Belarus Dog Names

Also known as the Russian Wolfhound, the Borzoi is a breed of dog that originated in Russia. The breed has a shape that is similar to that of a Greyhound and is a member of the Sighthound family. The breed can be described as “long-haired” Greyhounds and can be quite large; male Borzoi often weigh over 100 pounds! The Borzoi typically has a long coat that can be curly, wavy or straight, with a thick section of curly hair found around their neck. Any color is possible in the Borzoi, though white with patches is the most commonly seen. Dogs of the breed are athletic, usually quiet and are relatively independent. The Borzoi participated in hunting trials that were held during the era of the Tsars. During the trials, dogs of the breed went with mounted hunters and Foxhounds on the Russian steppe. While the majority of the dogs’ kills were hares and other small game, the hunters tested their dogs on wolves. These trials were not only sport, but tests for choosing which Borzoi to breed; those who were the quickest and smartest went on to reproduce.

There are quite a few Borzoi to be found in pop culture. In Leonard Tolstoy’s novel War and Peace, there is a wolf hunting scene depicted in book seven in chapters three to six that include dogs of the breed. Walt Disney’s 1955 film Lady and the Tramp includes a Borzoi, a stray male named Boris who is from the pound and who speaks with a Russian accent. The Borzoi brothers, Rocket, Missile and Jet are featured in the Japanese manga series Ginga Legend Weed, that is written and illustrated by Yoshiro Takahashi.

Dogs of the Borzoi breed can be successful show dogs. At the 142^nd Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show held in 2018, a Borzoi named Lucy won best in Hound group, becoming the 5^th Borzoi to win in the category since 1930. Lucy is known officially as My Sassy Girl and won Reserve Best in Show in 2016, while coming in second in the Westminster Dog Show the same year.