zoifever's photostream

My Flickr-adventure is an attempt to capture the essence of Borzoi in photographs - the exhiliration, the intelligence, the quiet wild spirit.

In 1966, Margaret Davis imported Korotai Krasivaja Antoniina (Imp Finland), Keepers Prince Arkle and Falconcrag Jaga (Imp UK) into Australia as the foundation of Russkimir Borzoi. Prince Arkle was an especially important addition to the tiny Australian Borzoi world as his father was one of the very rare exports from the Soviet Union. Safi and her offspring Flynn and Anya are descended from Antoniina and Arkle, with dozens of stunners in between.

The Russkimirs epitomize the English type, which for Borzoi aficionados is the definition of elegance: long, regal head profiles, ultra-silky coat texture (easy grooming, dirt doesn’t stick :-D), tremendous grace and athleticism in movement and most importantly of all for me, a uniquely intelligent, sensitive and gracious temperament which has to be experienced to be believed :-D. Russkimir is one of few bloodlines left in the world to carry that fine old English type and temperament so strongly.

Amongst many other posts and appointments, Margaret founded the Borzoi Club of Queensland has served as the official Historian of the International Borzoi Council. I’m lucky enough to have known her since the beginning of my intense fifteen-year love affair with Borzoi and she has been a most supportive and informative adviser (particularly in the fascinating history of these dogs), not to mention a very interesting character to have around :-D. Her amazing achievements in forty years of dedication to all things Borzoi, made more remarkable by the fact that she has been stony broke every day of her life (how DID you pay for that Russian import last year, Margaret?) is celebrated here in photographs of the most exquisitely beautiful things I will ever own – my dogs – who would not be here without her, as sure as the Pope is Catholic.


Borzoi are horses in a dog's body.

The finest of canine character; the horse's gentle grace and love of movement.

They are one of those openings in history, through which a priceless remnant of a forgotten world has slipped into the present ...



All rights reserved on all photographs, please don't pinch them without my permission! All you have to do is ask :-)