Borzoi

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60-85 lbs
26-31"
Russia
Russian Wolfhound, Long Haired Greyhounds, Russian Hunting Sighthound

Borzois are also known as Russian Wolfhounds and Long-Haired Greyhounds. The name Borzoi translates from the Russian language to “fast or swift”. The Borzoi is a large dog breed who enjoys daily exercise but also relishes relaxing with their owner. The Borzoi’s long silky coat needs to be regularly brushed but he does not have to be bathed frequently. A medium to large dog, this breed is strong yet graceful. The Borzois are members of the Sighthound family originating from Russia. Sighthounds depend on their sight and high-speed sprinting ability during a hunt. The Borzoi was bred for coursing and for hunting wolves, foxes, and rabbits. They would hunt in teams of three and capture the prey together. They later became popular as a companion dog for royalty across Europe. 
purpose Purpose
hunting game
history Date of Origin
middle ages
ancestry Ancestry
sight hound

Borzoi Health

Sketch of Borzoi
Average Size
Male Borzoi size stats
Height: 28-33 inches Weight: 75-105 lbs
Female Borzoi size stats
Height: 26-31 inches Weight: 60-85 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Gastric Torsion
  • Bone And Joint Problems
  • Osteosarcoma
  • Heart Problems
  • Von Willebrand's Disease
Minor Concerns
  • Cataracts
  • Hypothyroidism
Occasional Tests
  • Blood Test
  • Heart
  • Thyroid Tests
  • X-Rays
  • Eye Examination

Borzoi Breed History

The Borzoi was named after his ability to be speedy and agile. The Borzoi originated in Russia during the 17th century.  The breed was a cross between the Arabian Greyhound and a thick coated Russian Sheepdog breed. The Borzoi was bred by aristocrats as a coursing sighthound and because of this, hunting with Borzoi became the national sport of Russian aristocracy. The first standards for the breed were written in 1650.   During the Russian Revolution of 1917 many Borzoi were killed because they were associated with the czars. Queen Victoria of England, the Prince of Wales, and King Edward VII were gifted Borzoi by the Czar of Russia. Queen Alexandra not only had Borzois as her companions, she also bred and exhibited them. In the 1920s through 1940s, the breed was considered a very glamorous dog in America. They were seen with silent movie stars such as Jean Harlow, Hope Hampton, Greta Garbo and Sarah Bernhardt and were popular as Art Deco models. Marilyn Monroe and the artist Picasso also owned Borzois.  Additionally, they have been photographed on the front page of Vogue and other fashion magazines. The Borzoi is a member of the AKC Hound group. It is in the Sighthound family of dogs; the name changed from Russian Wolfhound to Borzoi in late 1936.

Borzoi Breed Appearance

Similar to the Greyhound, they have long, slender legs, a narrow body, deep chest, curved backs, tucked abdomen and long tail. Borzois have feathering on the tail and hindquarters. The Borzoi has a strong neck and jaw and his skull is slightly domed with an extremely long and narrow face and muzzle. The teeth are strong and have an even or a scissor bite. Their eyes are dark in color and have a soft expression.  The Borzoi has a very graceful and elegant appearance yet is agile, strong and very swift. The males are at least 28 inches tall, and females at least 26 inches. Males average 75 to 105 pounds and females 60 to 85 pounds. Their coat is long and somewhat silky, either curly, wavy or straight.  They have a thick ruff of curly hair around the neck. Borzoi Puppies tend to have curly coats.  Although all colors and patterns are permissible, white with patches is the most common pattern.
Appearance of Borzoi
Eye Color Possibilities
brown Borzoi eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
black Borzoi nose
Black
Coat Color Possibilities
black Borzoi coat
Black
gray Borzoi coat
Gray
brown Borzoi coat
Brown
red Borzoi coat
Red
cream Borzoi coat
Cream
fawn Borzoi coat
Fawn
white Borzoi coat
White
sable Borzoi coat
Sable
brindle Borzoi coat
Brindle
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Borzoi wavy coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Borzoi Breed Maintenance

The Borzoi is a moderate shedder and requires daily brushing with a hard bristle brush.  The dog’s teeth should be brushed several times a week to prevent tartar buildup. Nails should be trimmed monthly and the ears should be cleaned weekly. The breed is not a high-maintenance dog; the Borzoi cleans and takes care of his own grooming, much like cats do. It is important to provide a proper high-quality diet that is specifically formulated for large dog breeds.  Because the breed is prone to bloat, it is better to feed them a few small meals throughout the day instead of one large meal. Borzois need regular exercise and enjoy long walks. If the Borzoi is well exercise, he can adapt well to apartment living. Due to the breed’s high prey drive, he should not be walked without a leash.  The Borzoi enjoy and are well suited for the cold winter months. Due to little body fat, the Borzoi can be sensitive to certain drugs, especially anesthetics. The drug Xylazine should never be used on a Borzoi.

