The Borzoi, also known as the Russian Hunting Sighthound, is a hunting dog that originated in sixteenth-century Russia. The breed was developed by crossing Saluki and European sighthounds with thick-coated Russian breeds. The Borzoi breed was popular with the Tsars before the 1917 revolution, and for centuries, Borzois could only be gifts given by the Tsars, and no one could buy them. Tall and elegant, the breed with its graceful curved tail was popularized by Queen Alexandra, who was presented with her dog Alex by Tsar Nicholas of Russia.
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Queen Alexandra's borzoi dog, Vassilka, stood at 82.5cm at the shoulder and was modeled in silver at the Fabergé workshop for her husband, Edward VII. The Fabergé model measures just 13.5 cm high.
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The Borzoi is a sizeable Russian sighthound that resembles some central Asian breeds, such as the Afghan hound, Saluki, and the Kyrgyz Taigan. The Borzoi coat is silky and flat, often wavy or slightly curly. The long top coat is relatively flat, with varying degrees of waviness or curling. The soft undercoat thickens during winter or in cold climates but is shed in hot weather to prevent overheating.
During the Art Deco era, the Borzoi were favored because of how well the breed fit the times and aesthetics. Russia, a country associated with the exotic allure of the Ballet Russes, made it a fashionable choice for the style-conscious. The fascination with speed and all things streamlined in the Art Deco era even influenced the popularity of certain breeds. The sleek lines of the Borzoi made it the ideal fashion accessory. It appeared in photos and fashion illustrations, complementing the pure, long lines of the chic female silhouette of the era.
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| Theda Bara and her Borzoi |
Several prominent Art Deco artists used Borzoi in their work. Louis Icart was trendy at the time and a famous painter of animals. His artwork included Scotties, Poodles, Greyhounds, and Borzois. McClelland Barclay, another well-known artist of the Art Deco era, often depicted a Borzoi and other dogs alongside the people in his commercial and editorial illustrations, paintings, metal works, bookends, sculptures, and even jewelry.
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| Sculpture by Uriano c.1930 |
In America, the Borzoi found a second claim to fame as an aristocratic model and status symbol. The breed's popularity was also boosted by glamorous Hollywood silent movie stars like Greta Garbo and Mae West, who posed with Borzois in publicity photos for their films in the late 1920s to early 30s.
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| Mae West |
However, those who know the breed personally realize its most extraordinary claim to fame is as lovely, gentle, and calm companions. They are happiest when involved in activities that include running, reflecting their hunting heritage. Borzoi gets along well with dogs their size; they can be chasers, so they should be taught the difference between small companions and animals in the wild, which they can chase for exercise and play. These dogs are intelligent and independent, so they require owners willing to spend the time to help them overcome a natural inclination to shyness or wariness around strangers. If socialized and given love, they blossom and become ideal pets for dog lovers who love larger dogs.
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| Greta Garbo and Lew Ayres |
In conclusion, I want one. Every time I study these breeds, they all sound great, highlighting how much I love dogs and how important they are in my life.
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| Painting by Louis Icart |
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| Photo by Mcclelland Barclay |
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| Madeline Hurlock |
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