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The Borzoi is a breed with a coat of many colors. They also have a double coat of different lengths, textures and amount of wave and curl. The standard describes coat as, "Long, silky (not woolly), either flat, wavy or rather curly. On the head, ears and front of legs it should be short and smooth; on the neck the frill should be profuse and rather curly. Feather on hindquarters and tail, long and profuse, less so on chest and back of forelegs." Color states, "Any color, or combination of colors is acceptable." In this article we will examine some of the coat and color considerations that should be kept in mind when judging Borzoi.
Borzoi can be any color, any pattern and can have any type of markings. Historically kennels in Russia maintained matched colors to enhance the spectacle of the hunt when tethered together, and to make the dogs from each kennel easily recognizable. Color can be all white to all shades of red to all black and anything in between. There is no preference for color in this breed. We also accept any color markings from self to Irish marked to partyi colored/piebald, to extreme white and even white with no markings.
There is no preference for marking in this breed. With the parti marking we can see split faced dogs, one eye patch or one ear patch, color down one leg only etc. All uneven markings are acceptable.
Because the parti marking is prevalent in this breed, one should also be aware of the optical illusions that can happen with placement of spots. A spot over the rise of a topline can make a dog appear flat backed. A spot in a line down the shoulder can make a dog appear straight in the shoulder or upper arm.
It is imperative that judges feel the structure of the dog and not be misled by an unfortunately placed spot. It can be helpful to look at the off side where spots may be placed differently.
Our patterns are brindle, sable, agouti, ticking and bi/tri color. Borzoi can be black-masked or self-masked. There is no preference for pattern in this breed. All these colors come with or without dilute and fading genes.
Merle is not known in this breed. Chocolate is said to exist but is rarely if ever seen and would have incorrectly colored pigment. The standard calls for black pigment on nose, eyes and lips on all colors. Eyes should be dark despite color.
Borzoi can have many different coat textures. The standard states from straight to rather curly.
The only coat the standard calls incorrect is "woolly." For our purposes, an incorrect woolly coat is a frizzy coat. Borzoi do not come in a wire coat. Other than woolly, there are no preferences for coat textures in this breed. Some bitches carry a "plush coat" which is a short thick coat of equal length throughout. Bitches rarely carry as much coat as their male counterparts but should always be given equal consideration for top honors. Bitches blow coat hormonally. They can blow down to almost no coat with straggly tufts. Many breeders do not show bitches out of coat, however, if one shows up your ring, please know that this is completely normal and they should not be penalized for lack of coat or condition. I have heard of judges telling exhibitors to have their girls checked for a thyroid condition or skin infection. Misplaced comments like these exhibits a lack of knowledge of this breed.
Dogs in dryer climates carry less feathering than dogs in humid climates and colder temperatures create thicker body coats. Curly or straight, long or short, Borzoi should never be judged on amount of coat. Too often, Borzoi exhibitors have had to witness "whoever has the most coat wins" judging. This is not popular with exhibitors or breeders and again shows a lack of understanding of this breed. The standard states "Feather on hindquarters and tail, long and profuse, less so on chest and back of forelegs." Too much coat actually interferes with the original purpose of the Borzoi so was not sought after by the breed's originators. An abundance of hair with lots of furnishing is quite impressive, however, sound running gear, correct movement, and beautiful type are much more important in this breed than a big coat.
Borzoi should consist of smooth flowing lines. Under general appearance the standard states "Borzoi should always possess unmistakable elegance, with flowing lines, graceful in motion and repose." Borzoi coats are not always compliant with the "flowing lines" concept. Many Borzoi have what breeders call a "buffalo hump" over their withers and a "butt toupee" on their hips and croup. At the same time, the coat on the rise over the loin is typically much shorter. Imagine a profuse amount of coat on the withers, short coat over the loin and thick coat on the hips and croup. The natural, graceful curve of the borzoi can be obscured with hair. Likewise, profuse feathering on the flanks can conceal the desired "rather tucked up" underline of a Borzoi. Therefore, trimming is allowed and practiced in this breed. Usually, trimming consists of cleaning up or evening out, withers, croups, tuck ups, ears, legs and feet. In some coat colors, especially sable, trimming cannot be hidden and it is apparent that the coat has been shortened. A dog that has been trimmed to neaten up and reveal the true natural curves of the dog should not be penalized. However, Borzoi should not be sculpted and the guard hairs should not be completely removed. Most Borzoi coat lends itself particularly well to sculpting and manipulation. Judges need to use their hands to determine the difference between accentuating the natural lines that are present in a correct dog and sculpting man made curves into a dog who is lacking proper structure. Be aware of re-configured top lines and upper arms that consist of hair instead of flesh and bone.
Heads and ears are lightly trimmed. This means "cleaning up" unsightly tufts and wisps. It does not mean shaving or taking the ears and head down to the skin. Removing too much hair creates a harsh, hard look. A Borzoi expression should always be soft, sensitive and intelligent.
No amount of trimming can hide a wide back skull, a snippy muzzle or large hanging ears. Trimming whiskers is optional. A beautiful head and expression can be readily observed whether whiskers are present or absent.
These are just a few things to consider when judging Borzoi. Structure, type and movement should take precedence over coat and color details, however, it is good to know what is correct and acceptable when judging the complete dog. There are no disqualifications in this breed so the judge will have to decide what is desirable and what will eliminate a Borzoi from their placements. The Borzoi standard was purposefully written to be inclusive of different styles, and coat and color contribute to overall impression. For those who are entrusted with the adjudication of this breed, it is well worth the time and effort it takes to fully understand the details of the noble Borzoi.
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