Scott - Borzoi

Physical Characteristics of the Borzoi

(from the American Kennel Club breed standard)

Head: Skull slightly domed, long and narrow, with scarcely any perceptible stop, inclined to be Roman-nosed. Jaws long, powerful and deep, somewhat finer in bitches but not snipy.

Eyes: Set somewhat obliquely, dark in color, intelligent but rather soft in expression; never round, full nor staring, nor light in color; eye rims dark; inner corner midway between tip of nose and occiput.

Nose: Large and black.

Ears: Small and fine in quality, lying back on the neck when in repose with the tips when thrown back almost touching behind occiput; raised when at attention.

Neck: Clean, free from throatiness; slightly arched, very powerful and well set on.

Teeth: Strong and clean with either an even or a scissors bite.

Shoulders: Sloping, fine at the withers and free from coarseness or lumber.

Chest: Rather narrow, with great depth of brisket.

Forelegs: Bones straight and somewhat flattened like blades, with the narrower edge forward. The elbows have free play and are turned neither in nor out. Pasterns strong.

Ribs: Only slightly sprung, but very deep giving room for heart and lung play.

Back: Rising a little at the loins in a graceful curve.

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

Tail: Long, set on and carried low in a graceful curve.

Hindquarters: Long, very muscular and powerful with well bent stifles; somewhat wider than the forequarters; strong first and second thighs; hocks clean and well let down; legs parallel when viewed from the rear.

Coat: Long, silky (not woolly), either flat, wavy or rather curly. On the head, ears and front of legs it should be short and smooth; on the neck the frill should be profuse and rather curly. Feather on hindquarters and tail, long and profuse, less so on chest and back of forelegs.

Size: Mature males should be at least 28 inches at the withers and mature bitches at least 26 inches at the withers. Range in weight for males from 75 to 105 pounds and for bitches from 15 to 20 pounds less.

Color: Any color, or combination of colors, is acceptable.

Feet: Hare-shaped, with well-arched knuckles, toes close and well padded.

Contents

Immerse yourself in the rich history of the Psowaya Borzoi, the noble sighthound from Russia famed for its bravery, speed and strength. Analyze the origins of domesticated dogs and the spread of sighthounds throughout the Asian and European continents. Meet the closest relations of the breed and see how the Russian windmerchant known as the Borzoi swept itself into the modern West.

Discover the fascinating character of the Borzoi and the traits that endear this remarkably beautiful hound to so many fanciers. From the breeds sensitivity, glamour and strong flight instinct to its love of children and family, the Borzoi may be the ideal dog for you. See the breeds spectrum of colors and find out about Borzoi health concerns of which every owner should be aware before purchasing a puppy.

Learn the requirements of a well-bred Borzoi by studying the description of the breed set forth in the American Kennel Club standard, followed by the authors commentary on the standard and its variations among countries. Both show dogs and pets must possess key characteristics as outlined in the breed standard.

Find out about how to locate a well-bred Borzoi puppy. Discover which questions to ask the breeder and what to expect when visiting the litter. Prepare for your puppy-accessory shopping spree. Also discussed are home safety, the first trip to the vet, socialization and solving basic puppy problems.

Cover the specifics of taking care of your Borzoi every day: feeding for the puppy, adult and senior dog; grooming, including coat care, ears, eyes, nails, teeth and bathing; and exercise needs for your dog. Also discussed are the essentials of dog identification.

Begin with the basics of training the puppy and adult dog. Learn the principles of house-training the Borzoi, including the use of crates and basic scent instincts. Get started by introducing the pup to his collar and leash and progress to the basic commands. Find out about obedience classes and other activities.

By Lowell Ackerman DVM, DACVD

Become your dogs healthcare advocate and a well-educated canine keeper. Select a skilled and able veterinarian. Discuss pet insurance, vaccinations and infectious diseases, the dangerous bloat/gastric torsion, the neuter/spay decision and a sensible, effective plan for parasite control, including fleas, ticks and worms.

Know when to consider your Borzoi a senior and what special needs he will have. Learn to recognize the signs of aging in terms of physical and behavioral traits and what your vet can do to optimize your dogs golden years.

Step into the center ring and find out about the world of showing pure-bred dogs. Heres how to get started in AKC shows, how they are organized and whats required for your dog to become a champion. Take a leap into the realms of competitive obedience, lure-coursing and racing events.

K ENNEL C LUB B OOKS B ORZOI

ISBN 13: 978-1-59378-304-4

eISBN 13: 978-1-59378-629-8

Copyright 2006 Kennel Club Books An Imprint of I-5 Press A Division of I-5 Publishing, LLC

3 Burroughs, Irvine, CA 92618 USA

Cover Design Patented: US 6,435,559 B2 Printed in South Korea

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