Did you know I’m really fast? I used to be a hunting dog in Russia, and my name is actually derived from an old Russian word that means “fast” and “swift.” It couldn’t fit me better! People say I’m catlike because I’m docile and gentle, which, of course, I am. But no cat can run as fast as me. And, yes, that’s a challenge!

Our story begins a long, long time ago, back in Russia in 1650. I was developed from the early Russian Bear Hound, which was a lure coursing hound, and a tall Russian Sheepdog (that’s where I get my height!). I was royalty from the start, a hunting dog bred by the Russian aristocracy. But I didn’t just hunt small animals. I hunted wolves. The hunts were grand events - rituals, even - with hundreds of us Borzois released to capture wolves while our owners and their guests watched. Afterwards, there’d be a big feast in the royal hall. If we were lucky, they’d give us dog food and treats. But then, tragedy struck: the Russian Revolution. You learned all about it in school, but everyone always mentions the bourgeoisie and no one ever talks about the Borzoi! Our relation to the monarchy is what killed us. We were slaughtered all across Russia, and the only reason we’re alive today is because we were given as gifts to royalty in other countries. Thank goodness for Queen Victoria! And t