Borzoi Dog Breed Information

Group

Hounds

Weight

15-30 kg

Height

38-50 cm

Lifespan

12-15 years

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About the Borzoi

Reviewed by:

Dr. Shamsul Alam Roky

Veterinarian

If you lead an active lifestyle and enjoy a little bit of extravaganza from time to time, the elegant and agile Borzoi will be the paw-fect fit for you!

In our extensive breed guide, we have put together all the necessary information you require, from their aristocratic origin over to their grooming and feeding needs and to why it’s best to keep them on a leash at all times.

At the end of this guide, you will be able to make an informed decision on whether this special breed is going to be your next canine companion.

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.

What is a Borzoi Breed?

Borzoi dogs were originally bred from Greyhounds for their speed and Russian Sheepdogs to withstand the cold winters.

These purebred dogs are easily recognisable by their long, narrow head and slim, long-legged body. Their head form provides them with a way better eyesight and vision field than other dogs.

Their shiny coats come in almost any colour and vary from long and straight to wavy or curly hair.

Who is a Borzoi 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.

Borzoi Grooming & Shedding

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 Borzois bark a lot?

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.

What is the average weight & height of a Borzoi dog?

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.

Are Borzois easy to train?

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.

How do Borzois behave? A look at their temperament and personality

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.

Does the Borzoi have any common health issues?

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: This genetic condition affects the hip joint and can lead to pain and mobility issues. Borzois may also be prone to related hip and elbow injuries.
Bloating: Also known as gastric torsion, this serious condition occurs when the stomach fills with gas and twists, which can be life-threatening and requires immediate veterinary attention.
Hypothyroidism: This condition arises when the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones, leading to weight gain, lethargy, and skin problems.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy: This eye condition gradually causes vision loss and can ultimately lead to blindness.

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 does a Borzoi need to be fed?

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.

How much can you expect to pay for 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.

Borzoi FAQs

Are Borzois related to Greyhounds?

Yes, Greyhounds can be seen as their ancestors in a way. The original breed stems from crossing Russian Sheepdogs with Arabian Greyhounds.

Are Borzoi hypoallergenic dogs?

Their long-haired coat is a feature that was supposed to keep them warm in the harsh Russian winters.

Unfortunately, as with most long-haired, thick-coated dogs, they shed heavily and are therefore not ideal for people with a pet hair allergy or a heightened sense of tidiness, for that matter.

Will a Borzoi get along with a cat?

If introduced at a young age, these dogs can live with other small dogs as well as cats.

They have a very friendly and gentle demeanour and will therefore will get along well with any animal that has been introduced as part of their pack and not as prey.

Is a Borzoi ideal for a first-time dog owner?

As these dogs have quite a mind of their own, they might feel challenging and stubborn to first time owners who do not understand a dog’s behaviourism that well just yet.

They are also relatively high-maintenance in terms of grooming and attention, so they might not be the best fit for a novice.