Dog breed profile
Borzoi
A detailed profile covering characteristics, everyday care and linked health conditions.
Quick facts
Typical guide only; individual needs vary.
Profile description
The Borzoi is a tall, elegant sighthound developed in Russia to pursue wolves, foxes and hare across open country. It was traditionally kept by Russian nobility and worked in groups using speed, eyesight and agility rather than scent. Most adults stand at least 66 to 71 centimetres tall and commonly weigh between 27 and 48 kilograms, with males usually considerably larger than females. The breed has a long, narrow head, deep chest, arched back and a silky coat that may be flat, wavy or curly and occurs in many colours.
Borzois are generally quiet, gentle, sensitive and reserved. They often form close bonds with their families but may remain aloof with strangers. Indoors, mature Borzois can be calm and relaxed when their exercise needs are met. Outdoors, however, their powerful prey drive can be triggered by cats, wildlife or fast-moving objects. They can accelerate rapidly and cover large distances in seconds, making reliable physical management essential.
Borzois are intelligent but independent and may not respond eagerly to repetitive obedience exercises. Harsh training can damage their trust and confidence. They can live successfully with respectful children, although their large size and sensitivity make rough treatment inappropriate. Some may live peacefully with cats they have been raised with, but unfamiliar small animals may still trigger pursuit. This breed generally suits patient owners who can provide secure running opportunities, gentle training and an understanding of sighthound behaviour. The Borzoi's typical calm, gentle, independent qualities are most constructive when household rules are predictable and desirable behaviour receives regular reinforcement.
Appearance is only one part of deciding whether a Borzoi is a suitable long-term companion.
First-time dog owner tips
Practical preparation for welcoming this breed into your home.
Care requirements
For the Borzoi, care involves daily exercise, access to secure running space and gentle, consistent training. Most adults benefit from regular walks combined with opportunities to gallop in a large, safely fenced area several times a week. Off-leash exercise should never occur near roads or in open, unfenced spaces because the dog may pursue moving animals without responding to recall. Mental work for a Borzoi can come from scent searches, food puzzles, cooperative handling and short training problems matched to the dog's confidence and physical ability. Increase duration and impact gradually in a young or previously unfit Borzoi; fatigue, altered gait or reluctance should prompt rest and assessment instead of forced completion.
Fencing should be high, strong and free from gaps. Puppies and adolescents should avoid repetitive jumping, forced long-distance running and excessive impact while their long bones and joints are developing. Training should use positive reinforcement, calm repetition and short sessions. Recall should be practised, but owners should not rely on it as the only safety measure.
Early socialisation should include people, dogs, children, household situations, traffic, grooming and veterinary handling. The silky coat should be brushed several times a week, with particular attention behind the ears, beneath the legs and around the tail. Seasonal shedding may require more frequent grooming. Routine hygiene for the Borzoi includes regular tooth brushing, short nails and checking the ears for irritation.
A complete diet should maintain a lean body condition without encouraging rapid growth in puppies. Meals should be divided into multiple portions, and strenuous exercise avoided around feeding times because the deep chest creates a risk of gastric dilatation-volvulus. Regular veterinary examinations should monitor heart health, thyroid function, eyes, joints and general mobility. Soft bedding is important for a lean, large-bodied dog, and slippery floors should be managed to reduce injury risk.
Conditions linked to this breed
Cataract [Cloudiness of the Lens of the Eye]
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Cervical Spondylomyelopathy [CSM, Canine Wobbler Syndrome]
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Focal Multifocal Acquired Retinopathy
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Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (GDV, or “Bloat”)
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Hypothyroidism
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Lymphoedema
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Progressive Retinal Atrophy Generalised
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General dog health conditions
These conditions can affect dogs generally and are not presented as conditions specifically associated with this breed.
Diabetes Mellitus
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Otitis Externa (Ear Infections)
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Pancreatitis
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