Borzoi

Despite his controversial origins, the Borzoi apparently originated in Russia, where he probably got his nickname of Russian Wolfhound. Resulting from crossbreeding between Asian long-haired Spitz-type dogs and Laikas, the Borzoi was originally used for draught and hunting.

It is assumed that other cross-breeding would have contributed later on to create the pet dog, today's Borzoi.

The first Russian greyhound appeared in Europe around the 11th century. The daughter of the Great Prince of Kiev and wife of King Henry I, Anne of Kiev, is said to have arrived at a hunting party at the beginning of the century, escorted by three magnificent greyhounds, one fawn, one grey and one black.

Around 1519, Russian greyhounds were brought back from Moscovia by the monarchy and given as gifts to Francis I by Christian II, then King of Denmark. It's the hound hunt, unique of its kind and much prized by the monarchy in Russia, that made the breed known.

Raised in packs, the Borzoi hunts wild boar, deer, wolves, foxes and hares.

Later, he made his way to other European countries, such as England and France, and then crossed the ocean and ended up in America. This aristocratic dog was then found in many artistic representations.

He is a real icon in paintings, sculptures, illustrations, photographic representations and others. We find him notably sculpted in bronze, painted on porcelain or faience as well as illustrated on many postcards.

After the Second World War, the breed almost disappeared completely in Europe. Fortunately, the Borzoi was already well known and appreciated in America. The disappearance of the Russian Wolfhound was thus prevented.

He was forgotten at the time, especially as a hunting dog, but quickly became a much appreciated companion dog all over the world.