Borzoi: Royal Russian Wolfhound
Grand Duke Nicholas was obsessed with the native breed related to wolves and dogs in central Asia.
The Borzoi, also known as the Russian Wolfhound, is a dog with uncertain origins and an aristocratic past.
The Russian Borzoi is a breed of dog that has most commonly been associated with nobility. The history of the Borzoi is a speckled one, and while Borzois have been bred in Russia for hundreds of years, no one is quite sure what the historical origins are of this aristocratic dog.
Unfortunately, even the name "Borzoi" has rather unspecific connotations. The Russians used the word to label any type of sight hound - that is, a dog that hunts by sight rather than by its sense of smell. Sources have related the origins and history of the Borzoi to wolves, to native Russian breeds, and to central Asian dog breeds. The Borzoi was bred mainly for speed during hunts - the expansive countryside called for animals that could run long distances without tiring and still hold their prey until the arrival of the hunter.
The Borzoi's historic association with nobility is probably due to Grand Duke Nicholas's obsession with breeding Borzoi at his kennel at Perchino during the late 19th century. Grand Duke Nicholas was fond of wolf-hunting and was keenly interested in breeding a dog that would be ideally suited for the hunting wolves in the countryside. At this time, it was only royalty who could bestow one of the coveted Borzoi hounds to another as a gift - these dogs were not to be bought and sold.
The Borzoi breed suffered after the Bolshevik Revolution as nobility fled their land, leaving their kennels to founder. Some Borzoi were slaughtered because of their association with the monarchy.
Today, the Borzoi have strict breeding standards, but they can also be found in homes as family pets. While their hunting and running instincts may predominate, they can also be loyal and loving companions. A dog that was bred to hunt wolves in Russia throughout Russia's history is, today, a rare prize with, not only pedigree, but a mysterious and interesting history.
