Borzoi Breed Information Guide: Quirks, Pictures, Personality & Facts

Borzoi originated in 17th century Russia and were bred by the Russian aristocracy for hundreds of years. The Russian Wolfhound, as Borzoi were known until 1936, would hunt in packs of over 100 in spectacular festivals where they, along with an equal number of foxhounds, would track and flush wolves and other prey for human hunters.

The breed’s numbers diminished after the Russian Revolution due to the slaughter of the aristocracy and anything associated with it. Luckily, many Borzoi had been gifted to royalty in other countries and breed survived.

It’s no wonder that Borzoi were so popular among the Russian aristocracy, being the intelligent and sensible companions that they are. But there is also a bit of good-natured humor in these clowning pups. And despite their calm and stately manner, they are always up for an activity with their humans, especially if it involves running.

Although certainly playful, these pups can be a bit sensitive and will only tolerate so much roughhousing. It is important for these trusting dogs to feel loved and secure. Their intelligence can sometimes hinder training, as they may not feel that the task you are asking them to perform is worth their time. Keep things fun and interesting as the Borzoi dog breed has no time for boredom.

While Borzoi are highly intelligent and are loving towards their humans, they are also independent pups with an almost catlike stubbornness. These hunting dogs can have a mind of their own. Therefore, successful training relies on consistency, patience and a sense of humor. Keeping things fun and interesting will also help. Harsh or intimidating techniques will never work.

What Is Their Ideal Environment? Are They Good for Families?

Borzoi are big pups who need room to stretch, both indoors and outdoors. These sighthounds are likely to chase anything that moves, and should always be in an enclosed area or on a leash. Allowing your Borzoi to run loose is never advisable.

Despite their tendency to roam, these pups are certainly house dogs, and can adapt well to apartment life. But they like to be comfortable. You should plan on sharing your furniture with them, and providing them with plenty of comfy spots and cozy beds throughout the home.

While these dogs were originally bred to work alongside humans, and thus make great companions in the home, Borzoi can be nervous around children and should be introduced to them during puppyhood if they will be in frequent contact with them. 

Families with younger children may not be the best fit as this breed does not tolerate inquisitive hands. Also, these large dogs can unintentionally knock down small humans. Borzoi can, however, adapt to life with older, dog-experienced children.

These generally agreeable dogs often get along with other pets including dogs and cats. However, their sighthound instinct may take over with smaller animals, especially outdoors. Early training and socialization can help with curb indoor chasing, although outdoors may be another story. Either friendly or aloof with strangers, a Borzoi will not serve you well as a guard or watchdog.

The average life expectancy for the Borzoi is 10 – 15 years.

Although they are generally a healthy breed, Borzoi are slight dogs and are therefore prone to bloat (also known as gastric dilatation volvulus. Feeding multiple small meals daily rather than 1 or 2 big meals can help avoid this life-threatening condition as well as painful tummy aches. Progressive retinal atrophy and osteochondrosis dissecans are also issues to watch out for and to preemptively discuss with your veterinarian.

While Borzoi don’t require a ton of exercise, they do enjoy doing activities with their owners and excel in canine sports such as agility and lure coursing. So, while a couple of walks or a half hour run around the yard should do the trick exercise-wise, your Borzoi won’t be thrilled if they are left alone or ignored the rest of the day. They’re more than happy to lounge around indoors, but prefer to have you lounging with them.

Borzoi have long silky coats that can be flat, curly or wavy. While these coats do shed, a quick daily brushing should be sufficient for removing loose hair and dirt. For a few weeks out of the year, Borzoi will shed a bit more, at which time you may need to increase those brushing sessions.

A nail trimming once a week along with a good tooth brushing two to three times a week will always help keep these long pups in tip-top shape.

Toys and Diet for Borzoi

Borzoi know how to have a good time. Whether they want to play a round of tug-of-war with a  rope toy, or involve you in a little “look but don’t touch” with their favorite plush toy, it’s easy to have fun with these toy-loving pups.  Puzzle toys are also a great option to exercise those intelligent minds and also encourage slower eating habits.

Feeding your Borzoi (or any dog) the freshest whole food diet you can afford (trying to eliminate fillers, grains, or inflammatory proteins such as chicken), can go a long way to decrease health issues and increase longevity.

Coconut oil can also help to prevent inflammation, and can help protect the nervous system, while locally-sourced, season-appropriate honey can help with allergies.

National Borzoi Rescue Foundation, Inc. is an independent, national, nonprofit organization with the primary mission to assist all regional rescue groups and individuals in all aspects of Borzoi rescue. Formed in December of 1994, N.B.R.F. is dedicated to the rescue and placement of all displaced borzoi into good, permanent homes through their adoption program.