Dar Morev Borzoi   (est.1977)

   I was still in high school when I met my first Borzoi at a puppy training class. I was so impressed with the beauty and temperament of the Borzoi that it was my first choice of a breed when I was on my own.     I bought "Zorro" in 1977 and I was hooked from then on. They are different from many dogs. Having a mischievous sense of humor, and a sense of self worth.

   Being somewhat shy, the show ring was a painful experience for me in the beginning. So I concentrated more on the Lure Coursing side of the sport in the early years.
 
  In 1982 I moved to Concord California and lived there for 2 years Coursing both the Lure and Live game. I began showing my dogs and learning that aspect of the sport while living there.
  
Upon returning to Washington St. with my crew of Borzoi, including a 12 week old litter of pups I jumped right back into the local scene.  Coursing and Showing with equal fervor.
 
  Having PSBC's Top Courser for 1987 in "Dar Morev's Precocious Vixen Am Can FCh".  And being the breeder of PSBC's Top Courser's for 1988 and 1989 with "Dar Morev's Trillian FCh." and Dar Morev's Briar Rose In Ivy FCh".   While in the show ring "Am Can Ch. Dar Morev's Just Be Groovy" was coming on strong and garnered the breed ranking of 7th in the nation for 1989. Owner-Handled all the way by Doreen Carlstad.

   The 1990's brought a lifestyle change and I started to concentrate on the show side of the sport. Along with the beginning of my involvement in the Cats, I fazed out the Lure Coursing part of my involvement with the Borzoi. There just isn't time for everything.

Now with Specialty winning Borzoi and traveling to the Nationals in Florida, Pennsylvania, Atlanta, California, & of course here in Washington State under our belts. We continue on with our "LOVE AFFAIR" with BORZOI.

                                      The Origin of The Borzoi

   The Borzoi is thought to have originated from a cross between the Saluki and a native Russian breed. Their history dates back to 1260 A.D. even though the first written description did not appear until 1650. Used by the Russian aristocracy to hunt small and large fur-bearing game, such as rabbits, fox, and wolf, by chasing it down and catching it. These dogs were held in high regard and kept in lavish kennels by the nobility in many areas of Russia.
Things changed drastically for the Borzoi during and shortly after the Russian Revolution. Many of the Borzoi were slaughtered because of their connection to the Czars. But a few were left in isolated kennels.
In the early nineteenth century a few Borzoi were imported into England. Slowly to make their way into the United States in the beginning of the twentieth century, by way of England and Russia...

                                               A Bit About Borzoi

    To Know a Borzoi is to Love a Borzoi. They are frequently likened to Lays Potato chips, "nobody can have just one".
They are intelligent, graceful, humorous, & beautiful. But with that "Hound" streak of independence. They were bred for 6 centuries to chase game and often worked in trio's. They learned to think for themselves while away from their masters.They also had to get along well with other dogs. This translates into the dogs of today who enjoy living with other animals. BUT you should be careful about introducing small pets to your Borzoi so they don't trigger that "chase" instinct. Many Borzoi live well with small pets such as cats if they are raised with them.

   Definitely a breed that needs a FENCED YARD, they are prone to wander. Being farsighted, fleet of foot, and very curious they can cover miles before you even know they have left the yard. And they NEVER learn to watch for cars! Not to mention the risk to neighborhood cats.

   Borzoi have a sense of self worth. They are one of the few breeds that look you right in the eye. And if you have the good sense god gave you, you'll be able to see the laughter and love shining there. That's when you become hooked by the breed. They also "smile" at people they like. That can be frightening to the uninitiated as it looks much like a snarl attached to a huge dog wildly swinging its tail.

   They do need exercise as a young dog. If they have another dog companion they will exercise themselves during play time in the yard. Otherwise you will have to provide the daily motivation to get out and burn up some of their youthful energy through natural play (not forced). This will help them to grow into the musculature they should have as adults. Otherwise they tend to become very narrow and tall. As they get older they tend to become "Couch potatoes". Kinda like their humans... Both could use a bit more exercise.

                                              Borzoi Characteristic's

    General Appearance: "The Borzoi should always possess unmistakable elegance with flowing lines, graceful in motion or repose. Males, masculine without coarseness; bitches, feminine and refined".

    The Borzoi is a dog built for speed and strength. Not a sprinter but an endurance runner. Streamlined head and body. Deep chest for heart and lung space. An agile body on long strong legs.
    The male Borzoi is usually larger and carries a more profuse coat than the female. With the boys ranging typically between 30 to 33 inches at the shoulder, and weighing from 75 to 105 pounds. Females are between 28 and 31 inches at the shoulder and weighing from 55 to 85 pounds.

    Coat: Long, silky (not wooly), either flat, wavy,or rather curly. On the head, ears,and front of legs it should be short and smooth; on the neck the frill should be profuse and rather curly. Feathers on hindquarters and tail, long an profuse, less so on chest and back of forelegs.
    Color: Any color or combination of colors is acceptable.

    The Borzoi coat is gorgeous and definitely contributes to its appearance of elegance. It can come in any color you could imagine, from White with Silver Brindle spots to all Black with a couple of white toes. Cream, Gold, Brindle, Tri, Sable, Agouti, Red, Black,White. All these can also come diluted. And the spotting can be with a colored head  (or even just a spot on the ear) on a White body, to a heavily colored dog with White legs, stomach, neck, and a blaze on the face. The combinations are endless.
    As with any long haired breed they do shed. A bi-weekly brushing and an occasional bath will keep the Borzoi coat in lush condition. And the majority of the loose hair on your brush and not your carpet.

      The sections that appear in italics are quotes from The Borzoi Standard as approved by AKC. 

Further more detailed information may be found on our "Favorite Links" page.

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