Greyhound dogs: list of modern breeds. Russian greyhound Dog breeds similar to greyhounds

Don't judge by appearance. These dogs, although they seem thin and fragile, are actually very resilient and strong. Tall and thin, their build resembles that of an English greyhound. But unlike them covered with longer hair. May consist of soft, silky long hair or coarser hair. Color variations are numerous, but the basic one is white with spots.

It was selected in Russia during the monarchy by the Russian nobility. The main purpose of the breed was hunting. Russian greyhounds were used to drive animals (especially wolves) into open areas from more overgrown areas.

In North America, dogs of this breed have proven themselves well in baiting coyotes. But they are also known as loyal pets.
With a height of 69-79 cm, the dog’s weight can range from 35 to 40 kg.

Possible color options:

White.
White black.
White and red.
Silver-gold.
Golden.
Black and fawn with dark muzzle and paws.
Pale yellow.
Ginger.
Brindle with longer dark stripes.

At the same time, fawn tan marks are extremely undesirable. The dogs are dark in color with a characteristic mazurina (black mask).

The head is long, even dry, with well-defined contours. The skull is narrow and flat with a barely noticeable transition from the forehead to the facial part. The muzzle is elongated, long and dry, slightly convex in transition to the nose, which protrudes above the jaw from above.

The paws are dry and muscular with pronounced angulations of the joints. Rear with clearly visible protruding muscles. The saber tail does not rise above the dorsal line.
They love to play and run. Representatives of the Russian Borzoi are widely used in greyhound racing. Games like “fetch and serve” are extremely undesirable.

The average life age of dogs of this breed is from 12 to 14 years. The main health problems are associated with volvulus and neoplasms (cancer), less commonly, retinal atrophy and hypothyroidism.

Russian greyhounds very loyal to their owners. They learn commands quickly. It is better to get used to communicating with children gradually. Adult dogs are very calm and quiet at home. They do not have a specific dog smell.

Russian greyhound (photo)

Afghan Hound

Very aristocratic. She is attached to her owners and his children. But at the same time, she is a little stubborn. Therefore, the main thing when raising an Afghan hound is to make it clear that you are the owner.

This breed is approximately 5 thousand years old and comes from the Middle East. Unlike his Russian counterparts, he has a less athletic build, but has greater endurance. The ears are droopy, the whole body is covered with luxurious long hair. Very lively and playful. In hunting conditions, it is capable of chasing an animal for a long time. Initially it was used for baiting antelopes in mountainous areas, and in steppe conditions for hunting wolves and gazelles.

The Afghan hound came to Europe only at the very end of the nineteenth century. English soldiers brought her here returning home from the war.

Representatives of this breed reach a height of 69-74 cm and weigh from 25 to 30 kg. All colors are allowed. White areas are undesirable, especially in the head area.

It has clearly defined outlines of the skull and head. The forehead is flat, but not too narrow. Long muzzle with strong and powerful jaws. The color of the nose varies from dark to dark brown. Has large and wide paws; long and bony. The tail is not long, with a curved end.

The breed is not entirely adapted to being kept in a confined space. Requires constant physical activity in the form of long-distance running and careful care of long hair. They are very attached to their owners. They require attentiveness and affection from them.

Shy. The slightest sharp noise or rustle makes the dog flinch nervously. They have good jumping ability. They can easily jump over a fence that is not very high. They love children and treat them with great patience.

Photo of an Afghan hound

Kazakh greyhounds (tazy)

The national dog breed of Kazakhstan is the Tazy greyhound. Representatives of this breed have ideal proportionality in all parts of the body. Well built, short in stature, with a small head and triangular shaped ears. The neck is thin and flexible. The belly is lean. The chest is deep, laterally compressed. The wool is fine, soft and smooth, with dewlaps on the legs and tail. The color is bright red with black tips on the back and ears. Reaches height at the withers from 56 to 71 cm.

The main feature of dogs of this breed is their endurance. There are:

Shchi-tazy are small stature and size Kazakh greyhounds.
Steppe ones are larger in size.

In Central Asia I use it for hunting hares, ungulates, marmots and even wolves. Often the hunt was carried out with the simultaneous participation of a tazy and a hunting bird.
In the old days in Asia, up to 40 horses could be given for a purebred Kazakh greyhound.

