Dog breeds / Borzoi
Photo: Taru T Torpström · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Dog breed
Borzoi
The Borzoi is a gentle, dignified sighthound bred to run down wolves in Russia. Indoors it is quiet and surprisingly calm, often happy to lie on a sofa for long stretches. It tends to be reserved with strangers and generally polite with children it knows, though its size and speed mean supervision matters with small kids. It can live well with other dogs and cats raised alongside it, but its strong prey drive means cats or small animals outside the home need care.
Day to day, a Borzoi needs a securely fenced space to run, since its instinct to chase can override recall. It does best with regular walks and a few good sprints in an enclosed area. It is not a dog for a long daily routine of heavy training, but it does respond well to patient, positive methods and needs a comfortable bed suited to its long frame.
Good for: Calm homes, owners with a fenced yard, experienced dog people
| Size | large |
| Weight | 99 lb |
| Origin | Russia |
Living with a Borzoi
Exercise
Daily walks plus a few full-speed runs in a securely fenced area. Sighthounds need open space to stretch out, and a leash or fence is essential because their chase instinct is strong.
Grooming
The long, silky coat sheds moderately and tangles easily, so brushing a few times a week keeps it tidy. Bathe only as needed and check ears and feet after outings.
Health
Borzois are prone to bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus), heart conditions, and anesthesia sensitivity, so ask your vet about preventive steps and early warning signs.
Questions owners ask
Do Borzois shed a lot?
They shed moderately, with heavier seasonal shedding. Regular brushing a few times a week reduces loose hair and prevents mats in the long coat.
Can a Borzoi live in an apartment?
It can, if it gets daily walks and time to run in a secure off-leash area. Its calm indoor manner suits apartments, but it needs regular outdoor exercise.
Do Borzois bark a lot?
They are generally quiet dogs and bark rarely. They may alert you to visitors but are not known for persistent barking without a reason.
Good picks for a Borzoi
