Susan Wallace, age 9, of Dubuque, Iowa, for her question:

HOW MUCH DOES A BORZOI WEIGH?

A borzoi is a hunting dog that originated in Russia in ancient times. It used to be a called the Russian wolfhound. The male is about 28 to 31 inches in height at the shoulder and weighs 75 to 105 pounds. The female, somewhat smaller, weights about 20 pounds less.

The Borzoi was used by the Russian aristocracy for chasing wolves, here and other game. The dog was first imported into the United States from England in 1889 and was given the name Borzoi in 1936.

The Borzoi has a long body, a heavy, silky and somewhat curly coat that is usually white in color with markings of black, gray, tan or lemon. The dog has a long, narrow head, dark eyes, short pointed ears, long legs and a long tail that is carried low.

The dog was originally bred for its great speed and strength. Both of these traits are still part of the dog's makeup.  Owners of the Borzoi say it makes a gentle pet.