Until 1936, the Borzoi was known by another name — the Russian Wolfhound. This dog was bred to be a hunter. As far back as the thirteenth century, “long” hounds went hunting in large packs with Mongol rulers — including Genghis Khan. Records from around 1260 describe lure coursing with long hounds that were probably early ancestors of the Borzoi. Ancestors of the breed include Arabian greyhounds, tall Russian sheepdogs called Owtchers, and a long-haired Russian breed called the bearhound. The Russian aristocracy wrote the first breed standard for the Borzoi in 1650. Different kennels bred for specific coat colors … Continue reading →