The Borzoi is a living, breathing work of art. Tall, slender, and draped in a silky, flowing coat, he moves with the grace of a dancer. But make no mistake: this is a hunting dog. Beneath that elegant exterior lies a powerful sighthound capable of running down wolves on the Russian steppes.

For centuries, the Borzoi was the favored dog of the Russian aristocracy. They were bred in vast kennels by the Tsars and used for grand wolf hunts. After the Russian Revolution in 1917, the breed nearly vanished as the nobility fell. But thanks to dedicated fanciers in the West, the Borzoi survived. Today, he is a cherished companion who brings a touch of royalty to any home.

History and Origin: The Tsar’s Hound

The Borzoi (formerly called the Russian Wolfhound) was developed in Russia as early as the 17th century. Russian nobles needed a dog that could chase wolves across open country. They crossed ancient Russian sighthounds with bear hounds and tall sheepdogs. The result was a dog with the speed of a Greyhound and the coat to withstand the bitter Russian winter. Hunts were lavish affairs, with hundreds of dogs and horses. The Borzoi would chase the wolf, pin it down, and hold it until the hunter arrived. The hunter would then dispatch the wolf or, more commonly, capture it alive. The breed was so prized that it could not be bought; it could only be given as a gift from the Tsar.

Physical Characteristics

The Borzoi is a large, elegant sighthound.

• Height: Males at least 28 inches (71 cm); Females at least 26 inches (66 cm).
• Weight: Males 75-105 pounds (34-48 kg); Females 60-85 pounds (27-39 kg).

Distinctive Features

• Head: Long and narrow, with a slight stop. The profile is Roman-nosed.
• Coat: Silky, flat, or wavy. It forms a frill on the neck and feathering on the legs and tail.
• Color: Any color or combination is acceptable. White with spots is common.
• Ears: Small and fine, lying back on the neck (rose ears).
• Tail: Long and set low, carried in a graceful curve.
• Back: Gracefully arched over the loin.

Temperament and Personality: The Quiet Aristocrat

Borzois are famously quiet indoors.

The Cat-Like Dog

They are often described as cat-like. They are clean, quiet, and independent. They are affectionate with their family but can be aloof with strangers. They do not bark without cause.

The Hunter

They have a very high prey drive. They will chase anything that runs—cats, squirrels, plastic bags. They cannot be trusted off-leash in unfenced areas.

The Gentle Giant

They are gentle and tolerant with children, but they are not roughhousing dogs. They prefer a calm environment.

Training and Exercise Needs: Born to Run

Exercise

The Borzoi is a sprinter, not a marathon runner. He was bred for bursts of incredible speed.

• Daily: He needs the opportunity to run full out in a large, securely fenced area every day. A long walk on a leash is also necessary for mental stimulation, but it won’t satisfy his need for speed.
• Lure Coursing: This is the sport he was born for. Lure coursing simulates the hunt using a mechanical lure (usually a plastic bag) that zips around a field. Watching a Borzoi in full stride is a breathtaking sight.
• Caution: Puppies should not be over-exercised (no forced running) until their growth plates close around 18 months to prevent joint damage.

Training: The Independent Thinker

He is intelligent, but he is an independent thinker. He is not a Golden Retriever who lives to please you. He will obey if it makes sense to him.

• Positive Reinforcement: Treats and praise work best. He is extremely sensitive to harsh corrections or yelling. If you are rough with him, he will lose trust in you and shut down.
• Recall: This is the breed’s weak point. Sighthounds hunt by sight. If they see something moving, they will chase it. No amount of training can override thousands of years of instinct. Never trust a Borzoi off-leash in an unfenced area.

Health and Lifespan

Borzois are generally a healthy breed, often living 10 to 12 years, which is good for a giant breed.

• Bloat (GDV): As a deep-chested dog, the Borzoi is at risk for gastric dilatation-volvulus, a life-threatening condition where the stomach twists. Owners should educate themselves on the symptoms.
• Heart Disease: Dilated Cardiomyopathy and arrhythmias can occur.
• Thyroid Issues: Hypothyroidism is occasionally seen.
• Anesthesia Sensitivity: Like all sighthounds, Borzois have very low body fat. This makes them highly sensitive to anesthesia. Ensure your vet is experienced with sighthounds before any surgery.

Grooming and Care: Silky Maintenance

The Borzoi’s silky coat is surprisingly easy to maintain compared to other long-haired breeds, but it does require regular attention.

• Brushing: A good brushing every other day (or daily during shedding season) is necessary to remove loose hair and prevent mats, especially behind the ears and in the feathering.
• Shedding: He sheds heavily once a year (females may shed after each heat cycle). During this time, you will need to brush daily.
• Bathing: Bathe as needed. The coat sheds dirt well.
• Nails: Keep them short. Long nails can compromise the foot structure.

Nutrition

Borzois are large dogs who grow rapidly as puppies.

• Quality: Feed a high-quality diet appropriate for their life stage.
• Bloat Prevention: To reduce the risk of bloat, feed two or three smaller meals a day instead of one large one. Avoid vigorous exercise for an hour before and after meals. Some owners use raised feeders, though the benefits are debated.

Is a Borzoi Right for You?

The Borzoi is a magnificent, elegant companion.

Yes, if:

• You appreciate a quiet, dignified dog.
• You have a large, securely fenced yard.
• You don’t mind grooming.
• You want a dog that turns heads.

No, if:

• You want an off-leash dog.
• You have small pets that run.
• You want a dog that obeys instantly.
• You have toddlers who play rough.

For the person who wants a touch of elegance and history in their life, the Borzoi is a loyal, loving, and truly noble friend.