The Russian Greyhound (Barzoi) has held a prestigious position in the history and culture of its homeland, Russia, for nearly 9 centuries. It was a popular subject among artists, with numerous sculptures and paintings created of the breed, whose origin and appearance are both aristocratic.
In the 11th century, Anna Yaroslavna – daughter of the Prince of Kiev – brought 3 Barzois with her when she married Henry I. Famous figures (writers, tsars) such as Pushkin, Turgenev, Nicholas II, Peter the Great, Ivan IV Vasilyevich, and Leo Nikolayevich Tolstoy also chose the Russian Greyhound as their favorite. In 1917, Grand Duke Nikolai Nikolayevich and Dimitri Valtsevin founded the Persinon Kennel, which played a significant role in the spread of the Barzoi. Numerous records also serve as evidence that the Russian aristocracy has been breeding this elegant, yet strong hunting dog for several hundred years.
Due to its particularly elegant appearance, many assume it is "fragile," but no one should judge hastily, as appearances are deceptive; this graceful exterior and long coat conceal a muscular and brave interior. The Barzoi is a very persistent and stubborn “single-owner” breed. In the 18th century, driven hunts were a popular activity among the nobility, and the Russian Greyhound was specifically bred for hare, fox, and wolf hunting.
Individuals that reached abroad, especially to America, England, Germany, and France, played a significant role in the breed's survival, as the public nearly exterminated the populations of the hated nobility’s greyhounds, pushing this magnificent breed to the brink of extinction.
Fortunately, today it can be found in almost every country. One of its peculiarities lies in the fact that it “divides” people's opinions: some consider it one of the greatest wonders of the world, while others feel the exact opposite.
In its upbringing, rough treatment achieves nothing. Emphasis should be placed on rewards and praises
. The Russian Greyhound requires lots of care and love, but sometimes also some solitude. Its behavior toward strangers appears somewhat unfriendly, befitting its aristocratic origin, giving the impression of being unattainable. It protects its family, its pack; if it "gets into a conflict," it is a quick and strong opponent for whom “giving up” is not a known concept. This persistence is also proven on the Coursing field and the Track.
The Barzoi is classified by the FCI in group X, the Sighthound group, specifically in section 1, the Longhaired Sighthounds.
It is fundamentally a healthy breed; however, two health screenings are necessary for it: Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) and cardiac ultrasound.
Ágnes Balkányi
Triumphator FCI Barzoi kennel
