judge in the opening paragraph on General Appearance:

“Special emphasis is placed on sound running gear, strong neck and jaws, courage and agility, combined with proper condition… unmistakable elegance, with flowing lines, graceful in motion or repose.”

The correct Borzoi is found in the big picture; that is, the outline that exemplifies a running dog—sound legs, muscular condition, and grace. An athletic, shapely, whole dog is far more important than the prettiest head, biggest coat, the darkest eyes or most perfect teeth.

Nearly every breed can be identified by its head. Head planes are not mentioned in the standard. Although the Borzoi head comes in a number of historically varied styles, none can be mistaken for another breed. So, the head is integral to type, but it is much less defined than the function-driven body.

By itself, the Borzoi’s outline is not exactly unique. It shares the shape of speed with Whippets, Deerhounds, and the classic Greyhound. But, when combined with any of the several acceptable coats, it is quite distinctive and unmistakably Borzoi—like no other breed.

Some of the differences in the overall look of individual Borzoi are allowed by parts of the Standard that are not specifically spelled out. Croup angle and precise proportions of leg length to height to body length are absent. These are areas of interpretation that may account for acceptable differences of body type, but only within a relatively narrow range.

The athletic Borzoi is only slightly longer than tall. Hair on the chest and britches may visually lengthen the dog just a bit, but the coat on the topline gives the dog another inch or two in apparent height that usually balances the picture.

Generic dogs have leg length that equals fifty percent of their height. Sighthounds, and therefore Borzoi, are not generic, but are specialized runners. Like their classic prey, they should have legs that are at least fifty percent of their total height—never less. Long and low is extremely difficult to breed away from once established; and an anathema to breed type.

Standards for generic dogs (or those that require stability and quick lateral movement) call for a short loin. The running dog, however, needs a long loin for extreme flexibility at the double suspension gallop. Within the same overall body length, the generic dog has a long back with a short loin. The sighthound has a short back with a long loin. The Borzoi standard addresses this:

“Loins: Extremely muscular, but rather tucked up, owing to the great depth of chest and comparative shortness of back and ribs.”

The marginally flexible back is short, compared to the very strong and flexible loin required to coil the dog practically into a ball on the contraction phase of the gallop and unleash the power on the extension phase in a split second.

So, the static shape, based on running requirements of the Borzoi, is the first key to the puzzle. Unfortunately, we cannot judge the working gait—the double suspension gallop—in the ring. Since the majority of the Borzoi standard is devoted to describing the kind of structure that makes a strong, agile distance runner, soundness is an integral part of breed type and, therefore, must be rated as a priority item. None of that structure is the least bit at odds with a smooth, long-striding trot as described in the standard:

“When viewed from the side there should be a noticeable drive with a ground-covering stride from well-angulated stifles and hocks. The overall appearance in motion should be that of effortless power, endurance, speed, agility, smoothness and grace.”

We CAN judge that effortless, powerful, smooth, graceful gait in the ring when a Borzoi is moving around the ring in profile on a loose lead. Forward motion with minimal effort is a joy to behold; unmistakable elegance, flowing lines, graceful in motion or repose.

Whereas a flawless down and back is wonderful to have, a straight, untypical Borzoi can achieve that without having the required athleticism of the whole dog. Because of this, it is good to have a ballpark range (albeit a narrow one) of acceptable soundness coming and going. However, to use this as the principal contest will miss the bigger picture.

Showmanship alone is of little import. A dog needs to be trained to the degree that the basic elements for comparison of one Borzoi to the other are visible. This doesn’t mean perfect; just the basics. He must be able to trot in a relatively straight line, stand still for examination, and move along with the handler on a loose lead. Borzoi are willing to please, but few have the “pizazz” of breeds with more excitable temperaments.

Grooming, as it regards trimming, is optional. Most people do some, others carry it to an extreme. Good grooming or trimming should enhance a natural look, not create a caricature. Be careful not to penalize the clean, but less trimmed, dog for flaws that may have been sculpted out of its competition.

So, when judging the Borzoi, first choose the dogs with the shape of speed, sound running gear, power, and grace. The rest of the puzzle will fall into place if you find those key pieces.

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