A borzoi is a tall, elegant breed of dog originally bred in Russia to hunt wolves. These dogs are built for speed, with long legs, a narrow body, and a sleek head that cuts through the air like an arrow. Their thick, silky coat kept them warm during harsh Russian winters while they chased prey across snowy fields.

Borzois can run incredibly fast, reaching speeds of nearly 40 miles per hour. Russian nobles once used packs of borzois for wolf hunting, where the dogs would chase down wolves in open terrain. Today, borzois are kept as pets and show dogs, though they still love to run and need plenty of space to stretch their legs.

Despite their hunting heritage, borzois are typically calm and gentle indoors, though their hunting instinct means they might suddenly sprint after a squirrel in the yard. They look almost regal with their long noses and flowing coats, which is why you sometimes see them in paintings of Russian aristocrats from centuries past.