Borzoi (Comprehensive Owner's Guide)

2016 | Natural World

This Comprehensive Owner's Guide to the Borzoi serves as a complete introduction to beautiful, aristocratic Russian sighthound. The Borzoi, known in Russia as the Psowaya Borzoi, combines elegance and strength in a way that only a truly noble purebred dog can do. As the history chapter details, the Borzoi was once called upon to "pin a wolf," though today he is more frequently seen as a fashionable home companion and top-winning show dog. Still able to course alongside the hunter, the Borzoi remains a powerful, courageous, and enduring hound. Written by renowned British Borzoi breeder, illustrator, and author, Dr. Desiree Scott, this volume provides well-researched information on the breed's origins in Russia, Europe, Asia, and the United States. The book continues with a chapter on characteristics, encapsulating all of the virtues of this unique sighthound, offering sound advice about which owners are best suited to the breed. The chapter devoted to the breed standard is illustrated with computer-generated graphics by the author to demonstrate correct type and structure for newcomers and experienced Borzoi fanciers alike.

All owners will welcome the well-prepared chapter on finding a breeder and selecting a healthy, sound puppy. Chapters on puppy-proofing the home and yard, purchasing the right supplies for the puppy as well as house-training, feeding, and grooming are brimming with detail and illustrated with handsome adults and puppies. In all, there are over 135 photographs in this useful and reliable volume. The author's advice on obedience training will help readers better mold and train their independent-minded dogs into the most socialized, well-mannered good canine citizens. The extensive chapter on healthcare provides accurate information on selecting a qualified veterinarian, vaccinations, parasites, infectious diseases, and more. The final chapter on showing the Borzoi will be of great interest to all owners interested in exploring the competitive world of dog sports. Sidebars throughout the text offer helpful hints, covering topics as diverse as vaccines, toxic plants, first aid, crate training, carsickness, fussy eaters, and more.

Desiree Scott (Author)