Color: Immaterial, except that self-colored specimens or those with
heavy, black markings are objectionable.
Height: 33 in.
Weight: 100 lbs.
The Borzoi is one of the most ancient of Russian breeds and should
possess great size, great speed and great strength. The head is of
extraordinary length, and should appear rather Roman nosed in profile.
The eyes are dark, expressive and almond-shaped; ears small, thin and
placed well back on the head; the chest is deep and narrow; the back
bony, and well arched; loins broad and very powerful, with well sprung
ribs; the tail is long and well feathered and carried low; the coat
should be long and silky, not woolly, and on the neck it should be
profuse and rather curly.
This breed, though originating from Russia, has been bred and exhibited
in England since 1872. The Duchess of Newcastle and, a little later,
Queen Alexandra, then the Princess of Wales, are mainly responsible for
the popular favor in which they are now regarded. The finest collection
in the world, however, is owned by the Grand Duke Nicholas, at Perchina,
near Moscow. These are said to excel even those possessed by the Czar,
from whom dogs cannot be purchased.
[Illustration]