In the grand kingdom of dogs, where lovable Labradors and affable Pomeranians roam, there exists a breed that draws attention not just for its peculiar name but also for its striking appearance. It goes by the name Borzoi, a slim and elegant sight hound that hails from Russia. You might know it better by the moniker “Russian Wolfhound.” With its long, sleek shape and even longer hair, the Borzoi cuts a graceful and almost otherworldly figure.
But what about its intellect? Can this gorgeous creature keep up with the famously clever Collie or match wits with the sly Shiba Inu? Is a Borzoi a smart dog? Let’s dig deeper into this splendid species, uncover what lies beneath that lush fur, and see if it could outsmart you on your worst day.
Let’s start by defining “smart”. In the world of dogs, intelligence can mean different things. It could mean adaptability, problem-solving abilities, trainability, or instinctive behavior. Interestingly, where a Border Collie might excel in trainability, a Bloodhound’s olfactory abilities would outshine most others. Each breed has its strengths, and it’s important to remember that intelligence varies not just across breeds, but also from dog to dog.
In the case of the Borzoi, do not judge this book by its cover, or rather, this dog by its fur. Beneath that cashmere-like coat lies a brain that’s very much capable of understanding and learning. Borzois, like other sight hounds, were bred to hunt based on what they saw—which demanded plenty of quick-thinking and on-the-spot decision-making skills. These abilities required in the wild have translated into a form of intelligence that might not be obvious at first glance.
Stanley Coren, a renowned canine psychologist and author of “The Intelligence of Dogs,” didn’t include Borzoi in the top 30 of his list of smartest dog breeds. Nevertheless, it’s essential to understand that his ranking focuses heavily on obedience and training, which is not the Borzoi’s strong suit. They are characteristically independent and may not always follow commands instantaneously like a Belgian Malinois but this doesn’t make them any less intelligent.
Simply put, a Borzoi is like that brilliant friend who’s always daydreaming in class—doesn’t do particularly well on standardized tests but creates the most startlingly creative and inventive ideas. Talented but independent, these dogs have been bred for centuries to think for themselves, making them less likely to obey commands immediately.
Their ability to learn on their own, or what we could call ‘independent intelligence’ is where Borzois truly shine. For instance, they might quickly understand how door handles work or how to get to that annoying squirrel in the backyard. These dogs might not fetch you a newspaper on command, but they are quick in figuring out things.
One area where Borzois particularly excel is their instinctive behavior. They have a built-in ability to chase that is outmatched by few other breeds. Borzois can clock staggering speeds, reaching up to 40 mph—putting them amongst the fastest dog breeds in the world. This is rooted in their history as hunting dogs in Imperial Russia where they chased after wolves, hares, and foxes over vast distances. Their instincts have been hardwired over generations and this ability is a testament to their innate intelligence.
However, channeling this headstrong nature can be a challenge during training, which explains why Borzois may not score as highly in trainable intelligence. Their independent thought process can lead them to question commands and they require motivations to obey them. Short, interesting training sessions with positive reinforcements like treats or playtime can be effective. It’s crucial not to mistake their training difficulties for a lack of intelligence, but rather, as a sign of their unique individualistic spirit.
So, is the Borzoi a smart dog? Yes, it absolutely is—but in its own distinct way. If you’re looking for a dog that will follow your every command obediently, a Borzoi might not be the right choice for you. But if you’re captivated by the idea of having an intelligent, independent-minded, and creatively-driven canine companion, a Borzoi could bring a lot of personality—and occasional bouts of hair-raising speed—to your life.
In summary, intelligence in canines, like in humans, is multi-faceted. It’s much more than just how quickly a dog can learn commands. In this regard, the Borzoi’s intelligence shines in its ability to think independently and instinctively. When considering adding a Borzoi to your family, focus on the unique type of intelligence this breed offers rather than just its ranking on a list. With a patient, understanding, and intelligent owner, Borzois can prove to be a wonderful, intriguing addition to the family!
