Is the Russian borzoi and wolfhound two different dogs?

You're right to be confused! The Russian Borzoi and the Irish Wolfhound are two distinct breeds with very different origins and appearances.

Here's a quick breakdown:

Russian Borzoi:

* Origin: Russia

* Appearance: Tall, slender, elegant with a long, silky coat.

* Temperament: Reserved, sensitive, known for their grace and speed.

* Purpose: Traditionally used for coursing (chasing and catching) wolves and other game.

Irish Wolfhound:

* Origin: Ireland

* Appearance: Tall, muscular, rough-coated, with a distinctive shaggy beard.

* Temperament: Gentle giants, known for their loyalty and calm demeanor.

* Purpose: Originally bred to hunt wolves, but now primarily a companion dog.

The confusion might come from their shared history as wolf hunting dogs. However, they are separate breeds with unique characteristics.