Borzoi

Is a Borzoi right for you?

The Borzoi is a giant Russian sighthound with a long, elegant build, developed for hunting wolves. Despite its imposing looks, it is an exceptionally calm and gentle dog indoors; its true character shows outdoors the moment it spots movement. This breed can lie on the sofa for hours, yet can vanish from sight in seconds if let off leash.

The Borzoi's famous sighthound calm can be misleading: this is not a low-energy breed, but one that spends its energy in short, explosive bursts.

Before you adopt

Look for puppies from parents evaluated for hip and elbow dysplasia and screened by eye exam. Ask the breeder about any family history of heart disease (cardiomyopathy), which has been reported in some lines.

The Borzoi is a rare breed in many countries; if you're considering an imported puppy, keep in mind that long-distance transport can be stressful for this large, sensitive breed. Rehoming options for adult Borzois are limited, but it's worth checking sighthound rescue groups.

Temperament

The Borzoi has a calm, dignified, and somewhat aloof character. It is deeply attached to its family without being clingy — it's often described as "the cat of the dog world." It can be reserved with strangers, so early socialisation matters.

Its prey drive is very strong. As a sighthound, it instantly notices anything that moves — a bicycle, a running child, a small animal — and can reach speeds of 55-65 km/h (35-40 mph) within seconds of giving chase. This behaviour cannot be trained away, only managed through a safe environment and strict leash discipline.

It is an independent thinker; it doesn't rank high on classic obedience lists, but that does not mean it isn't intelligent. It tends to make its own decisions and grows bored with repetitive commands.

Health issues and lifespan

Sources generally report an average lifespan of 9 to 14 years, a typical range for a giant breed.

• Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat/GDV): The most serious emergency for this deep-chested breed. A distended abdomen, dry retching, restlessness, and excessive drooling are signs; it can be fatal within minutes and requires immediate veterinary care.
• Hip and elbow dysplasia: Shows up as limping and difficulty rising.
• Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD): A joint cartilage condition affecting dogs during growth; sudden lameness is the sign.
• Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA): Causes gradual vision loss, with bumping into things in the dark often the first sign.
• Cardiomyopathy: A heart muscle disease reported in some lines; lethargy and reduced exercise tolerance are among the signs.
• Anesthesia and drug sensitivity: With low body fat and high muscle mass, this breed is sensitive to anesthetics and certain flea/tick products; inform your vet before any surgery.

Feeding

An adult Borzoi (30-48 kg) eats about 400-550 g of quality dry food per day, depending on activity level.

• Puppy (2-18 months): Large-breed puppy food; because rapid growth can trigger joint problems, controlled calcium and calorie intake matters.
• Adult: Two smaller meals a day are recommended; one large meal increases bloat risk.
• Senior (7+ years): Calories reduced; joint support can be added.

Avoiding vigorous exercise for at least an hour before and after meals is the simplest way to reduce bloat risk in this breed.

Grooming and coat

Long, silky, wavy coat.

• Brush 2-3 times a week, ideally daily; it sheds year-round with heavier shedding at seasonal changes.
• Bathe as needed, typically every 6-8 weeks.
• Check ears weekly.
• Trim nails regularly; they can grow quickly in this breed.
• Check the long hair on the legs and tail regularly for tangles.

Training and exercise

Daily requirement: 45-60 minutes; a long walk plus the chance for free running in a safe, fenced area is ideal. The Borzoi is not a breed that runs continuously — it moves in short, intense bursts.

Priorities:

1. Leash discipline and a secure area. This breed can never be reliably off-leash; running should only happen in fenced, enclosed spaces.
2. Socialisation (8-16 weeks). Early exposure to strangers and different environments reduces shyness.
3. Patient obedience training. Short, varied, reward-based sessions; its independent nature means it tires of long, repetitive drills.
4. Controlled introductions to small pets. If there's a cat at home, gradual introduction from puppyhood is needed — success cannot be guaranteed.
5. Calm-waiting training. Waiting calmly at doors or outdoors without reacting to sudden movement matters for safety.

History

The Borzoi took shape from the 17th century onward as a sighthound used by Russian nobility to hunt wolves. Its hunting method was distinctive: mounted hunters and packs of hounds would drive the wolf into open ground, where the Borzoi would run it down by sight and hold it until the hunter arrived.

The breed carried great prestige among the Russian aristocracy; tsars and grand dukes ran their own breeding programs, and some noble families kept hundreds of Borzois. The breed was brought to England and America in the 19th century and became known as the "Russian Wolfhound"; its official name changed to Borzoi in 1936.

The 1917 Russian Revolution threatened the breed's future at home; Borzois, closely identified with the aristocracy, were largely killed or abandoned. The breed's survival depended heavily on individuals already exported to the West and the breeders who kept them there. Today the Borzoi remains loved worldwide, both on the racetrack and as a calm family companion. Check your country's import rules before bringing one in, since the breed is uncommon in many places.