Unlike its European counterparts, the Tazy hunts prey first with the help of scent, and only visually afterwards. She is very attached to a person, and perceives him not as an owner, but as a friend.

About her endurance there are legends. They say that it is capable of chasing game at a distance exceeding 3-4 km. Less effective at short distances. Since it does not have great agility, but at the same time it develops high running speed.
Unfortunately, in our time it is an endangered breed. It is very difficult to talk about the purebredness of its representatives. Almost no breeding and selection work is carried out.

✅, which is used to bait the animal. The main advantages of greyhounds are their flexible nature and elegant appearance. Pets are great for people who enjoy walking, cycling and evening jogging.

The greyhound is crazy about outdoor activities and will be happy to keep you company. The dog treats its owner with trepidation and tenderness, but is not intrusive and calmly tolerates short-term loneliness. Let's take a closer look at the representatives of this amazing breed.

The greyhound dog is one of the ancient breeds ✅ that have accompanied humans for more than one millennium. The pet was brought to Russia from Arabia in the 17th century at the request of a famous nobleman. At this time, the main entertainment of the nobility was hunting, so such breeds were actively “imported” and were held in high esteem. Greyhounds were often given as gifts to royalty. Over time, the dog “migrated” from princely families to “the people”, gaining popularity as a pet.

The character of the animal is quite contradictory - the dog behaves affectionately and friendly with the owner, but with a stranger it can show decisiveness and aggression. During training and training, greyhounds tend to demonstrate stubbornness, which can be broken with rewards. The dog does not require special care; its only nuance is regular bathing. Greyhounds love water and need bathing procedures more often than other dogs.

The pet calmly tolerates the absence of its owner. Animals will not play dirty tricks due to idleness and lack of attention. There are no “surprises” expected upon returning home from work.

A distinctive feature of the breed is its innate curiosity. It is vital for them to explore different territories, sniff and study them. Greyhounds may show signs of aggression when in contact with other animals. They need time to adapt and mentally prepare for the fact that they will have to share the territory with someone else.

Greyhounds are excellent nannies; they will conscientiously look after children, protecting them from trouble. The breed is famous for its good health, the only weak point is the stomach, so you should approach the choice of food with responsibility.

The main element of pet care is a brush for combing out hair. The procedure must be carried out at least once a week. Monitor the length of your dog's nails; it is recommended to trim them regularly so that your pet does not experience discomfort while running.

Take your dog with you whenever you leave the house - she loves walks, jogging and any type of activity. This will give the greyhound pleasure and will help maintain muscle tone.

Australian Greyhound

All about the breed:

color – any color with large splashes of white can be found;
appearance – height at the withers up to 78 cm, large dog with an elongated muzzle and muscular build;
maintenance – apartment living is practically contraindicated; greyhounds feel comfortable only in country houses;
classification - the breed is common, but official recognition has not been received;
Recommendations - not suitable as a first dog, it is quite stubborn, requires experience and perseverance from the owner.

The Australian is the most ferocious and aggressive of the entire greyhound class. The dog cannot be called sweet and family-friendly; it has retained its hunting inclinations, its instincts are very sharp. The pet will show warmth towards members of the household, but may enter into open confrontation with strangers and other animals. It is especially not recommended to have the breed in homes with children. The average cost of a puppy varies around 19,000 rubles.

Africanis

The second name of the breed is lion dog. The traditional colors are brown and red. The pets are quite large, up to 70 cm at the withers. Africanis can develop impressive speed, while his physique is not massive.

Lion dogs were bred in Africa; many positions were assigned to their “shoulders” - hunter, watchman, shepherd. A characteristic feature of the breed's appearance is the ridge on its back.

The pet's character is restrained and calm. The dog will not show aggression, but it cannot be called timid either. Animals quickly become attached to people and need their attention. At the same time, “African lions” are quite independent.

The advantage of the breed is its unpretentiousness; you can even keep your pet in an apartment, despite its large size. Africanis is one of the rare and less common dogs, so buying a puppy can be a real problem. Kennels in Russia rarely offer dogs for sale, which results in high prices.

The pet is one of the breeds not recognized by the FCI system. However, this does not prevent Afghans from being wonderful companions and exemplary pets. Dogs are distinguished by their sharp mind and excellent memory; they quickly learn new commands, but do not always carry them out due to their natural stubbornness.

