Quote Originally Posted by EnchantedGypsy
I *love* all the photos! Thanks so much for sharing all of them, as you know Borzoi are not too common on any message forum I have drooled over the big male Zois at our local show for many years, but unfortunately have never paid much attention the the girls.... Which leads to me to a question: the standard states height for a female starts at 26"; are there really that many females in the lower size range or do most rival the 30+" male Zois in height?

Eventually, I'd love to have both a Borzoi AND a large male Silken Windhound (25"-28"). I'd intended to get the Silken first to train as my future mobility assistance dog, but after several disappointments with planned breedings which didn't happen I'm thinking of reversing the order I get the 2 dogs I want. The main thing is the size variance since I've already bought crates, beds, collars, ect all sized for a 25"-28" dog.

Thanks in advance for any feedback

P.S.-after setting up my little sighthound forum, all my settings and everything were deleted
That is an excellent question! They are in the process of changing the standard. Thei is happening for two reasons. Number one the breed is well over the size and has been for a long time. SEcond- you are right- and the silken windhound will soon be added need a firmer definition of size. The borzois being a type of wolfhound- height is expected. Most of the reasoning in the smaller height in standard comes from the most detailed records were European, and they are smaller in size in general. Also- Roman nose is no longer even remotely considered and now a "serious fault. "
The current size definiation by AKC reads- " Mature males should be at least 28 inches at the withers and mature bitches at least 26 inches at the withers. Dogs and bitches below these respective limits should be severely penalized; dogs and bitches above the respective limits should not be penalized as long as extra size is not acquired at the expense of symmetry, speed and staying quality. Range in weight for males from 75 to 105 pounds and for bitches from 15 to 20 pounds less. " All of which would be considered small- but not the weight- the weight is an indicator of a larger dog. While it does say the words " at LEAST 28 inches high.." it also states higher in the standard- males larger without coarseness...
The head standard is well off base- 'inclined to be Roman nose" is so far off base. And existed because of " barely a perceivable stop". That is another area expected to change. A Roman Nose dog would not have a snow balls chance of winning in the breed ring. On the next post I am posting the standard. Notice it was approved in 1972... About time for a upgrade on the definitions..