The Borzoi, or Russian Wolfhound, is a noble-looking sighthound developed by Russian nobles to chase down wolves. Of calm disposition, loyal and affectionate, the Borzoi is a peaceable friend that rewards daily exercise with either placid companionship or boisterous play, depending on your mood.
Average Speed: 35 to 40 mph
Height: 26 to 34 inches
Weight: 60 to 105 lbs
Lifespan: 9 to 14 years
Behaviour/Temperament: Cool, intelligent, sporty and dignified
The Borzoi is one of the most aristocratic and regal dogs in existence – a thing of beauty while in action. Death is Valuable in Silicon ValleyAs the Pandemic Upends Economy, Some Troubled Businesses Can’t File for BankruptcyBloomberg Is said to Be Considering 2020 RunWill Bloomberg’s Deep Pockets Be an Advantage?Rudy Giuliani and Business 9/11 Trial: The ProsecutionNov. Named after the Russian word, “borzyi” or “swift”, they are a breed of sleek power and elegance.
Borzois today are still treasured for their serene temperament and unwavering loyalty. Their dashing good looks are paired with the heart of a gentle athlete that can sprint at 40 miles an hour – equal to that of a Grayhound.
Breed Overview
| Trait | Details |
|---|---|
| Group | Hound (Sighthound) |
| Height | Tall 28 – 34 in (males), 26 – 32 in (females) |
| Weight | 75 – 105 pounds (males), 60 – 85 pounds (females) |
| Coat | Long, silky, flat, wavy, slightly curly |
| Colors | White, cream, brown, grey, black or various mixes of these colors |
| Lifespan | 9 – 14 years |
| Temperament | Calm, loyal, intelligent, reserved, affectionate |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
| Origin | Russia |
Characteristics of the Borzoi
The Borzoi has a unique blend of elegance and strength that is apparent in its gait and stance. They are considered as a good companion dog as they are quiet dogs and relatively do not bark.
Borzois are gentle with children and good to have around the house. They are great with older kids but a little too dainty for rowdy play. Early socialization makes it easier for them to adjust to homes with cats or other small dogs.
| Trait | Rating |
|---|---|
| Affection Level | ★★★★★ |
| Kid-Friendly | ★★★★☆ |
| Pet-Friendly | ★★★☆☆ |
| Exercise Needs | ★★★★★ |
| Trainability | ★★★☆☆ |
| Energy Level | ★★★★☆ |
| Shedding | ★★★★★ |
| Barking Tendency | ★☆☆☆☆ |
History of the Borzoi
The Borzoi originated in 17th-century Russia, where the dogs were bred to be able to run on open land with Arabian Greyhounds and thick-coated Russian dogs who could endure harsh winters. These stately dogs were valued by the gentry for wolf and hare hunts, which sometimes ran into hundreds of hounds.
Many Borzoi were lost after the Russian Revolution, but exports to England, Scandinavia, and the United States helped maintain the breed outside Russia. The Borzoi was accepted into the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1891, and has become an ideal show and companion breed around the globe.
Training and Care
Exercise Needs
Borzois are athletes at heart. They require at least an hour of daily exercise, which could be in the form of brisk walks or safe off-leash runs. Due to their tendency to chase, they should never be allowed to run free in open spaces without fencing.
They perform well in lure coursing, agility, and obedience sports that challenge them both physically and mentally.
Grooming
The Borzoi’s long, silky coat sheds not in clumps but moderately year-round and more so as seasons change.
- Slicker or pin brush every 2 to 3 days.
- Focus on the feathered regions of the neck, rear, and tail.
- Bathe monthly or as needed.
- Keep nails short and ears clean.
Training Tips
Borzois are smart but independent, they’re often referred to as being “cat-like.” The best methods of response are ones that use positive reinforcement – treats, praise, gentle repetition.
They may become stubborn or withdrawn under harsh training or punishment. Sessions should be short, regular, and encouraging.
