Nebolish Mastiff vs Borzoi - Breed Comparison | PetzLover

Developed in Russia and also known as the Russian Wolfhound, the Borzoi was used to hunt wolf in the country. By 1873 there were only a few Borzoi which remained, and the Imperial Association was created to protect this graceful, elegant dog. They were often presented to European nobility as gifts, and thanks to a few dedicated breeders, the breed was saved from extinction and exported to other parts of the world. He was imported to the UK in the late 19th century, and it was Princess Alexandra who did a lot to increase the dog’s popularity in Britain.

The tall, slender, elegant dog was recognized by the AKC in 1891. The Borzoi Club of America, which started off being known as the Russian Wolfhound Club was formed but in 1936 the name was changed to Borzoi. The Russian world ‘Borzoi’ is a term used to encompass all Sight Hounds. Today he is no longer used for hunting but is a gentle companion.

With the Mastiff breeds, the rarest and the smallest is the Nebolish Mastiff. Bred to be more agile than the giant mastiffs, the Nebolish was developed in Canada. They were developed by crossing several breeds, such as the English Mastiff, Neapolitan Mastiff, Dogue de Bordeux, Bull Terrier, Bullmastiff, Boxer, St. Bernard, and Deutsche Dogge. Perhaps there was some Great Dane as well. It was also hoped that they would have better health than the rest of the Mastiff breeds.

There are also those who believe the Nebolish Mastiff is not a Canadian crossbreed but rather the re-creation of the giant dogs that lived with the soldiers of Alexander the Great. Still others believe the breed is still being developed and no standard is yet true. They believe the dog is a hybrid. No one knows the exact breeding lines today and not many are breeding the Nebolish today. Thus, the dog is extremely rare.

Only the American Breeder Association (ABA), the Canada Molosser Association (CMA) and the Dog Registry of America Inc. (DRA) recognize the Nebolish Mastiff as a separate breed.

These dogs are courageous, loyal and dignified like all Mastiffs. They are protective of their families or their flocks. They are loving, intelligent and even-tempered. They are known to be great with kids since they are patient and calm – easy to train.

Tall and Graceful to the Eye

The Borzoi’s silky coat is longer with the male dogs than with the females. The height of these tall graceful dogs is 68 to 74cm. You’ll find that the Borzoi’s back is quite bony and it rises in a curve. He has a tall, lean body and a long, narrow head to match with small, thin ears which rest backwards towards the neck.The silky coat comes in a number of colors - tan, white, black or a mix such as sandy and white or tan and white. The coat is often wavy or slightly curly. The soft undercoat becomes thick in the Winter and he sheds this hair in hotter weather. You’ll find the coat frills on the neck and there is feathering on the hindquarters and with the long tail.

Sweet and Gentle

The Borzoi is a gentle, sweet dog, to such an extent that they don’t make good watch-dogs. He is good with other pets and children, although he isn’t the kind of dog to indulge in games with children. He doesn’t bark much and he is also not a high-energy dog, being fairly happy to make himself at home indoors. This is a faithful, loyal and courageous dog.

His temperament is quiet, sensitive, intelligent and somewhat aloof. Even though he has these quiet characteristics, he will still need training and socialization as this just rounds your dog off, making him a pleasure to have around.

The Nebolish Mastiff is very much like all other mastiffs with the exception of height and weight. He has a large head, long legs, strong neck, oval shaped paws, wide chest and large bones. He has solid muscles, large ears and a wide snout. They usually weigh anywhere between 43 and 82 kg. They tend not to slobber like the other mastiff breeds as a result of their breeding. They have a black mask and tail may or may not be docked.

If you’re looking for a quiet, amicable, elegant breed, you’ll love the big Russian Borzoi, known for his gentleness, sweetness and gracefulness. He is a friendly dog with his human family, although not too keen on children with their boisterous games. It is his gentleness however, that has endeared him to so many dog lovers.

Even though he isn’t one of the most active dogs, he will still need exercise and a walk as he is a big dog used to wide, open spaces. He’ll need the opportunity every now and then to simply run.

He makes a wonderful pet for new- or seasoned pet owners, and if you’re looking for a quiet, devoted companion, why not welcome an elegant, graceful Borzoi into your home?

Children friendliness

Yes, they are very good with children.

Special talents

Agility and swimming

Adaptability

No – they don’t do well with apartments and small spaces. They need a large fenced in yard.

Learning ability

High but can be stubborn

The Borzoi is a healthy dog, and you’re not likely to be taking him to the veterinarian often but you do need to know about illnesses which are more prevalent in these large breed dogs.

Osteosarcoma

This is a common bone tumor found in dogs and it is more commonly found in large breeds. It can spread quickly to other parts of the body, and although there are treatments, the long term prognosis isn’t good. Your dog will have pain and swelling.

Lymphosarcoma

Lymphosarcoma is a common cancer diagnosed in dogs. It is a cancer of lymphocytes and the average dog gets it from 6 years on. Some dogs may not necessarily feel sick, while others are tired, they don’t eat, they lose weight and may have diarrhea.

Bloat

This is a disease that can be deadly for your dog. Known as gastric dilatation, the stomach twists and fills with gas, putting pressure on the diaphragm, and creating breathing problems. Bloat is more common in large breeds and its up to you as a responsible dog owner to watch out for a swollen stomach with drooling and attempts to vomit.

Remember that some health problems are inherited, but there are other health problems that can be prevented by the way you treat- and raise your dog.

Bred to be much healthier than other mastiff breeds, the Nebolish has very few health concerns. They live twice as long as most other Mastiff and giant breeds at up to 14 years. The most often reported health issue is:

bloat – where the intestines and stomach organs are twisted or distended. Bloat can be deadly so don’t hesitate on treatment. Avoid it by not overfeeding after or before exercise.

Test for Hip dysplasia as it can cause lameness or arthritis.

Shedding and the Coat

Long coated dogs shed, and the Borzoi female sheds after her season and the males shed annually. Once the female is spayed, she sheds like the males. You will need to be brushing your Borzoi every day to rid the dogs of this loose hair.

The Teeth

Borzoi teeth collect tartar, more so than with other breeds, so their teeth will need to be brushed at least 3 times a week with special dog toothbrushes and toothpaste to prevent gum and tooth problems.

Food

Good quality food is the foundation for good health with your pet. Home-made food is always good for your dog and should include meat, rice and vegetables. Apart from top quality commercially manufactured food for large breed dogs and recommended by your vet, make sure to include some raw meat into your Borzoi’s diet too. This is imperative to stave off ill health and skin problems. Make sure he has a constant supply of fresh, cool water available to him.

Feeding the puppy

Don’t overfeed and don’t feed too much protein in the first year. Feed 1-2 cups in two meals.

Feeding the adult

bloat – Tendency to become obese so don’t over feed. About 2-3 cups in 2 meals per day.

Points for Good Health

agility and flexibility

Games and Exercises

This intelligent breed actually enjoys training, toys and all kinds of mentally stimulating puzzles. They love water and are very good swimmers. They need an average amount of exercise - a couple walks per day. Need a large fenced yard. They make great therapy dogs and play catch.