The Russian Borzoi

This is an excerpt from a book titled "Dogs From All Angles" by Nina Scott-Langley and K. R. G. Browne. The publication date is sometime in the 1930s and the book features somewhat satirical/humorous breed descriptions in addition to illustrations utilizing only straight lines.

An elegant but elongated dog, somewhat resembling a greyhound in a second-hand fur coat. Came to England from Russia (as the keen observer will deduce from its name) long before the Revolution, and is therefore considered patworthy by those members of the British aristocracy who would hesitate even to kick a dog suspected of Communistic sympathies.

In its native country was used principally for hunting wolves - ay, and bears to boot - across the frozen steppes, both front and back. As the local wolves objected strenuously to this pastime, while the local bears were not too keen on it either, the hunters worked on the ratio of three Borzois to one wolf (or bear, as the case might be). This was no reflection on the Borzoi's courage, but merely on its chassis, experiments having shown that it was liable to get broken in half if it went for a wolf alone.

Owing to the shortage of wolves in England - and not too many bears have been seen about lately, either - is nowadays employed mainly as an ornament. Having a sporting nature, would willingly hunt hares and foxes in lieu of anything larger; but is seldom allowed to do so, as its long coat tends to get entangled in the undergrowth and evoke titters from the peasantry.

Of an affectionate disposition, and an excellent house-dog, though a little out of its element in a modern service-flat. A very decorative companion for svelte brunettes, and is much photographed (for the Society papers) in the act of being fearlessly patted by such. Has no objection to cold weather, which reminds it of the old hunting-days on the illimitable samovar, and will eat almost anything once.

Rather plaintive in expression, like a poor relation anxious to borrow a fiver, with a slightly Semitic nose and hardly any chin. Not that it needs any, having gew drastic decisions to make. Superbly stream-lined as to the body, and exceedingly graceful when in full flight - which, unfortunately, it is seldom permitted to be, owing to the traffic.

Is worth roughly as much as a small wireless set or two (2) bicycles, inasmuch as one can easily pay £10 for a well-bred puppy. Well, not easily perhaps; but you can see what I mean. Colours: white, fawn, brindle, blue, lemon, and orange; which seems rather peculiar somehow.