They need particular structural qualities to chase, catch and hold his quarry. Special emphasis is placed on sound running gear, strong neck and jaws, courage and agility, combined with proper cognition. They should always possess unmistakable elegance with flowing lines, graceful in motion or repose. They should always possess unmistakable elegance, with flowing lines, graceful in motion or repose. Males, masculine without coarseness; bitches, feminine and refined.
While we changed the breed name to pronouns, it shouldn’t surprise anyone that the lines come from the Borzoi standard. Nor are art historians shocked that the fascination with speed, streamlined design, and elegant curves made the look of the Borzoi fit perfectly with the Art Deco movement’s aesthetic. Silent movies stars (think Jean Harlow and Sarah Bernhardt) were often seen with a pair or more of the dogs.
Image: Madeline Hurlock, silent film actress, with her Borzoi in a photo taken in the 1920s.
The Art Deco fixation on the Borzoi is a mixed blessing. It has led to some extremes in certain aspects of conformation such as top line. The Art Deco version of Borzoi is not a dog I would take hunting. Reality and art are oftentimes two different things. Though thanks to the Art Deco movement the Borzoi is highly recognizable. The coursing Borzoi is, in my opinion, insanely beautiful!
Great comment, Leigh, and we don’t disagree that watching a Borzoi run is breathtaking!