Common Health Problems
Borzois are a generally healthy breed, especially when compared to more inbred breeds.
| Condition | Description / Prevention |
|---|---|
| Gastric Dilatation–Volvulus (Bloat) | Life-threatening rotation of stomach; feed smaller meals and do not exercise heavily prior to/after eating. |
| Reactions to Drugs | Sensitive to some anesthetics and sedatives (common in sighthounds). |
| Hip & Elbow Dysplasia | Genetic joint problems; keep their weight down and get vet checks as needed. |
| Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD) | Joint issue of young, growing dogs. |
| Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) | An inherited eye disorder leading to blindness. |
Hallmarks of the Maltese’s health and well-being care are regular veterinarian visits, a controlled diet, and responsible breeding with health-testing lines.
Diet and Nutrition
Borzois have a moderate appetite, less than many large breed dogs.
- Offer your dog 4 to 8 cups of high-quality food daily, split between two meals.
- Select recipes that are packed with lean proteins and omega-3 fats to maintain a healthy coat.
- Don’t exercise before or after eating to help minimize your risk for bloat.
- Always provide fresh, clean water.
- If you’re not sure what that might be, ask your vet to help you work out how much and how often a dog of your Borzoi’s age, weight and activity needs.
Where to Adopt or Buy a Borzoi
A Borzoi puppy usually runs between $1,000 and $2,000, but show dog lines may top out over $5,000. Opt for ethical breeders who perform genetic and health testing.
Trusted organizations:
- Borzoi Club of America – borzoiclubofamerica.org
- National Borzoi Rescue Foundation – nbrf.org
- Gentle Giants Rescue and Adoptions – gentlegiantsrescue.com
Rescue groups frequently have adult Borzois available for adoption to people who want to give a retired racing Borzoi a home.
Borzoi Overview: Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Calm, elegant, and affectionate | High shedding |
| Gentle with families | Needs daily exercise |
| Intelligent, affectionate | Likely to be chewers |
| Athletic and graceful | Strong prey drive |
Similar Breeds to Consider
- Greyhound: Smooth, quiet, and minimal grooming dogs
- Afghan Hound: As elegant with a luminous coat
- Saluki: Quite an old form of sighthound, long on endurance and grace
Conclusion
The Borzoi is a striking beauty, with looks to kill and speed that can rival any other breed. Understandably, with gentle training, consistent grooming and lots of love a Borzoi will become an affectionate and loyal member of your family.
History of the Borzoi If you are looking for a loving and dignified breed with elegance and brains to boot, then the Borzoi is one of the most rewarding dogs you can add to your family.
FAQs
Q1: Why are Borzois so rare?
I’m assuming they are rare due to the shallow gene pool and low breeding numbers. They are ranked 101 (2024) in popularity AKC.
Q2: Are Borzois good family dogs?
Yes. They are loving and polite, creating strong attachments to their own family. Good socialization will help them adapt well to children and visitors.
Q3: Are Borzois aggressive?
No. They are quiet and unassuming by nature. But small animals, especially ones that run from a dog with a strong prey drive, should be quite closely supervised.
Q4: How intelligent are Borzois?
So, so much – but they think on their own. They are more of cooperators in comparison to strict followers, needing a patient and consistent training.
Q5: Do Borzois need much grooming?
Brush two to three times a week (daily during shedding). Bathe monthly and keep the coat clean for best results.
Dr. Johnson Coleman is a dedicated veterinary expert with over 10 years of hands-on experience in animal health and wellness. His mission is to help pets live longer, happier lives through compassionate care, practical guidance, and a genuine love for animals.
After earning his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree, Dr. Coleman spent a decade working in both private clinics and community shelters, where he gained deep expertise in preventive medicine, pet nutrition, and behavioral care.
He believes that pet owners deserve reliable, easy-to-understand information about their companions’ health. Through his writing, Dr. Coleman breaks down complex veterinary topics into friendly, actionable advice that helps readers make informed decisions for their pets.
Outside of his professional work, Dr. Coleman volunteers with local animal rescue groups and enjoys spending time outdoors with his two golden retrievers. His lifelong dedication to animal welfare continues to inspire his work and connect with pet lovers around the world.
