“Genetic Concepts” by James Sillers, DVM
“Conference Recap” by Anna Midgarden, DVM
“In Search of Russian Borzoi Art” by Veni Harlan
“Bieriozka” by Agata Juszczyk
“Conformation Compared to Speed” by Anne Midgarden, DVM
“The Standard for Russian Hunting Borzoi” by Galena Zatova, DVM
“Borzoi in Russia” by Susanna Tumanyan
Borzoi Motherland
By Veni Harlan
What an interesting, amazing, and perfect location for the conference. St. Petersburg is a gem in the crown that is Russia. So much of its rich and storied history is interwoven with Borzoi that our short visit could only touch upon.
We began our adventure with a bus ride to Yelagin Island to attend the Russian Borzoi and Sight Hound dog show. The bus driver was a bit lost trying to find the show so we received a mini tour of peony gardens, fields, promenades, and ancient homes including Yelagin Palace designed in 1816 by Italian architect Charles Rossi for the Dowager Empress Marie Feodorovna. The empire-style palace turned out to be one of the greatest works of Rossi, whose neo-classical designs gained him considerable fame. One could easily imagine Borzoi on these lovely grounds.
It’s interesting to note that 6 years after the completion of Yelagin Palace (1824), Borzoi were exhibited for the first time in Moscow and a more formal definition of the breed was being discussed (a combination of breeds had over much time been blended to create the Borzoi). “A change was noted in the general attitude toward the breed. Crosses were no longer deemed advisable as the owners were anxious to produce show-winning specimens as well as good hunting dogs.” (Lorraine Groshans, The Complete Borzoi)
Once at the show grounds, we were treated to a colorful opening ceremony of balloons, streamers, music, and a darling pony troika that carried our own Jim Sillers, the show’s judge Marina Ostrovskaya, and other special guests for a spin around the arena. A paper maché Borzoi attached to balloons was released in remembrance of all lost Borzoi—a very sentimental moment. An elegantly costumed rider performed dressage moves in sync with dancers which was very well done. Borzoi judging commenced and we were treated to a a wide array of exhibits that were generally speaking quite lovely in breed type. It was fascinating to see so many photographers “in” the ring shooting their dogs during judging. While it was impossible to follow the program due to the language barrier, we thoroughly enjoyed the day.
The conference was well attended with some fascinating presentations (see the side bar) that included discussion on Borzoi conformation, genetics, function, and hunting. The Russian presentations were especially informative regarding the functional aspects of the breed for hunting and the venerable Dr. Zatova even brought a pair of Borzoi to discuss these points. Much credit goes to Kristina Terra and another gentleman who translated all of the Russian presentations.
Several of us enjoyed many memorable side trips to palaces like Tsarkoe Selo, canal tours through the city, museums like the astonishing Hermitage, bus trips to ancient Novgorad and the Yuriev Monastery, tours to dozens of churches like the Byzantine Church of Spilled Blood, performances of the famous Russian ballet Swan Lake and a Folk dancing show. The neo-classical city is very walker friendly with plenty of shopping, parks, and sights along Nevsky Prospect. It seemed the fun never ended with so much daylight from the “white lights” of the season.
Several attendees extended their trip to include the FCI World Dog Show in Stockholm, Sweden and the Swedish Borzoi Nationals.
Many thanks to all those involved with organizing this year’s conference, especially Jim Sillers, our fearless leader.