![[ Random Borzoi Image ]](../bannerpicsjudges/image-14.jpg)
Eyes are the window to the soul so are important to me as a breeder and a judge. Eye shape and expression are important elements of type in most breeds. For our purposes today I have compared five different Borzoi standards: AKC, UKC, FCI, Canadian, and British.
Color
Dark. All standards across the board call for dark eyes. FCI calls for dark brown to brown. Three of the standards state specifically, eyes should not be light. There is some scientific evidence that the darker the eye the better the vision in a dog. Being a sight hound, it is imperative that a Borzoi is able to see great distances. Read Jon Steele's article "The eyes have it" In the 2009 May Gazette for more information on this concept. Blue eyes do exist in Borzoi but they are, of course, extremely undesirable.
Size
Large. Three of the standards call for large eyes. It stands to reason that a small eye would not see as well as a large eye. Again, because of the importance of being able to see well at great distances, a large eye is crucial. Form follows function and the small things in our standard that we think may be included because of aesthetic beauty, are actually likely essential to the function of our breed. There is a disease called Microphthalmia which is to be avoided and occurs in Borzoi. It is a condition where the eyes and other structures fail to develop normally and end up very small for the breed. It can happen in one or both eyes and can cause blindness.
Set
Oblique. Eye set is critical to the beautiful head and expression of our breed. Three standards call for an oblique or somewhat obliquely set eye. This means that the eyes are placed somewhat on the side of the skull. They should never be facing forward or forward placed. A forward placed eye is what creates the staring look that our AKC, and the British and Canadian standard states a Borzoi should never possess. Two standards say eyes should not be bulbous, one says not sunken, and the FCI standard calls for "tight fitting" eyes.
Shape
Almond. Our AKC standard leaves eye shape a bit open to interpretation, most American breeders strive for an oval, almond or almost triangular eye shape. Borzoi standards from other countries call for an almond shaped eye. Three of the five standards, including our AKC standard, state that Borzoi eyes should not/never be round. I'm sure the girls below are very sweet, but their eyes are incorrectly round. Interestingly, the round eyes I have seen over the years are almost always forward placed. Veterans should be given consideration as tissues sag when dogs get older and eyes can appear more round.
Expression
Soft and intelligent. Words standards use to describe expression are, rather soft, intelligent, kind, alert and keen. To me the soft intelligent expression is paramount. When you trim a Borzoi's head, keep this in mind. The head and expression should be soft and kind. When you over trim the head and ears it gives a Borzoi a harsh severe look. This is counterintuitive to what a borzoi should be. When I look into the eyes of a Borzoi I see so much depth and engagement. It feels like my dogs really know me and can understand every word I say. I can almost see an old soul deep in those eyes.
Set somewhat obliquely, dark in color, intelligent but rather soft in expression; never round, full nor staring, nor light in color; eye rims dark; inner corner midway between tip of nose and occiput.
Personally, eyes figure fairly prominently in my breeding program. Eyes are one of the many criteria I use to select my breeding stock and breeding partners. I take great pride and joy in the many beautiful heads and eyes that I have produced over my lifetime.
![[ Random Borzoi Image ]](../bannerpicsjudges/image-11.jpg)