The Afghan, like all greyhounds, is distinguished by its large size - up to 75 cm at the withers. He has a refined appearance and royal bearing. The general appearance of the pet is quite exotic.

Hunting instincts are well developed; the dog prefers hunting in the cold season. The animal tracks and drives prey in any area. The Afghan will be useful not only for hunting, he copes excellently with the role of a watchman and security guard.

The dog loves long walks, preferably without restrictions in the form of a leash. The character of the Afghan is very proud and proud. He will not tolerate disrespectful treatment.

It is a rare breed in Russia, so traveling abroad to buy a puppy is not excluded. The average cost of a pet will be about 37,000 rubles.

Irish Wolfhound

training – obedient, people-oriented, strives to please the owner by performing tricks;
appearance - height at the withers up to 90 cm, have black, white, fawn colors;
content - they perceive any training as a game, they love walks, it is not recommended to have a dog in the apartment, brushing is necessary once every few weeks;
food - pay attention to home cooking: porridge with minced meat, boiled meat, vegetables;
livability - a sociable and non-aggressive pet;
health – risk of developing cataracts and volvulus;
character – behind the gloomy appearance lies a kind and open heart, pets are distinguished by loyalty, love children;
price – from 50,000 rubles.

Read a detailed description of the breed.

Italian Greyhound

The birthplace of the breed is Italy. Pets are very smart and quickly learn new commands. The Greyhound's personality is playful and loyal. Dogs are people-oriented and suffer from attention deficit. They sensitively determine the mood of the household - when they will willingly play with them, and when, on the contrary, it is better to leave the owner alone.

Deerhound

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The Russian greyhound, which gets its name from the word “dog,” which means wavy, silky coat, is considered a true aristocrat among dogs. This breed of hounds is very ancient: together with the Mongol-Tatars, greyhounds also appeared in Rus'. They interbred with local herding dogs and adapted to the harsh winters by developing thick coats. Their descendants retained the characteristic physique of greyhounds.

The Russian greyhound was famous as a wonderful wolf hunter. In the steppe there were all the conditions for dogs of this breed to show their best qualities. Dog hunting became not only a pastime for the aristocracy and nobility. It has become a national form of hunting. With its entire appearance, this beautiful and graceful dog demonstrates the ability to run rapidly: all lines are impeccably sharpened and completed, the outlines of the body are beautiful, the muscles are well developed.

It embodies the Asian character - the greyhound is calm, unobtrusive, proud - and the European appearance: a curved elongated back, a long narrow head, small rose-shaped ears and a sweeping run. Some duality of character is manifested in the fact that the dog, on the one hand, is calm, affectionate, loves to be pampered, loves comfort, is sensitive and somewhat pampered. On the other hand, the greyhound is a real bundle of energy. During the pursuit, she devotes herself entirely to a frenzied gallop and does not pay attention to her wounds.

The Russian greyhound is the pride of domestic dog breeding, shines at international exhibitions and arouses the admiration of not only dog lovers, but everyone who appreciates beauty. Her aristocracy is visible in everything: in her movements, in the turn of her head, in her appearance. But with its grace and external sophistication, the greyhound has a powerful grip and remarkable strength.

Greyhounds work on the wolf. Especially the brave and evil are able to take it alone. No wonder it is called the Russian wolfhound abroad. Hunting with a greyhound - without a gun: thanks to its keen vision, it costs nothing to find the animal. Usually phlegmatic, this dog transforms when hunting. She warily looks in all directions to instantly notice the rise of prey.

Being a sprinter, the Russian greyhound has an innate running speed of up to 28 m/sec. (90 km/h) - she does not run, but rushes through the air. It appears that the dog is crawling above the ground. Literally in a matter of seconds the greyhound catches up with the beast. In addition, when hunting with a greyhound, there are no wounded animals: the dog either catches the animal, or it hides in a hard-to-reach place.

These tall (69-79 cm) thin dogs (35-48 kg), reminiscent of a greyhound (English greyhound), do not have a dog smell and pronounced shedding. Their coat is thin, without undercoat, and comes in different qualities: from silky and long to curly and hard. Almost any color is possible, but most of them are white-spotted.

