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Breed Characteristics
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South Russian Steppe Hound
| Other Names | Steppe Borzoi |
| Country of Origin | Russia |
| Weight | 45 - 75 lbs. (20.5 - 34 kg) |
| Height (at withers) | 24 - 28 in. (61 - 71 cm) |
| Coat | Short an thick |
| Colour | Any colour |
| Litter Size | 3 - 6 puppies |
| Life Span | 9 - 12 years |
| Origin & History | The Cossack and Tartar peoples of the steppe regions of the Ukraine and southern Russia were famous for their horsemanship. Their tradition of hunting on horseback, accompanied by a pair of scenthounds and a falcon, is preserved in the region today, with the hunters using both the South Russian Steppe Hound and their close cousin, the Chortaj. They ride out looking for game, relying on the Chortaj, who has keen enough eyesight to spot game up to 280 yards (256 m) away. Once seen, the pursuit is on. The Steppe Hounds are endowed with tremendous endurance to withstand the lengthy chase that finally exhaust the game. The Borzoi, although possessing greater speed, would be worn out before the fox, hare, or antelope could be run down on the spacious steppes. The South Russian Steppe Hound can, however, put on short bursts of tremendous speed to turn the quarry before it is able to find safety in a thicket or heavy brush. This coursing hound of South Russia is probably descended from Middle Eastern sighthounds brought to the area in ancient times. In the last century, South Russian Steppe Hound were often neglected and could be found roaming villages, stray and malnourished. More recently, this ancient breed's lot improved, when in 1952 All-Union Cynological Congress recognized it as worthy of preservation. |
| Personality | The sighthound is loyal and affectionate with their family but distinctly aloof with strangers. Although capable of extreme athleticism, they make a gentle, calm and quiet companion in the home. |
Care Requirements
| Health | There are no known health problems that are specific to the South Russian Steppe Hound. Any health problems it may develop can be found in most other dog breeds. |
| Grooming | The South Russian Steppe Hound does not require a large amount of grooming. The smooth short-haired coat is easy to look after. Owners will simply want to make sure the coat is brushed on a consistent basis. These dogs should only be given baths when they need it. A wipe down with a damp towel should suffice for the bathing aspect, (although you should bathe it with mild soap only if or when necessary; you should also dry shampoo it occasionally), however a rubber, wire, or hard bristled brush would work best for the brushing aspect. The shedding patterns of these dogs are not known. Be sure to check the ears carefully for signs of infection. The nails of the should also be trimmed, (particularly to avoid nail-born infections). |
| Exercise | This is a hunting dog that needs extensive amounts of exercise. Without it, the dog could become problematic for its owners. It should be taken on walks daily, and this dog is great for healthy people who love to jog and hike. |
| Other Considerations | While it can live in an apartment, it may perform better in a small yard. It is important for owners to make sure this dog is never unleashed in an unsecured area, as it may run off in the direction of the first interesting scent it picks up. It is important for owners to make sure these dogs are given lots of space to move around in. |
