I will have to find where I have stored it, but I have a very thorough
and detailed "manual" put together finished after HL Catrin Skynith
asked me to help her with one coursing event that was Russian themed.
Through MUCH research, many of which I took to a Russian teacher at a
local university (who was a great help since his grandfather escaped
from Russian with a Borzoi) who had to translate for me.
"Borzoi", original meaning "Racers of the Wind" as dubbed so by Czar
Vladimir Russkya (first Czar of Russia and whom Russia was named for).
He was to marry a Princess from India, said to be the most beautiful of
all the Earth, but her carivan was attacked by wolves and only the
horses/humans remains were found. It broke his heart and he was furious,
but one brave (or stupid) courtman did not leave the court when ordered,
instead boldy went right up to the Czar and told him of fleet footed
coursing hounds of the far South (Middle East) and how they took down
wolves, snow leopards, many other large game, etc... The Czar decided he
must have one! He paid MUCH for his first kennel of Saluki and Tazi,
most of which could not survive the harsh Russian climate. The Czar
decided he could cross them with the local boar-hounds, very large, long
haired, hardy, loyal hounds used for hunting boar and deer. Over
generations, the Russki Psovaya Barzoiya was finally created in the
early 11th century.
There were many "celebrations" and "ceramonies" created just for the
Borzoi, including the "Feast of the Borzoi" which was held every time a
bitch gave birth and was held again when the litter was weaned (at 12
weeks) and first presented to court. It was common that the Czar would
present a puppy to a favored member of court, who was immediatly held in
highest of standards.
This continued on until Czar Nicholas. It was the evil Rasputin who
stopped it, who was also the murderer of Prince Nicholas (the Czars'
only son and heir to the throne) personal Borzoi, a solid black bitch
named Mitzka.
I could go on into MUCH detail, but alas I don't have the time. Much is
told about the Tazi (which is closer related to the Afghan and
Thaighan), Saluqi, Azawahk, and Sloughi.
I had the fortune of reading one book owned by the Russian teacher that
was authored by one of the last living Royal family members who lived
with the Czar, coursed with the Archduke (who was famed to have much
better hounds than that of the Czar) and managed to escape with as many
of the Perchino (Archdukes) hounds as he could afford.
Much of the research I've done had brought up a flame of pride for the
Borzoi who live here, and a great sadness for what the breed has
endured.
Jennifer and the "Half Tailed Pack"
~CBD Therapy Dogs~
Its amazing how one being can change the course of your life forever...
http://community.webtv.net/CBDTherapyDogs/doc
http://www.GRR-Adopt.org
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