The head is long, narrow and dry, finely defined. The skull is narrow, oval, flat with a barely noticeable transition to the muzzle from the forehead. The greyhound's muzzle is also narrow and long, but full and dry. The nose is black, the lips are tight-fitting and thin. The limbs are dry, muscular, bony, and her paws are narrow and oval.

The greyhound's tail is saber-shaped and long, but it can also be shaped like a sickle. When the dog is calm, it is lowered, and when moving, it is raised, but should not be higher than the line of the back. The Russian greyhound has a delicate and vulnerable psyche. She remains faithful to her owner if he feels her, understands her and does not try to suppress her will. These dogs are happy to communicate with their loved one and most often prefer to lie in their place to see what is happening in the house.

... and in conclusion :)

Others, no less amazing with photos, are waiting for you on a separate page!

There are many known breeds of greyhounds: Russian, American and English. Some were known in ancient times: Mountain, Crimean, Courland, Moldavian, Khiva, Horty. This is a fast, specialized breed with distinct exterior traits. As a rule, greyhound dogs have long and high legs, a streamlined body shape, a dry type of constitution, excellent eyesight, a keen sense of smell, adaptability to high-speed running over long distances, gracefulness and slender physique. The main purpose of their breeding is hunting. Among the known breeds, we will consider the most common ones.

The ancient Egyptians knew about this breed. Features: narrow muzzle, ears covered with hair, tail slightly curled at the end. There are any colors. Today, Salukis are rarely seen. These are fairly large, smooth-haired animals with close-fitting hair to the body and small ears. This combination looks quite harmonious.

They are also beautiful dogs with interesting body proportions. They have no undercoat, but their eyes are happy, expressive and black. Height is average. They can be any color. By nature they are reserved, however, gentle, but not particularly affectionate.

This breed was specially bred for mountainous areas and chasing rams and badgers. These are born hunters of average height. The color is usually black with white tan and slightly curled hair.

Taigans are excellent companions and just favorites for their owners. But if you want to get yourself such a pet, you must not forget about the character traits, because you need to socialize a dog from an early age, which is not always possible for beginners.

An elegant and graceful breed of small size with a thin, long head and arched loin. Dogs are smart, kind, easy-going. Suitable for owners who love entertainment and long-distance jogging. But for people who are sick or in poor health, it is better to think about choosing another calmer breed of greyhound dog.

A dog with a lean and rather muscular build. These are obedient, sociable dogs, unpretentious in maintenance and food. They can quickly adapt to city conditions and long walks.

This breed has Russian roots. This is a kind and beautiful dog with expressive kind eyes. The Hortaya's color is usually white with red spots. The undercoat is curly and tightly pressed to the body.

It is considered the oldest breed with small ears, slightly elongated muscles and an arched back. The fur of Russian greyhounds is truly luxurious. The breed was bred by breeders specifically for hunting wolves back in the days of the monarchy. Dogs not only quickly chase down predators, but also make excellent pets.

This is a popular breed today among dog lovers with a calm nature and incredible excitement at the sight of prey. Graceful, elegant dogs with excellent physical build. You can’t help but look after them and admire them when you see them on the street or in the park.

City people who are constantly busy and do not have enough time for their pet should not get one. Dogs treat adults with more respect, but they can be aggressive and skeptical towards children and teenagers, which is something you should be wary of if you want to get one.

As lap dogs among the greyhound breed, one can note miniature Italian greyhounds, originally bred for baiting hares. In size it is a small, playful breed and does not require special care. Makes an excellent pet for city dwellers in apartments. The dogs are small in size, but quite fast.

The Russian Greyhound is a dog breed that is widely known in the country and far beyond its borders. And not only for hunting lovers. Our ancestors used the word “greyhound” to mean “fast.” "Dog" was the name given to silky, wavy fur. For hundreds of years, these dogs have shown their rare qualities. And now it’s difficult to find a better hunting assistant.

The correct name of the dog and some types of greyhounds

Often non-professionals in conversation call the dog a greyhound. In fact, these are two different breeds, between which there are serious differences:

The hound is similar in appearance to the English greyhound, but smaller in size. However, this similarity is only external.
Dogs are used in hunting for various purposes. The greyhound is much faster. She grabs the prey, but the hound drives it.
Hounds are better at tracking scents and have a well-developed sense of smell. Greyhounds have excellent eyesight. To chase, they must see the beast.

