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The Borzoi Standard was first drawn up in this country and approved by the AKC in 1903. In 1940, revisions were approved removing the color disqualifications for black and blank & tan. Again in 1972, revisions were made to the Standard for the sake of clarifications and to add an important section describing gait. Overall, the Borzoi standard has changed very little. The very good dogs of the 1920's would still be competitive in today's show ring. THE BORZOI STANDARD General Appearance - The Borzoi was originally bred
for the coursing of wild game on more or less open terrain, relying
on sight rather than scent. To accomplish this purpose, the Borzoi
needed particular structural qualities to chase, catch and hold
his quarry. Special emphasis is placed on sound running gear,
strong neck and jaws, courage and agility, combined with proper
condition. The Borzoi should always possess unmistakable elegance
with flowing lines, graceful in motion or repose. Males, masculine
without coarseness; bitches, feminine and Head - Skull slightly domed. long and narrow, with scarcely any perceptible stop, inclined to be Roman-nosed. Jaws long, powerful and deep, somewhat finer in bitches but not snipy. Teeth strong and clean with either an even or a scissors, bite. Missing teeth should be penalized. Nose large and black. Ears - Small and fine in quality, lying back on the neck when in repose with the tips when thrown back almost touching behind occiput; raised when at attention. Eyes - Set somewhat obliquely, dark in color, intelligent but rather soft in expression; never round, full nor staring, nor light in color; eye rims dark; inner corner midway between tip of nose and occiput. Neck - Clean, free from throatiness; slightly arched, very powerful and well set on. Shoulders - Sloping, fine at the withers and free from coarseness or lumber. Chest - Rather narrow, with great depth of brisket. Ribs - Only slightly sprung, but very deep, giving room for heart and lung play. Back - Rising a little at the loins in a graceful curve. Forelegs - Bones straight and somewhat flattened like blades, with the narrower edge forward. The elbows have free play and are turned neither in nor out, pasterns strong. Feet - Hare-shaped, with well-arched knuckles; toes close and well padded. Dewclaws - Dewclaws, if any, on the hind legs are generally removed; dewclaws on the forelegs may be removed. Tail - Long, set on and carried low in a graceful curve. Coat - Long, silky (not woolly), 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. Feather on hindquarters and tail, long and profuse, less so on chest and back of forelegs. Color - Any color or combination of colors is acceptable. Size - Mature males should be at least 28 inches at
the withers and mature bitches at least 26 inches at the withers.
Dogs and bitches below these respective limits should be severely
penalized; dogs and bitches above the respective limits should
not be penalized as long as extra size is not acquired at the
expense of symmetry, speed, and staying quality. Range in weight
for males from 75 to 105 pounds, and Gait - Front legs must reach well out in front with
pasterns strong and springy. Hackneyed motion with mincing gait
is not desired nor is weaving and crossing. However, while the
hind legs are wider apart than the front, the feet tend to move
closer to the center line when the dog moves at a fast trot.
When viewed from the side, there should be a noticeable drive
with a ground-covering stride from well-angulated stifles and
hocks. The overall appearance in motion should be that of FAULTS Approved June 13, 1972 |
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