Borzoi Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Borzoi?

These creatures have an extensive history that stems back to the 17th century.

The Borzoi originated in Russia, where the first officially recorded breed standard dates back to 1650 when it was used as a hunting dog.

Held by the Russian aristocracy for wolf hunting, these quite spectacular hunts sometimes involved up to 100 Borzois at a time.

When first introduced to America, they were still known as Russian Wolfhound and were registered by the American Kennel Club in 1891.

The first Russian Wolfhounds that came to America were said to be brought directly from the Russian Grand Duke Nicholas' Borzoi breeding stock and other noteworthy aristocratic breeders.

The Russian Wolfhound Club was established as a Breed Club right after, which then changed to Borzoi club, as the name of this dog breed changed to Borzoi as well, deriving from the archaic Russian adjective "borzi", meaning swift.

No longer used for hunting sports, these elegant sighthounds received new recognition in dog shows, thanks to their luxurious silky coat and impressive appearance.

Who are Borzoi dogs best for?

Borzois are house dogs, and if taken for daily exercise, they can even adapt to apartment living.

They do enjoy a bit of luxury and comfort; therefore, you should always make sure to have a blanket on your couches or some beds lying around the house where they can rest and relax.

They make great family dogs. However, while they have a very calm nature, they might not be suited for very small children and toddlers as their size can make them knock over small kids easily, and they might get nippy if they are poked or pulled on the tail by oblivious toddlers. 

How much grooming does a Borzoi need?

This breed's coat requires quite a bit of attention.

Ideally, you should brush your Borzoi weekly and at least three times a week or even daily during shedding season. Bathing, however, is only required as needed.

They tend to shed a lot, so prepare to have quite a bit of Borzoi hair on your furniture and clothes. Females shed even more, which is after each cycle.

If your dog's nails make a clicking noise when walking on hard ground, it's time to get them trimmed, which should happen around every two to three months.

Do Borzoi bark much?

Borzois are very placid dogs and tend to be of a quiet nature, meaning you won't have to expect excessive barking from them.

With that being said, they are good watchdogs and will alert you if someone is approaching the home or danger is around.

In general, barking should not be seen as a negative trait as it is the main means of communication that dogs have and usually always comes with a reason.

Do Borzoi bite?

Borzois are definitely not overly aggressive, so you should not be scared that your dog might randomly bite people.

Borzoi puppies, however, like most dog breeds, have quite a destructive behaviour and like to nip. The latter can easily be handled through training, while the former requires lots of attention and chewing toys to prevent your furniture from falling victim.

As mentioned earlier, your Borzoi might nip a child if they are being annoyed by tail pulling or being handled roughly. Therefore it is generally advised to never leave your dog alone with kids, strangers or other animals.

What is the temperament & personality of a Borzoi?

The Borzoi dog breed combines a speedy physique with an incredibly laid back personality.

Borzoi dogs were usually held in large packs to hunt, so they require lots of companionship and do not do well if left alone for long periods of time.

A Borzoi is usually highly sensitive, intelligent and incredibly obedient toward humans. They require a lot of mental stimulation.

Well-trained Borzois will be great family pets and even be able to amuse you thanks to their witty and sometimes even goofy persona.

Their hunting background makes them keen to chase, specifically small animals or other dogs, so be careful when not having them on a leash in uncontrolled areas.

What is the weight & size of a Borzoi?

Borzois are large dogs, and an adult dog can grow to be between 69 to 81cm tall, weighing between 24 to 45kg.

Their slim and lengthy bodies can measure almost a metre in length as well.

How much training does a Borzoi need?

Intelligent hunting dogs such as the Borzoi are independent thinkers and can sometimes be quite stubborn, meaning training can be a bit of a challenge at times. Be patient with them and keep their training consistent, and you will be able to raise an obedient and well-behaved furry friend. 

As with other dogs, early socialisation is advised. When introducing a Borzoi puppy to as many situations, people and animals as possible from a young age, you will be able to avoid most unwanted behaviour later on in life.

Obedience training is very important with Borzoi dogs. Also called sighthounds, they carry a natural instinct to chase smaller animals or anything that moves, for that matter. 

If not trained properly, your dog will run after anything and everything in the park and be oblivious to its surroundings, even cars, which can put it in very dangerous situations. 

Thanks to their hunting heritage, these dogs excel at dog sports such as agility or lure coursing.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Borzoi?

These are generally healthy dogs; however, there are always certain health problems you should be on the look out for with any dog.

As a Borzoi owner, you should therefore be aware of:

• Hip Dysplasia and related hip and elbow injuries

• Bloating

• Hypothyroidism

• Progressive Retinal Atrophy

What is the lifespan of a Borzoi?

A Borzoi pup needs a long time to mature. Their lengthy heads will take over two years to fully reach their shape and maturity.

If kept in good physical health, their lifespan generally ranges from 10 to 12 years.

How much should you feed a Borzoi?

These deep-chested dogs are prone to bloating, which can be a life-threatening stomach condition.

If a Borzoi eats too much too quickly, it can cause heavy bloating, which can be deadly. Avoid feeding them big portions and rather feed them 2 smaller meals twice a day. 

Consult with your vet about what diet is best for your dog, and make sure to provide them with high-quality dog food as they are quite fussy eaters. 

What is the price of a Borzoi in Australia?

You can acquire this Russian breed in Australia starting from $1500 but going up to $5000, depending on the breeder.

Even though they are a pure breed, a Borzoi dog can be found at shelters and up for adoption if you are looking for a cheaper option and do not care about the dog's age too much.