Borzoi

Quick facts

	AKC Group:	Hound
	Height:	Male: 28-30 inches, Female: 26 inches
	Weight:	Male: 75-105 pounds, Female: 60-90 pounds
	Colors:	White, tan, gray
AKC recognized in:		1891

The Borzoi are a breed of domestic dog that belongs to the sight hound family. Also referred to as Russian Wolfhounds, they have a rich heritage. They’ve been bred for hundreds of generations by Russian nobility. They are descended from Byzantium dogs brought over by Mongols from Central Asia to Russia between the 9th and 10th centuries.

In Russian, the word “borzoi” is a singular, masculine term which means “fast”. Male or female, the overall size of a Borzoi is impressive. Despite its height and weight, it doesn’t lose grace, strength, and agility.

As to appearance, these Russian sight hounds look very similar to Afghan Hounds. They are also sometimes described as long-haired Greyhounds. Short-haired dogs yet heavy shedders, they’re famous for their wavy, silky coat.

Of all its unique traits, it is the Borzoi coat which sets it apart. The topcoat of a Borzoi is usually long, flat, and silky, with varying degrees of curliness and waviness. Within it lies a soft undercoat which thickens and protects against the wintry cold. When the weather warms, this coat is shed to prevent any overheating.

Temperament

Borzoi Summary
Affection
Cold Tolerance
Ease of Training
Energy level
Exercise Requirements
Friendliness : Children	<
Friendliness: Other Animals
Friendliness: Other Pets
Grooming Requirements
Heat Tolerance
Playfulness
Protection Ability
Watchdog Ability

Quiet to the point of being almost silent, it’s very rare to hear a Borzoi bark. They only alarm you with their barks when they’ve sighted a human intruder and sensed some hostility.

Otherwise, get used to how they’d rather stay still and observant. Unless their private space is invaded, they prefer to stay calm and reserved.

With such little to no territorial drives, don’t be surprised at how these sweet Borzoi dogs act like self-confessed couch potatoes at home. You can’t rely on them at all to be your all-around guard dogs.

To get the most out of your home relationship with a Borzoi, train them at an early age and accustom them to your presence. Like any other dog, they will continue to be independent and willful until they’ve been obedience-trained. A stubborn streak shows in them as they easily get bored with repetitive commands.

Health and Exercise

The beautiful thing about Borzoi is that they are gentle, sensitive dogs who possess a natural respect for human beings. It’s easy to house-train them because they end up with elegant and gracious house manners. They are comfortable around adults, but they may be slightly nervous around children.

Like most sight hounds, Borzoi never thrive on loud voices and harsh treatments. As sensitive, adaptable creatures, they adjust quite well to suburban living. They’ll be quite happy with any arrangement as long as you provide them with regular exercise, attention, and space outdoors. That’s when they let go of their reserve and give in to some energetic play through games and chase.

Most premature deaths in these dogs can be traced to cancers and cardiac problems. They are also prone to hip and elbow dysplasia like most dogs. Above all, gastric torsion and bloating seem to be their greatest threats. Minus these health factors, you may expect a Borzoi to linger around for as long as 7 to 10 years.

Visitor Comments

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