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Brushes for Borzoi
Pin Brush
Pin Brush
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Borzoi requires weekly brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Borzoi Temperament

The Borzoi can be high-spirited, loyal and devoted.  They need early socialization with other animals and people.  The adult Borzoi tends to be quiet and rarely barks.  The breed is very smart and highly sensitive.  They do not do well with harsh handling or punishment. Although the Borzoi is a large breed, he can adapt to a small living space if he is exercised daily. The breed has plenty of stamina and does well in cooler climates. The Borzoi can become bored with repetitive activity, responding well to motivational training, competitive obedience and agility trials. The breed does not need constant attention, they are confident and independent. The Borzoi was bred for coursing, so they have a natural instinct to chase things such as cats, small dogs, and small children. Once on a chase, they can become steadfast and oblivious to their surroundings, even ignoring the dangers of traffic or the calls of the owner.
Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
10 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
60 minutes
activity minutes

Similar Maintenance Breeds to Borzoi

Similarly Sized Breeds to Borzoi

Borzoi Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
3 cups
cup per day cost cup per day cost cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$2.00 - $2.25
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$60.00 - $67.50
food bag monthly cost

Borzoi Height & Weight

6 Months
Sketch of Borzoi at six months
Male Borzoi size stats at six months
Height: 26.5 inches Weight: 57.5 lbs
Female Borzoi size stats at six months
Height: 24.5 inches Weight: 47.5 lbs
12 Months
Sketch of Borzoi at 12 months
Male Borzoi size stats at 12 months
Height: 28.5 inches Weight: 70.0 lbs
Female Borzoi size stats at 12 months
Height: 26.0 inches Weight: 57.5 lbs
18 Months
Sketch of Borzoi at 18 months
Male Borzoi size stats at 18 months
Height: 30.5 inches Weight: 90.0 lbs
Female Borzoi size stats at 18 months
Height: 28.5 inches Weight: 72.5 lbs

Top Borzoi Breeders

Check out who made our list for the most reputable Borzoi breeders of 2024.
Top Borzoi breeder Glacier Kennels
Glacier Kennels
Whitefish, Montana
Top Borzoi breeder Spryfeat Borzoi
Spryfeat Borzoi
Keysville, Virginia
Top Borzoi breeder Radost Borzoi
Radost Borzoi
Spring Creek, Nevada
Top Borzoi breeder Skyler Borzoi
Skyler Borzoi
Marietta, Georgia
Top Borzoi breeder HavenView Borzoi
HavenView Borzoi
Montesano, Washington
Top Borzoi breeder Chrysalis Borzoi
Chrysalis Borzoi
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Top Borzoi breeder Gryffyns Aeyrie Borzoi and Silken Windhounds
Gryffyns Aeyrie Borzoi and Silken Windhounds
Mckinney, Texas
Top Borzoi breeder Rusalka Whippets
Rusalka Whippets
North Liberty, Iowa
Top Borzoi breeder Blyss Kennels
Blyss Kennels
Watchung, New Jersey
Top Borzoi breeder Aria Borzoi
Aria Borzoi
Fort Worth, Texas

Borzoi Owner Experiences

Byron
4 years and six months
1 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
He’s a rescue and tends to show some aggression to some dogs .
6 years, 5 months ago
Oliver
2 Years
2 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking
Hiking
Trick
training
Obedience
lure coursing
Oliver is a working therapy dog. He loves people but can be wary of fast movements from children. He is very dog friendly. Oliver grew up with cats and is cat-safe. He is not small animal safe. He never barks. We hike and train most days exceeding 40miles per week, though he does have trouble keeping up. Borzoi do not require much more than an hour of physical exercise a day with mental stimulation. They can be quite the couch potatoes, expect them to lay next to you not on you. Training is best met with positivity and a sense of humor, anything less and they will not respond. A harsh correction will shut these dogs down completely.
4 years, 9 months ago
Mr. Sabernagle
6 Months
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking, hiking and fetch
He's a handful but so far a fantastic doggo!
2 years, 9 months ago
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