Borzois: A guide to dogs and puppies of the Borzoi breed

The Borzoi!

The Borzois are gentle, well-mannered dogs who have grace and beauty, yet they enjoy having fun and racing games. Known as the Russian Wolfhound, the breed was associated to the Russian and English nobility. Its tall and elegant body, its courage and agility are designed for speed and hunting. Borzois are proud, affectionate, loyal to its family and tolerant of other dogs. It is also known for being calm and independent.

Some Quick Facts:

Life Expectancy:
12-14 years

Energy Level:
Moderate-Low

Living Conditions:
Preferably indoors. Cold weather dog.

Barking:
Quiet

Exercise Needs:
Long walk or 20-30 minutes of yard play.

Breed Group:
Hound

Size:
Large

Height:
26-32 inches

Weight:
60 to 105 pounds

Standard Hair Colors:
Borzois come in any color or a combination of colors.

National breed club:
The Borzoi Club of America

Borzoi Skills

Borzois originated in Russia and was used to hunt wolf, fox and hare in a wild game on an open terrain, relying on sight rather than scent. To accomplish this purpose, the Borzoi needed particular qualities of agility and structural elegance, with flowing lines, grace and speed to chase and lure their quarry. These characteristics make them ideal companions in racing games and outdoor activities. Today its skill is showcased in agility events and sports like lure coursing.

Borzoi Personality

Borzois were imported to America in the 1890s, and have been appreciated here ever since for their gentle, dignified manner and their impressive abilities as swift lure coursers. Borzois enjoy long runs and cold weather, but are quiet in the house. This dog is not fond of strangers. It gets along well with children but is not an ideal playmate.

Exercise Needs

Although calm and very quiet indoors, Borzois need lots of space outdoors to run around. Exercise the dogs by running them in a safe, fenced yard and/or by daily walking on a lead. It is not advisable to allow a Borzoi to run loose, especially near busy roads or streets.

Living Conditions

Even though Borzois are large dogs they are graceful animals and with proper training make excellent house dogs. If the Borzoi is to be left alone for long periods of time, provide a crate or a kennel run built outdoors.

Grooming Requirements

The coat of a Borzoi is soft, and consists of medium-length wavy hair. This needs regular grooming. Regular grooming every day or so will remove any loose hair and dirt from the coat. Bathing is needed but not as frequently as in some other breeds. Excess hair between pads of the feet must be trimmed.

Health Issues

In general, Borzoi tend to be remarkably healthy dogs. But as with many of the large breeds, including Borzoi, there are some problems that can be found. These include bloat and torsion, dysplasia of both the hips and the shoulders. OCD (Osteochondritis Dissecans) and PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy) are occasionally found in the breed.

If you liked this dog…

The Borzoi is similar in size, long-coated and shares a look of elegance and beauty with the Afghan Hound. However, if you are looking for an intelligent and a more playful pet, you may want to consider a Collie.