From the very beginning, the Russian greyhound was intended to hunt wolves. In addition to her “responsibilities”, she can become a great family friend. However, only if certain conditions:

It is advisable to keep away from children;
a team is needed;
requires time and an active owner;
not suitable for city life;
has an independent character: does not tolerate mistreatment and can be disobedient.

There are also others breeds:

Appearance of the Russian Borzoi

The Russian Greyhound is considered one of the most graceful breeds in the world. She is distinguished by her tall height and low weight. Males at the withers - on average 75–86 cm, females - 68–78. The weight of males is about 40–45 kg, females - 30–40 kg. With such proportions they look thin. However, under the thick fur hides a muscular body. Dogs are very active. The tail is long and thin.

Muzzle- narrow and elongated. Compared to her body, she looks disproportionately small. The eyes are large almond-shaped. The dog is smart and this is noticeable in his eyes. The nose is large, the ears are small. Long wool reliably protects from frost. It is usually smooth and wavy, sometimes a little curly. On the head and front of the paws - shorter. For many on the neck it is noticeably longer and thicker.

Color wool- any. The most common is white, with large red or fawn markings. Russian Greyhounds of the same color are now difficult to find and were less valued in the past.

History of the Russian Borzoi breed

The Russian greyhound has long been used not only against wolves. With its help they also hunted hares, foxes, and sometimes wild boars or deer. However, only wealthy people - landowners and nobility - could afford to maintain it. Such hunting was considered the best entertainment. Often one landowner had hundreds of such dogs. They were very much appreciated. Sometimes dogs were bought for a lot of money. There are cases when purebred puppies were even exchanged for serfs.

The origin is not fully understood and is controversial. It is not difficult to guess that the ancestors are the greyhound and long-haired breeds. There are several versions:

The Russian greyhound was introduced by the Byzantines in the 9th or 10th century.
Came with the Mongol-Tatars in the 12th century. This version is confirmed by the character of the “native” steppe terrain and the speed qualities of the greyhound dog.
The Russian princes themselves took them with them from Persia in the 16th century. Animals were poorly adapted to our climate. Crossbreeding with other breeds was required. Hence the long hair of the second ancestor.

In Kiev's St. Sophia Cathedral you can find a drawing of a dog resembling a Russian greyhound. The image shows a deer hunt. The temple was built only in 1037. If this is a Russian greyhound, then it turns out that it appeared among us before the Mongol invasion.

Soviet scientists conducted their research. According to them, in Central Asia There were two main types of greyhounds:

Afghan;
Taigan (Kyrgyzstan).

They suggested that one of these breeds became the ancestor of the Russian greyhound. Of course, it was not easy for animals when the climate changed. If they could still survive in Kyiv, then to the north, for example, in Moscow or Novgorod, they could not. To increase resistance to cold, they were crossed with huskies.

Descriptions of the Russian greyhound have been known since the 17th century. An earlier name was Circassian Greyhound. Changes in gene pool occurred at the beginning of the 18th century, when it was crossed with the following greyhound breeds:

English;
Hortykh;
busty.

In the 19th century it was also mixed blood:

mountain greyhounds;
Crimean

Of course this led to emergence various types. Often the most famous breeders developed their own species. They were usually called by the names of the landowners. Over time, the characteristic differences of each type were erased, and a single breed appeared. In 1888, the standard of the Russian greyhound was described.

Moscow became the center of development of the breed. This is where genealogical books began to appear. The first volume was published in 1902 and included only 15 greyhounds. Five more were compiled before the revolution. The main number of dogs accounted for the following provinces:

With the outbreak of the First World War and the subsequent October Revolution breed has practically disappeared. People were in extremely difficult conditions; they had no time for breeding dogs. However, few enthusiasts managed to save the breed.

One of the ways was to find animals that had previously been exported abroad. So, in the USA the Russian greyhound is still quite popular. Although, these dogs have largely lost their hunting qualities, which cannot be said about domestic representatives. They are still being hunted.

Features of behavior

The Russian Greyhound has a friendly character. When raised properly, it rarely harms children. Despite its impressive size, it is not suitable for guard work, as it lacks aggressiveness and is difficult to acclimate to a place.

