The Complete Guide to Borzoi Dogs

The Borzoi is a majestic breed, originating from Russia in the 16th century. They were bred to hunt small game, such as rabbits and hares.

Their name "Borzoi" comes from the Russian word for "fast" or "swift", which suits their athletic build and impressive speed. They can reach speeds of up to 35 miles per hour.

Borzoi dogs are known for their gentle and affectionate nature. They make great family pets, but they do require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling of their long coats.

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The Borzoi is a majestic breed with a unique physical presence. They are large Russian sighthounds that can stand up to 34 inches tall at the shoulder.

Males weigh between 85 to 110 pounds, while females weigh between 60 to 85 pounds. Their coats are silky and flat, often wavy or slightly curly, and come in a variety of colors including black, brindle, and gold.

Borzois have a distinctive head shape with a long and narrow muzzle, small ears that lay flat against their head, and dark, oval-shaped eyes. Their noses are large and always black. Their ears are delicate and small in comparison to their large bodies.

Here are the average heights and weights for Borzois:

Their coats are particularly feathery on the neck, hindquarters, and tail, and their tails are long and feathered, often used as a rudder to help them navigate while running.

The Borzoi is a majestic breed, and one of the first things you'll notice is its impressive size. Males stand a minimum of 28 inches tall.

Females are slightly smaller, reaching a minimum height of 26 inches.

The Borzoi's appearance is truly a sight to behold. Their large size and lean build make them a majestic sight.

Their coat is a defining feature, with a silky and flat texture that can be wavy or slightly curly. The long top-coat is quite flat, and the soft undercoat thickens during winter or in cold climates.

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Borzois come in a variety of colors, including black and brindle, black and cream, and a range of other colors. The most common color pattern is white with spots.

One of the most distinctive features of the Borzoi is their long, narrow head with a barely perceptible "stop" at their eyes. Their small ears lay flat against their head like rosettes.

Their legs are bladed, not round, which is an aerodynamic feature that aids speed and endurance. The tail is long and well-feathered, often tucked between their legs when they stand.

Here's a breakdown of the Borzoi's physical characteristics:

Their physical athleticism is softened by the gentle flow of their long silky coats and graceful tails.

Borzoi are gentle-spirited dogs, ranging from serious and stately to clownish. They are quiet, sensible, and intelligent, preferring not to be left alone for extended periods.

Their temperament is influenced by heredity, training, and socialization. Early socialization is crucial, involving exposure to diverse people, sights, sounds, and experiences during their early development.

Borzoi are affectionate and athletic, with a calm temperament. They are gentle, loving companions and quiet, well-behaved members of the household. Fond of affection, they fancies themselves as lap dogs.

They can be independent and strong-willed, doing things their way and not always coming when called. However, they are typically gentle and may not be the best choice for families with young children who play roughly. Proper socialization can help them get used to being around kids.

Borzoi may be aloof around strangers, but socialization can help them be comfortable around new people. They are generally easy-going and dignified, although they can be silly at times.

Borzois are gentle giants, despite their large size. They are impressively gentle and rarely jump or roughhouse.

Their calm nature can be misleading to those who are accustomed to more energetic and boisterous dogs. Many Borzois are quiet and well-behaved members of the household, fond of affection and happy to recline in a soft dog bed or on the couch.

Borzois are independent thinkers and can be stubborn at times, making training a challenge. However, with the right kind of training and motivation, they can learn to enjoy and perform well in competitive obedience and agility trials.

They are not too pesky about demanding attention, but they do enjoy being around people and can become quite comfortable around new people and other pets with proper socialization.

Borzois are not watch dogs, but some may sound an alarm and be protective of their territory. Their size and propensity to smile can often keep strangers at a distance.

They are generally good with children if raised with them, but caution is necessary with toddlers who can unintentionally hurt a dog. Proper socialization for puppies can help prevent problems.

Borzois are intelligent, but in unconventional ways. They can learn to open gates, garbage cans, and even doors, but they may not always listen to commands.

Borzois are highly intelligent, coupled with a strong will. They aren't particularly mischievous, nor are they desperate for mental stimulation.

Their intelligence makes training possible, but it's not a straightforward process. They don't feel a strong need to please their humans and will require plenty of positive reinforcement and patience to be trained.

A Borzoi's temperament is influenced by heredity, training, and socialization, which plays a significant role in their intelligence. Early socialization is crucial for Borzoi, involving exposure to diverse people, sights, sounds, and experiences during their early development.

Borzois are quiet, sensible, and intelligent as companions, preferring not to be left alone for extended periods. This indicates that they value interaction and mental stimulation, but may not be as demanding as some other breeds.

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Borzoi are generally a healthy breed, but like all dogs, they can be susceptible to certain health conditions. Regular veterinary check-ups and early detection of any issues are essential for maintaining their well-being.

Bloat is a life-threatening condition that affects large, deep-chested dogs like Borzoi. It occurs when the stomach becomes distended with gas or air and then twists, preventing the dog from releasing the excess air. Immediate medical attention is necessary to save the dog's life.

Some common health issues that can affect Borzoi include progressive retinal atrophy, osteochondrosis dissecans, and hypothyroidism. These conditions can be prevented or managed with proper care and attention from a responsible breeder and regular veterinary check-ups.

Here are some key health issues to be aware of in Borzoi:

Borzoi also require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent destructive behavior and maintain their physical and mental health. A 20-minute daily walk and occasional off-leash running in a safely fenced area typically satisfy most Borzoi.

