Borzoi Breed Guide: Temperament, Care and Health

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20264 min read

The Borzoi is a tall, graceful Russian sighthound with a long, silky coat and a narrow, aristocratic head. It was bred to chase wolves, hares and foxes across open plains, and it remains a quiet, dignified companion with a lightning turn of speed.

Origins and appearance

Russian nobles developed the breed for coursing, and it has been a symbol of Russian aristocracy. Borzoi are tall and lean, with a long, narrow head, a deep chest, a silky, flat or wavy coat in many colors and a long, feathered tail.

Temperament

They are gentle, reserved and independent. They bond closely with family and can be aloof with strangers. They are quiet indoors. They are sensitive. They chase moving animals. They dislike harsh handling.

Exercise

A Borzoi needs a daily walk of an hour or so and, ideally, a few chances each week to run flat out in a fully fenced field. Sprint sessions should be short, because these tall dogs tire quickly and can strain muscles if asked to jog for miles on hard ground. Indoors, expect quiet lounging.

Training

Borzois think for themselves and rarely respond to repetition. Keep lessons brief, reward-based and playful, and accept that a sudden chase can override a recall. Teach a solid wait at doors and a calm lead walk early, since an adult is tall and strong. Never trust a Borzoi off lead near roads or livestock.

Coat and grooming

The silky coat needs brushing several times a week, particularly the feathering, and daily during seasonal shedding. See silky coat dog grooming guide. Trim nails, clean ears and brush teeth.

Health considerations

Topics include:

• Bloat. See bloat and GDV in dogs
• Heart disease, including dilated cardiomyopathy
• Sensitivity to anesthesia
• Degenerative myelopathy
• Eye conditions, such as progressive retinal atrophy
• Hypothyroidism

Living with a Borzoi

Borzois are surprisingly quiet indoors, but they need space to stretch, and a long, tall dog can clear a coffee table with its tail. They suit calm homes with secure fences and owners who admire independence rather than demanding instant obedience.

A typical day

A Borzoi usually enjoys a morning walk, a long nap on a soft bed and a short run in a safe field before a quiet evening. Many are gentle, even regal, in the house.

Puppies and the first year

Borzoi puppies grow fast and have long limbs, so avoid forced exercise, stairs and slippery floors while they develop. Offer measured meals and begin gentle lead and recall training. See puppy socialization checklist.

Costs and commitment

A Borzoi is a large dog with a large appetite, so food, bedding, fencing and veterinary bills all reflect that. Ask about bloat prevention and sighthound-friendly anesthesia. See dog vet cost guide.

Seasons and travel

Borzois have thick coats but can overheat in summer, so exercise at cool times. They need space in the car, ideally a large crate or a folded-down seat.

Common mistakes

New owners often undersize the fence, forget that a tall dog can clear a low gate, feed one big meal instead of several small ones, or rely on voice commands near wildlife. Another mistake is using harsh corrections on a sensitive dog, which tends to make it shut down.

Choosing a puppy or adult

Ask the breeder about heart screening, bloat history in the pedigree and how the dogs behave with strangers. Because Borzoi are not common, expect a waiting list. Retired racing or show dogs sometimes become available and can make calm companions for experienced owners.

Elegant, but not delicate

Borzoi look fragile, but they are athletes. They can run at remarkable speed and need room. They also have deep chests and are at risk of bloat, so avoid exercise around meals and feed smaller portions.

Quiet company

Borzoi are usually quiet and gentle indoors. Many prefer a soft bed near family and tolerate children who are calm. They do not enjoy rough play.

Training notes

Borzoi respond to patience and short sessions. Use treats, praise and calm voices, and expect them to think for themselves. Teach a few key behaviors, including a leash walk, a name response and a settle, and manage the environment for everything else.

Daily care checklist

• A walk and a chance to run in a secure area.
• Combing the feathering.
• Small, spaced meals.
• A firm bed with room to stretch out.
• A check for burrs and tangles.

Is it the right breed for you?

A Borzoi suits patient owners who want an elegant, quiet sighthound and can provide space and a tall fence. It may not suit those wanting an obedient dog or with small pets that cannot be managed. For a similar hound, see the Afghan Hound.

The takeaway

Borzoi are tall, elegant and reserved, and they need secure fencing, patience and bloat awareness.