CHAPTER XVII 

 THE BORZOI OR RUSSIAN WOLFHOUND 



OF the many foreign varieties of the dog that have been 

 introduced into this country within recent years, there is not 

 one among the larger breeds that has made greater headway 

 in the public favour than the Borzoi, or Russian Wolfhound. 

 Nor is this to be wondered at. The most graceful and elegant 

 of all breeds, combining symmetry with strength, the wearer 

 of a lovely silky coat that a toy dog might envy, the length of 

 head, possessed by no other breed all go to make the Borzoi 

 the favourite he has become. 



He is essentially what our American cousins would call a 

 " spectacular " dog. Given, for example, the best team of 

 terriers and a fifth-rate team of Borzois, which attracts the 

 more attention and admiration from the man in the street ? 

 Which does he turn again to look at ? Not the terriers ! Add 

 to this that the Borzoi makes a capital house dog, is, as a rule, 

 affectionate and a good companion, it is not to be wondered at 

 that he has attained the dignified position in the canine world 

 which he now holds. 



In his native country the Borzoi is employed, as his English 

 name implies, in hunting the wolf and also smaller game, in- 

 cluding foxes and hares. 



Several methods of hunting the larger game are adopted, one 

 form being as follows. Wolves being reported to be present 

 in the neighbourhood, the hunters set out on horseback, each 

 holding in his left hand a leash of three Borzois, as nearly 

 matched as possible in size, speed, and colour. Arrived at the 

 scene of action, the chief huntsman stations the hunters at 



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