Borzois are generally a healthy breed, but like all dogs, they can be susceptible to certain health conditions. A 2024 UK study found an average life expectancy of 12 years for Borzois, which is a great benchmark to aim for.

Regular veterinary check-ups and early detection of any issues are crucial for maintaining their well-being. Being aware of potential health concerns and working with a responsible breeder who prioritizes health clearances can contribute to a healthy and happy life for your Borzoi.

Some common health issues that can affect Borzois include bloat, progressive retinal atrophy, osteochondrosis dissecans, and sensitivity to anesthesia. These conditions can be prevented or managed with proper care and attention.

Here are some key health concerns to be aware of:

To prevent bloat, try feeding your dog smaller meals throughout the day with a slow feeding bowl and waiting to exercise one hour before and after meals. This can help reduce the risk of this life-threatening emergency.

Caring for a Borzoi requires attention to their exercise needs, as they are built for running and need regular opportunities to gallop and stretch their legs. A daily 20-minute walk and occasional off-leash running in a safely fenced area typically satisfies most Borzoi.

Borzoi are sensitive to certain health conditions, including bloat, which is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. They also need regular veterinary check-ups and early detection of any issues to maintain their well-being.

A Borzoi's coat sheds heavily in the spring, followed by a minor shedding each fall, and daily brushing can prevent mats from forming. Brushing time is about five minutes each day, which can prevent tangles and mats that must be dealt with later.

Borzoi have a strong instinct to chase moving objects and cannot be contained by underground electronic fences. Positive reinforcement training is crucial for success, as they may appear stubborn but are intelligent and need engaging, short, and fun training sessions.

Here are some tips for caring for a Borzoi:

Feeding your Borzoi requires attention to detail and a understanding of their unique needs. A Borzoi's recommended daily food amount is between 4 to 8 cups of high-quality dry food.

To ensure you're providing the right amount, consider your Borzoi's size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. More active dogs will require more food than less active ones.

To reduce the risk of bloat, a serious and potentially fatal condition, feed your Borzoi two or more small meals each day instead of one large meal.

Feeding your Borzoi requires some thought and attention to detail. The recommended daily food amount is 4 to 8 cups of high-quality dry food, divided into two meals.

More active Borzois will need more food, so be prepared to adjust their portions accordingly. Better-quality food provides more nourishment, requiring smaller portions.

To reduce the risk of bloat, a serious and potentially fatal condition, it's best to feed your Borzoi two or more small meals each day instead of one large meal. Avoid strenuous exercise for a couple of hours before and after mealtime.

Maintaining your Borzoi's good shape involves measuring their food and offering two feedings daily, rather than free-feeding all the time. This will help prevent overeating and keep them at a healthy weight.

To check if your Borzoi is at a healthy weight, use the eye and hands-on test. From above, you should see a waist, and when feeling their back, you should be able to feel their ribs without pressing too hard.

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When feeding your borzoi, it's essential to know which foods to avoid.

Alcohol is toxic to dogs in general, so it's best to keep it out of reach.

Avocado, while nutritious for humans, can cause problems for borzois if eaten in large quantities.

Grapes and raisins are particularly toxic to dogs and should be avoided altogether.

Bones can cause splintering and obstruction, making them a no-go for borzois.

Dairy products can be hard for borzois to digest, so it's best to limit or avoid them.

Sweets, including chocolate, are not only a treat for humans but also a potential poison for dogs.

Garlic and onion can cause anemia in dogs, so it's best to keep them out of reach.

Macadamia nuts can cause weakness, depression, and tremors in borzois, so it's best to avoid them.

Caffeine is also toxic to dogs, so keep it away from your borzoi.

Here are some common foods to avoid for your borzoi:

Training a Borzoi puppy requires short, two- to three-minute training sessions.

You'll want to focus on one command at a time and reward your pup with treats, praise, or a play break with a toy for doing a good job. Avoid drills and too many repetitions.

Borzois can be shy or aloof around strangers or other pets, so it's essential to start socializing your dog while they're a puppy. Take them on walks to see people and briefly introduce them to new people.

Plan on spending about an hour every day dedicated to your Borzoi's exercise needs. Mix it up with plenty of walks, running, and playtime.

Borzoi need to run, and they can reach speeds between 35 and 40 MPH, so give them lots of off-leash running in contained areas like a fenced yard.

Training a Borzoi requires a unique approach due to their independent nature. They were bred to hunt independently, so they don't wait for cues from their human hunting buddies.

Keep training sessions short, ideally two to three minutes, to avoid overwhelming your pup. This is crucial because Borzois can be shy or aloof around strangers or other pets.

Positive reinforcement is key in training a Borzoi. Reward your pup with treats, praise, or a play break with a toy to help them feel confident and motivated.

Borzois are sensitive, so punishment or harsh treatment should never be used. Instead, focus on what they're doing right and reward them for it.

Socialization is also essential, especially during puppyhood. Start by taking your Borzoi on walks to expose them to new people and environments.

Exercise is crucial for Borzois, and they need a lot of it. Plan on spending about an hour every day dedicated to your Borzoi's exercise needs.

Mix up your Borzoi's exercise with plenty of walks, running, and playtime. They need to run, and you won't be able to keep up - they can reach speeds between 35 and 40 MPH.

Borzoi were bred for hunting wolves, foxes, and hare, and they had to be fast to catch their quarry. Give them lots of off-leash running to help their bodies develop properly as they're growing and burn through all their energy reserves.

Dog parks may not be ideal for Borzois, as they may chase smaller dogs at the park. Always keep your Borzoi on a leash when you're out and about, especially if you think you've trained them to come when called - think again, they're born to be independent thinkers.

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