![[ Random Borzoi Image ]](../bannerpicsjudges/image-17.jpg)
In preparation for a small handout for judges, I asked 14 breeders for 5 priorities that they feel judges should consider in their evaluation. In this group there is a combined 500 years of breeding experience. The contributors are breeders of hundreds of champions, BIS, specialty winners, group placers, also breed, Hound Group, BIS Judges and veterinarians. I even included comments from Asa Mays through his writings, complements of Karen Mays. The following are their priorities and concerns.
The most often-mentioned breed element was topline. There was a consensus that judges still do not reward the best toplines in the ring. "Slight rise over the loin with flexibility evident on the trot". Too stiff, too far forward or nonexistent is wrong. The second most-mentioned element was gait, which is very important for this breed. Most often mentioned in the comments was "free and easy movement, not hackneyed, mincing, weaving or crossing". A general frustration with judges that put up restricted movement or poor movers does this breed a huge disservice.
Third was elegance, although this element was not always mentioned as a separate item but always interlaced throughout the comments when describing overall balance of the dog, both standing and moving. Tied for fourth were neck set, and missing teeth with an equal number of responses. The neck set should be a smooth transition into the shoulders, not goose neck nor set too low, strong and powerful for taking down their prey. There were several comments on judges that are "tooth fairies" who miss the overall better dog because of one missing tooth. The standard was changed to include missing teeth, and the problem of multiple missing teeth should be discouraged, but one or two was not an issue for most of the respondents.
Following behind the above elements were condition, coat, head, ears, bladed bone, feet and size. Borzoi should be in good condition with muscling appropriate for a working hound. Coat came under two categories: type and grooming. First, there are several types of coats from wavy, to straight, to curly and short plush body coats, all acceptable. A special note was that bitches blow their coats and should not be penalized for lack of coat in late spring or summer. The second topic on coat was a consensus on over grooming. Borzoi should be clean and tidy but not overgroomed. Scissoring off guard hairs or sculpting in a topline is not necessary. Do not reward the overgroomed dog with incorrect structure to a Borzoi with a rougher appearance. This is a breed you must feel with your hands and get into the coat to evaluate structure, not what the handler wants you to see. Ears should be small and rose not hanging or with thick leather. Several breeders believe small tight ears lead to better ligaments for field work. Size: bigger is not always better. The standard is 28" for males 26" inches for bitches. Borzoi under the standard is a serious fault. Borzoi have bladed bone not round. Feel for it on the fore legs if you question the correct shape. Feet are hare shaped, not cat nor splayed.
Other important elements mentioned in the survey were color, tail set, tight ligaments, shoulders and temperament. Concerning color, preference and distribution is unimportant. Markings can mask conformation, don't get lost by a marking that contrasts with the underlying structure. Tail sets should not be high. Borzoi will use their tails at speed for counterbalance but a ring or gay tail is an issue. On temperament this breed should have courage but never aggressive or shy. Borzoi can be aloof. Don't be surprised if they appear uninterested in being examined; it is part of breed type. Historically they worked in teams and should get along with other dogs.
These 14 Borzoi breeders all felt that judging has not improved in recent years. With so many new judges, these breeders would rather see better judges that understand that this breed is not easy to breed. With their large size, long bones, sound movement, distinctive topline and coats for surviving the harshest of climates Borzoi are a fine balance between power and elegance. Their heads are long with good fill in front of the eyes, small rose ears adding to that elegant profile. The future is in your hands, please use your hands - not just your eye - to evaluate our breed.
Our future is in the decisions you make in your ring.
![[ Random Borzoi Image ]](../bannerpicsjudges/image-9.jpg)