Borzois Dog (Property of Mrs Heaven).
CHAPTER X
The Borzois or Russian Wolfhound
The Borzois appears to be unquestionably of Russian origin, being, in anatomical structure, closely allied to the Greyhound, and in his native country is used for hunting the wolf, a brace being "slipped" after the wolf has been beaten out of cover, much in the same fashion as Greyhounds' coursing. The Hounds retain their hold until the huntsman arrives to secure it.
Russian Wolfhounds have during recent years become remarkably fashionable in England, probably in a large measure owing to the fact that Queen Alexandra, the Duchess of Newcastle—who owns some of the finest specimens of the breed in this country—and many others of aristocratic lineage, have been keen supporters of these noble creatures. In England, the only use for these hounds is that of companionship. They are, when trained, fairly good house dogs, though the uncertain temper of many of these Hounds renders them not very reliable. Although always carrying a most benignant expression, this will often be found to be deceptive.
A typical Borzoi should have a long, lean head; flat and narrow skull, and long, tapering muzzle, the head of the bitch being somewhat finer than that of the dog.