Alicia wrote:
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Thanks so much for the information. Now I know the difference.
If I may tell a story. My Dad, after the death of the Terrier, was given a gift of a Miniature French Poodle. A number of years later I was living on a 14 acre piece of property and my friends insisted that I get a dog because I had no close neighbors. In order to get them off my back I stated that the only dog I would care to have was a Borzoi. I knew absolutely nothing about the breed but truly appreciated their appearance. I had no hopes of finding one in the area but I did look through the paper (because I promised I would) and, after a couple of weeks, actually saw an ad for a Borzoi pup for sale. I did have to check it out. I found I was in competition with two others and do believe I "won" the pup, which was already 8 months old, because of the expanse of land I lived on. I drove her home in the back seat, all the while being a bit nervous about having this creature with such a long muzzle. I didn't know what she'd do if she became frightened.
At any rate, she was home with me and in a few days I called my Dad to discuss a name for her. In that call I stated that I didn't think she was too smart as she didn't seem as bright as our old "pit bull." Dad explained that he never did have another dog that was as smart and that I was expecting too much.
The dog fell in love with my father and would become excited about two miles short of Dad's house. Well, one day Dad commented that Atzuka was more intelligent than our old pal. I never expected to hear this. I would like to get another because, being a cat fancier, I noticed that this dog thought like a cat. A friend gave me a Saluki pup last year and I returned it because "it was not a Borzoi." It was beautiful but still not a Borzoi. So, forever, the only breed for me is the good old Russian Wolf Hound.
I've got loads of stories regarding Atzuka and have put some of them in print.
************** br Thanks so much for the informati... (
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Borzoi are great dogs, very dignified, and often aloof toward strangers, and typical sight hound somewhat independent, therefor not for those people who want a clingy dog. Scottish Deerhounds and Irish Wolfhounds have temperaments like the Borzoi. If you are looking for another one later be sure to contact the national club through the AKC site, and look for a rescue one, or even better a retired champion that is not necessary for a breeding program. Those dogs are very well socialized and trained so look into it. The breed gets along well with other members of the breed, so two would not be out of line.