Borzoi
GentleQuietRegally Dignified
Russia · 9–14 years
About the Borzoi
The Borzoi, formerly known as the Russian Wolfhound, is a majestic sighthound developed by Russian aristocracy to hunt wolves, foxes, and hares across the vast Russian steppe. Borzoi combine the grace and beauty of a fashion model with the athletic ability of a world-class sprinter. Their long, narrow head, silky flowing coat, and tall, slender build give them an unmistakable elegance. Despite their aristocratic appearance, Borzoi are gentle, quiet, and surprisingly laid-back companions that bring a calm, dignified presence to any home.
Breed stats
- Height
- 26–32 in
- Weight
- 60–105 lbs
- Lifespan
- 9–14 years
- Group
- Hound
- Coat
- Long, silky, wavy or flat
- Origin
- Russia
Coat colors
- White
- Gold
- Red
- Brindle
- Black
- Cream
- Sable
Temperament & ratings
Compatibility
Exercise & feeding
Daily exercise
40–60 min
per day recommended
Daily food
2.5–4 cups
high-quality dry food
Common health issues
- Bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus)
- Osteosarcoma
- Cardiomyopathy
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Anesthesia sensitivity
Not every Borzoi will develop these conditions, but awareness helps with early detection. Regular veterinary checkups and choosing a responsible breeder who health-tests their dogs are the best preventive measures.
Can Borzois eat...
- Can dogs eat blueberries?Safe
- Can dogs eat grapes?Toxic
- Can dogs eat bananas?Safe
- Can dogs eat chocolate?Toxic
- Can dogs eat watermelon?Safe
- Can dogs eat cheese?Caution
- Can dogs eat almonds?Caution
- Can dogs eat apples?Safe
Frequently Asked Questions
- Borzoi can be good family dogs for calm, respectful households with older children. They are gentle and affectionate with their family but are not the rough-and-tumble playmates that retrievers or spaniels are. Borzoi are sensitive dogs that prefer quiet environments and may become stressed by chaotic, noisy households. They are patient but not tolerant of ear-pulling or tail-grabbing from young children. Families with teenagers or adults who appreciate a dignified, gentle companion will find Borzoi rewarding and loyal pets.
- Borzoi need moderate daily exercise — about 40 to 60 minutes of walking plus occasional opportunities to sprint in a securely fenced area. Despite their speed, they are not high-endurance dogs and are content with a relatively relaxed lifestyle between exercise sessions. They are sprinters, not marathoners, so short bursts of running satisfy their needs better than long-distance jogging. A safely fenced yard is important because their prey drive makes off-leash exercise in open areas risky. After exercise, Borzoi are calm and quiet indoors.
- Borzoi were bred to chase and catch prey, and their prey drive is very strong. They are generally not recommended for homes with cats, small dogs, or other small pets. Their instinct to chase fast-moving small animals is deeply ingrained and can be triggered even by a cat they have lived with for years. Some individual Borzoi can learn to coexist with cats when raised together from puppyhood, but this requires careful management and should never be taken for granted. Outdoor cats in the neighborhood may also be at risk.
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