![[ Random Borzoi Image ]](../bannerpicsjudges/image-4.jpg)
Borzoi don't run on their heads. That's true! I have heard it often. However, heads are important. The head for each breed is unique and instantly sets it apart from all other breeds. The head is also what we look at the most in day to day life. Dale Hunsburger writes the following in his article, Breed Type Defines the Breed, "The head is the hallmark of many breeds and is a vital factor in deciding whether such breeds are good or bad type. Every breed has its own distinct type. It should come first in the breeders or judges final selection, for without type, the breed loses its identity." The ultimate question is, what is more important, type or soundness. The answer is obviously-both. So let's have a discussion about heads.
The Borzoi head, viewed from any angle, is extremely long and narrow. When observed from both front and side it is a very slight wedge. From the front/top the back scull should be narrow and oval. The muzzle is thick, never snipy or weak. The inner corner of the eye should be halfway between the occiput and the end of the nose. The photo or this lovely lady shows perfectly her narrow back skull and her thick muzzle. This head is nicely balanced. Don't let her spots distract your eye. Look past the color and observe her proper head structure. The photo of the white youngster also shows the narrow back skull and thick muzzle from a different angle.
Proper head can even be seen in a newborn puppy. A puppy who has an almost rectangular head at birth, muzzle nearly as broad as the back skull, will likely grow into an adult with a head of beautiful type and proportion.
From the side, the top of the head through the throatlatch should be deep and so should be the muzzle and underjaw. Though the powerful jaw is deep, the throatlatch is clean. The underjaw is strong. The back scull is nearly flat or very slightly domed. There is scarcely any perceptible stop. This means there is literally just the slightest hint of an indentation in profile well below the eyes. The planes on a Borzoi are, in fact, convex and not parallel. The top lines of the skull and the muzzle form a smooth, long, uninterrupted and slightly convex line. Finally, the roman finish, the slight angling down of the muzzle before it meets the large, black nose leather, completes the look of a highly bred aristocrat. The dog below has all the attributes for a beautiful and correct profile.
A Borzoi head should have a great amount of fill below and between the eyes. Fill refers to bone, and "fills" in the head so there is no "dishyness" or scooped out look around or under the eyes. A Borzoi head should be dry and hard with no drooping or fleshiness. This boy exhibits excellent smooth fill and a long, lean and dry head.
Eyes are large, dark, almond shaped and obliquely set with black rims, and a soft, gentle, intelligent expression. Eyes should never be round, staring, or forward facing. Ears are small and set high with thin supple leather. They are rosed back folding against the junction of head and neck. When at attention ears can "bonnet" or point straight upward. This is not a fault and is natural when the dog is alert. Lips are thin, tight fitting, well stretched and dry with a clean lip line. Lip pigment should be completely black. Borzoi do not have any flew. A scissors or level bite is equally acceptable. On the male below you can see correct, eyes, expression, ears, and lips.
Last is one of my absolute favorite points of breed type. Veining, is the thing that makes an excellent head really stand above the rest. Veining is such a beautiful detail on the Borzoi head. Few standards even mention this characteristic but breeders know the importance of this detail. Below is an exquisite example of the principal veins in the head that should be clearly visible.
Many say that a head can be fixed in one generation. There is a lot that goes into a beautiful head for that to be true and if that is true, why don't all Borzoi have exemplary heads? I do believe, though, that a head can be set in a line and superb heads can be produced generation after generation.
So in conclusion I repeat. Borzoi do not run on their heads, however, head is extremely important and speaks to breed type. Again- which is more important type or structure and soundness, and again- the answer is all of the above. Borzoi need to have all these attributes to do the job for which it was bred. The Russian Aristocracy who developed this breed, valued elegance, grace and strength equally. These words appear in the standard multiple times. As breeders and judges we should all be seeking "the complete Borzoi."
![[ Random Borzoi Image ]](../bannerpicsjudges/image-12.jpg)