The Borzoi, often referred to as the “Russian Wolfhound,” is one of the most stunning and graceful breeds in the dog world. Originating from Russia, this sighthound combines beauty and agility, making it a favorite among dog enthusiasts. Known for its calm temperament and aristocratic look, the Borzoi is truly a breed apart, both in appearance and personality.
Are you considering bringing a Borzoi into your life? Read on to discover everything about this majestic breed, from its historical roots to its temperament and care needs.
Borzoi at a Glance
Here’s a snapshot of the key characteristics of a Borzoi to help you quickly get a feel for the breed:
| Breed Summary | Borzoi Quick Facts |
| Breed Purpose | Sighthound, hunting dog |
| Breed Size | Large to Giant |
| Height | 26-28 inches (66-71 cm) |
| Weight | 60–105 pounds (27–48 kg) |
| Coat Type | Medium to long, curly, silky thick coat |
| Shedding | Moderate to high, once a year |
| Common Coat Colors | White, black, brindle, fawn, cream, red |
| Lifespan | 9 to 14 years |
| Temperament | Calm, laid-back, and affectionate |
| Energy Level | Moderate to high |
| Exercise Needs | 30-45 minutes daily |
| Average Price | Varies |
| Best For | Families or individuals |
The Borzoi’s Origins: From Russian Aristocracy to Modern Times
The Borzoi’s roots trace back to the Russian steppes, where they were bred by Russian aristocrats to hunt wolves. By crossing Arabian Greyhounds with local long-haired breeds, Russian breeders created a dog capable of both speed and endurance. For centuries, the Borzoi was a symbol of wealth and nobility, often featured in elaborate hunts known as “coursing festivals.” These events were massive gatherings that celebrated the art of hunting, with the Borzoi playing a central role.
In the late 19th century, Borzois began to make their way to Western countries, including England and the United States. By 1936, the breed’s original name, Borzoi, meaning “swift” in Russian, was officially restored after it was initially changed to “Russian Wolfhound.”
Physical Traits: The Long and Lean Borzoi
The Borzoi’s body reflects its sighthound heritage, with a slim, elongated build, long legs, and an elegant neck. Adult Borzois typically stand at least 28 inches at the shoulder (males) and have a long, narrow head that contributes to their aristocratic appearance. These “dolichocephalic” (long-faced) dogs are built for speed, with a sleek, muscular physique that allows them to reach impressive speeds.
Despite their large to giant size, Borzois are not bulky and are best suited for homes with spacious yards or access to open areas. They are powerful yet graceful, with a stride that’s both efficient and beautiful to watch. If you’re familiar with the Greyhound, the Borzoi’s silhouette will look somewhat similar, though their coats set them apart.
Coat and Colors: What Does a Borzoi’s Fur Look Like?
While Borzois share a similar body shape to Greyhounds, their coat is quite different. Borzois have a silky, flowing, medium to long coat that varies in length across their bodies. Their head fur is relatively short, but they sport longer, feathery hair on their chest, tail, and legs. Their coats can be straight, wavy, or slightly curly, adding to their elegant appearance.
Borzoi coats come in a wide range of colors and patterns, including white, black, brindle, fawn, cream, and red. Each dog is unique in coloring, and their patterns only add to their visual appeal. However, their long coats do require regular grooming to prevent matting and manage seasonal shedding.
Personality and Temperament: Are Borzois Good Family Dogs?
Despite their noble looks, Borzois are generally friendly, gentle dogs. They are known to be calm and laid-back indoors, earning them the nickname “40-mph couch potatoes.” Borzois are affectionate with family members and tend to form close bonds with their owners. However, they can be a bit reserved around strangers and aren’t typically suited for households with small, boisterous children, as they can be sensitive to rough handling.
Borzois have a strong prey drive and may instinctively chase smaller animals, so careful supervision around cats or other small pets is recommended. While they can be great companions for older children and adults, Borzois may not be the best choice for households with small pets like rabbits or chickens due to their hunting instincts.
Related Resource: For other breeds good with families, see friendliest dog breeds.
Training a Borzoi: Independent Yet Intelligent
Borzoi dogs are intelligent but also notoriously independent. Their history as hunting dogs means they weren’t bred to follow commands but rather to make quick, independent decisions in the field. Because of this, Borzois can be challenging to train compared to more eager-to-please breeds. Training sessions should be kept short, positive, and consistent.
Due to their aloof nature with strangers, early socialization and positive reinforcement training are essential to help Borzois become well-adjusted adults. They respond best to a gentle approach, and harsh training methods should be avoided, as they may cause the dog to shut down or become anxious.
Exercise Needs: Do Borzois Require a Lot of Activity?
Although Borzois are capable of reaching high speeds, they don’t have endless energy reserves and are usually content with moderate daily exercise. A 30-45 minute walk, coupled with playtime or access to a large, enclosed area for running, typically meets their activity needs. Like most sighthounds, Borzois love to sprint and would benefit greatly from games like lure coursing, where they can safely engage their chasing instincts.
Due to their high prey drive, Borzois should never be allowed off-leash in unsecured areas, as they are likely to chase after anything that catches their eye. A fenced yard is ideal, but owners should ensure the fence is high and secure, as these dogs can be escape artists.
Grooming Your Borzoi: Managing That Silky Coat
While Borzois are relatively low-maintenance compared to other long-haired breeds, they do require regular grooming. Their fur should be brushed every couple of days to prevent matting, particularly around the feathered areas like their chest, legs, and tail. Seasonal shedding, or “blowing their coat,” can increase grooming needs.
Borzoi owners should also check their dog’s ears regularly for signs of infection, trim their nails monthly, and brush their teeth several times a week to maintain overall health.
Related Resource: See our tips on effective grooming routines for long-haired dogs.
Health Considerations for Borzois
Borzoi dogs are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they are prone to specific health conditions. Reputable breeders screen their dogs for health issues, which can help reduce the risk of passing on genetic disorders. Some health concerns commonly seen in Borzois include:
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): A genetic eye condition that can eventually lead to blindness.
- Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV), or “bloat”: A serious, life-threatening condition in which the stomach twists and fills with gas.
- Osteochondrosis Dissecans (OCD): A joint condition affecting growing puppies, particularly males, that can cause pain and inflammation.
Regular check-ups and a well-balanced diet are essential in managing these health issues. Make sure to consult your vet if you’re concerned about any symptoms your Borzoi might display.
Diet and Feeding: How Much Food Does a Borzoi Need?
Despite their large to giant size, Borzois are known for being relatively small eaters compared to other large to giant breeds. Puppies generally eat more as they grow, but adult Borzois typically have modest appetites. They require a balanced, high-quality diet that supports their energy levels without causing weight gain. Avoid feeding right before or after exercise to reduce the risk of bloat.
Is a Borzoi Right for You?
Borzoi dogs are elegant, loyal, and affectionate companions that can adapt well to quiet households. However, they require a specific type of owner—one who understands their unique needs and respects their independent nature. They thrive in homes with access to outdoor space, enjoy gentle training, and benefit from socialization and regular exercise.
If you’re ready for a calm yet athletic companion that doesn’t demand constant attention, the Borzoi might just be the perfect fit for you.
Considering Adoption? You can find Borzois through rescues like the National Borzoi Rescue Foundation, which focuses on rehoming Borzois in need of loving homes.
For those planning of getting a dog, Borzois make for an interesting choice. They’re not only among the Best Large Dogs for Families but also have unique characteristics that suit certain lifestyles. Don’t forget to explore various Big Dog Names to find the perfect match for your new companion.”