The Barzoi Dog Breed

The origins of the barzoi dog breed are very ancient, it is thought to have the same Middle Eastern origins as the saluki and the afghan. It belongs to the greyhound class, in fact in Russian barzoi means greyhound. And like all greyhounds, its origins are in Ethiopia and then spread to Egypt.

Centuries later it would come to the northern regions via the Black Sea and finally land in Russia imported by a Russian nobleman, but these beautiful and agile running dogs did not adapt to the very harsh climate of those territories. They were therefore crossed with Russian collies and trailing dogs, causing them to acquire the necessary strength and endurance.

In the Middle Ages, the Russians used these greyhounds for hunting. In fact, there is talk of a long-haired greyhound with dangling ears. The breed continued to evolve in the 18th century. It was used for hunting wolves, a task it performed courageously in an entirely instinctive manner, i.e. without any training.

According to a presumably Mongolian custom, there is talk of hounds flushing out their prey and forcing them to flee to open ground where moults of barzoids were stationed. These, very large dogs, would dominate the wolf and by grabbing it by the ears would immobilise it while waiting for the hunters. One of them would then jump down from his horse and try to slide a stick with strings into the wolf's mouth to muzzle it and take it alive, according to a custom of the time.

They were highly valued by Russian nobles and received special care and attention from them. Their fame in Russia was great, and they were dogs that could not be found on the market, they could only be given as gifts by the Tsar.

Another theory has it descended from the ancient Russian greyhound and the Caucasian greyhound.

Unfortunately, in the 18th century, a period of decline began for the barzoi, which lost a lot of importance and numbers in Russia, so that some people tried to prevent its disappearance by relaunching pursuit hunting with the barzoi.

In Europe, the barzoi arrived in 1842 as a gift from the Tsar to Queen Victoria and towards the end of the 19th century the first specimens appeared in America. In Europe, some English breeders made several crosses to obtain dogs with a less bushy coat. Fortunately, the original purity of the breed was restored and the Barzoi returned to its original appearance. Today it is still used for hunting, not wolves, but foxes and hares, however its most important role in modern times is as a companion animal.

Character of the barzoi dog breed

The barzoi belongs by right to the canine aristocracy and like all aristocrats always maintains a certain decorum; it has its own way of showing affection, but does not display it as other breeds usually do. It has a quiet and balanced character that likes to be close to its master towards whom it shows affection and whom it will always defend. He is not very fond of confusion and especially if there are children playing, he simply walks away.

He is famous for his great psychological balance and his innate calmness. However, he has a lot of courage and is therefore suitable for guarding the house and the person. He is very intelligent and therefore educates himself quite easily. However, it needs its own space and independence. Very often he will want to be quiet on his own, perhaps dozing on a sofa, but when you take him out for a run, you realise that despite his imposing size he has a very energetic run.

Towards strangers he is aloof, to the point of almost shying away from people he does not know, and he is also a very clean dog who loves the comforts of living rooms and armchairs in the home, where he spends hours and hours resting in a corner.

With other animals the relationship can sometimes be difficult and quarrelsome, so early socialisation is needed to limit this temperament.

It is considered to all intents and purposes a companion dog, so it is suitable for everyone, but it should not be forgotten that it needs some exercise on a daily basis, preferably running.

Appearance of the barzoi dog breed

The barzoi is a large, long-limbed and strong dog. The main characteristics of this breed are its enormous stature, the richness of its fur and its beautiful colours.

The height at withers for a male ranges from 70 to 82 centimetres for a weight of 35 to 45 kilograms, females usually a little less. Its constitution is slender but at the same time robust, with a very elongated structure. Females are generally longer than males. It has a good balance of proportions and moves with great elegance. The neck is long and muscular, the limbs muscular and dry, the tail carried in the shape of a sickle and with a very thick coat.

The skull is narrow and elongated, finely chiselled, the muzzle is longer than the skull, the head is so elegant and gaunt that the main veins are visible through the skin. The truffle is thick and generally black. The eyes are almond-shaped, large and slightly oblique, close together and very dark. The ears are attached high and set back, relatively small, fine and narrow and end in a pointed tip.

But its main characteristic is its fur coat. The barzoi has a long, soft, wavy and silky coat, sometimes with large ringlets. Its length is uneven, around the neck, on the side and behind the tail it is longer, while on the head, ears and limbs the hair is satiny short and thick.

As far as colour is concerned, they are found in all shades of gold, white, grey or brindled. They may also be spotted or uniform but always on a white background. The muzzle and limbs may also be tiger-grey, fire, and sometimes have focal spots, but for the dark Russian barzoi the black mask is characteristic.

Care and health of the barzoi dog breed

The barzoi is a very robust and hardy dog and has no problems of any kind. Its life expectancy is about 12 years.

It needs space or a garden, and daily walks are indispensable.

With regard to the care of its coat, its long, thick hair must be brushed and combed often, paying close attention to the knots, where parasites could, among other things, nest.

Its diet must be balanced, very well balanced in nutrients and of excellent quality.