Hunts, as a rule, in large packs. Their number can reach up to hundreds of animals. Large breeds usually have a hard time finding a common language with each other. However, this does not apply to Russian greyhounds. They perform well in the same pack with other greyhounds, hounds, and terriers.

The hunter's instinct is very developed. Dogs chase any potential prey: squirrels, hamsters, other smaller animals, etc. For example, a dog of a smaller breed may be attacked. Able to get along with her house cat, but kill the neighbor's. Therefore, socialization is very important.

When introducing other animals, you need to respect caution. But even if there is already a habit, instincts can take over. For example, it is better for a domestic cat not to run away. Even the most disciplined and trained dog sometimes finds it difficult to cope with emotions. At such moments, they may not listen to commands. It's unlikely to catch up. The pet's speed reaches 70–90 km/h, the fence is not a hindrance. Therefore, it is better to prevent trouble and be careful.

A game with other dogs often involves chasing, grabbing and holding the neck. This is not aggression, but typical behavior - a tactic used in hunting. Despite its universal character, the main prey of the Russian greyhound is the wolf.

This was the original purpose of breeding the breed. Hunting techniques have been developed by the dog's ancestors for hundreds of years. They are laid down at the genetic level and work automatically, even in puppies. When hunting, Russian greyhounds usually catch up with a wolf. Then the bravest members of the pack attack him and restrain him. These are not wolfhounds whose goal is to kill a predator. Russian greyhounds must detain him until a man with a weapon approaches.

Russian greyhounds are distinguished by their rare mind. They are able to remember tricks consisting of several sequential actions. This is often used in the circus, etc. In terms of training, they are considered one of the most capable hunting dogs.

However, they often show character and try to do everything at their own discretion. The desired behavior can be achieved through encouragement and patience. Rudeness should be excluded. Such methods traumatize the dog’s psyche and are ineffective due to its characteristics.

Required loads

Due to their temperament and physiology, animals are in dire need of exercise. Paying special attention to physical activity is important for two more reasons: reasons:

The dog is very active and in the absence of the necessary load, seeks compensation. Considering the size of the pet, its athletic build and restless nature, this often results in serious damage. The interior of the apartment can change a lot. If it is not possible to take care of the animal, load it, it is better to get another breed.

Otherwise, Russian greyhounds compare favorably with other dogs by their exemplary behavior. They bark or howl very rarely. In terms of personal hygiene, they can easily compete even with cats.

Care and health

One of the features of the breed is long hair. It needs to be combed out periodically. Although, paradoxically, special attention is not required here. Grooming is carried out only occasionally. You can do without it.

There is a lot of fur left on furniture pieces. Allergy sufferers should especially remember this.

Washing can be a big job. However, the dog is very clean, so frequent repetition of the procedure is not necessary.

The Russian Greyhound is not a centenarians. The sentence allotted to her is only 7–10 years.

The most common diseases:

Volvulus is the most common. Only urgent surgery or prevention can help.
Heart disease and cancer have become common only in recent years. Before this they were considered rare. It is characteristic that the same diseases have become much more common in dogs of other breeds.

Large dogs tend to be prone to hip dysplasia. This disease is rare in Russian greyhounds.

Due to their extremely low amount of fat, greyhounds are very sensitive to medications. This is especially true for anesthetics. The veterinarian should know about this. Not recommended walks where chemicals were used: pesticides, fertilizers, etc.

Proper nutrition is very important, especially for puppies. Particularly intensive growth is observed in the first two years of life. Concentrated feeds with a lot of energy are not suitable. They cause damage to bones and joints. It is worth remembering that the composition developed for large breeds is not recommended in this case.

The point is in the characteristics of the body, physiology. There are a lot of Russian greyhounds moving. They don't need as much fat and muscle as other breeds of the same size. Therefore, such food does not take into account their needs.

Better fit raw stern. To confirm this, we can recall that a close relative, the Hortaya greyhound dog breed, has a similar diet. Traditionally, she is recommended to eat a diet of meat scraps and oats.

It is better to purchase a Russian greyhound puppy from a trusted kennel. Here you have a higher chance of getting a healthy dog. With the right content, it can bring a lot of joy and benefit.