Until 1936, and outside of Russia, the Borzoi was known as the Russian Wolfhound, but the change to “Borzoi” wasn’t without turmoil. All through the 20’s and 30’s, fanciers debated that very issue. Those in the “con” camp argued that while Borzoi is the Russian word for “swift,” it was just one quality of a complex breed. Borzoi fancier, Dr. M.W. Thewlis, opined that “Russian wolfhound” not only evoked an image of mystery, appropriate of the breed, but to paraphrase Thewlis, it described what the breed was: Russian, a hound, and a hunter of wolves (though the primary prey was and still is hare, followed by fox).
Discussion effectively ended when the AKC accepted Borzoi as the official breed name, some say to match the rest of the international kennels. Not having been around in 1936, we don’t know the thinking behind the decision, but from our 21st century perspective, it made sense. The Borzoi is not only a swift breed, but is said to be the only hound with a “killing speed” – an extra burst of intense high speed that has a name: Brossok, which means “fling.” Owners tell you can spot it when a Borzoi is this close to catching its prey. Old World Russian breeders believed that that “brossok” was utterly unique to their breed, something that’s been described it as a “bullet leaving a gun.” Furthermore, it was believed that if a dog didn’t display it, it wasn’t a real Borzoi.
Image: Borzoi byJuliaSha/Depositphotos
This could be AI BS, Kennel club BS or have some truth. Steve may know.