The best-known Russian dog has been used in its motherland for coursing wolves since the early 17th century. A Russian duke imported several swift sighthounds from Arabia for hunting, but they succumbed almost immediately to the harsh winters. Trying a second time, he crossed the gazehounds with native coated breeds, probably Tartar coursing hounds or long-legged shepherd dogs, taking a step toward the modern Borzoi.
Ceremonial wolf hunts were a display of wealth beyond measure. Everything revolved around the killing of the wolf—from the pairs of aristocratic Russian Wolfhounds chosen from the vast kennels (identical in color and markings to please the noble's eye and equal in speed and strength to reach the wolf at the same time), to the quality horse flesh from the immense stables, the elegant dress of the noble hunters and their servants, and the accompanying opulent celebrations,
As soon as the wolf was sighted, a pair of dogs was unleashed—and the chase was on! It was imperative that the dogs reach the quarry at the same time, to attack from both sides. As the dogs held the wolf down, the nobleman finished off the kill with a flourish of his dagger.
The large, tough hunting dogs were, never-theless, gentle in temperament and exotic in appearance, making impressive gifts from the czars to the crowned heads of Europe.
In 1903 an admirer of the breed, Joseph Thomas, undertook a pilgrimage to Russia to find the ideal Borzoi. He had little luck, even at the imperial kennels of the czar, until he found the original type in the kennels of Artem Balder-off at Woronzova and of His Royal Highness, the Grand Duke Nicholas at Tula. The dogs Thomas imported were the basis for breeding programs on both sides of the Atlantic.
After the Russian Revolution, many of the kennels were abandoned and breeding of the royal dog ceased. Dogs, through innocent association with the aristocracy, were slaughtered during the chaos. The breed survived through the previous gifts to the Western World and the few dogs that were smuggled out of the country.
Today, there is renewed Soviet pride for their magnificent hound, and they are used by practical hunters throughout southwestern Russia.
Although the Borzoi no longer hunts wolves, it is a competitive courser. Observers thrill to the magnificence of a Borzoi in full stride. Its large size, demand for exercise and great appetite still require more than a pauper's wages. The regal elegance of the breed stands them well in the world of advertising.
Indoors they are graceful and dignified, leaving no havoc behind them, despite their great size. A current breeder's ceramic business would be put to dust by most breeds, yet the Borzoi tiptoe through the shop filled with greenware with nary a mishap. Their calm demeanor and nobility make them an attractive pet for those with enough room.
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