Borzoi
A tall, elegant Russian sighthound bred to course wolves. Gentle and quiet indoors but aloof and independent, with a very strong prey drive and the need for safe space to run.
Borzoi scorecard
Overview
The Borzoi, formerly known as the Russian Wolfhound, is a tall, elegant sighthound bred to course wolves and other game across the open plains of Russia. One of the larger breeds, it can stand 68–85 cm at the shoulder and weigh roughly 27–48 kg, with a long, narrow head, a deep but tucked-up chest built for galloping, and a flowing, silky coat. Graceful and dignified, it combines great speed outdoors with a remarkably calm, quiet presence indoors.
The Borzoi is recognised by the UK Kennel Club within the Hound Group. It makes a gentle and undemanding house companion in many respects, but its powerful prey drive, independent nature and need for safe space to run mean it is better suited to experienced, thoughtful owners. Its typical lifespan is around 9–12 years.
Good to know — a Borzoi needs plenty of space and better with some experience. Every dog is an individual, so meet a few and chat to a good breeder or rescue before deciding.
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History & origins
The Borzoi was developed by the Russian aristocracy from at least the seventeenth century for the sport of coursing, in which packs of these sighthounds were used in elaborate hunts to pursue wolves and hares across vast estates. The breed was refined over generations to combine speed, sight-hunting ability and an elegant appearance, and it became closely associated with the Russian nobility and the Tsar's court.
Following political upheaval in Russia in the early twentieth century, many of the great kennels were dispersed, and the breed's survival owed much to dogs that had already been exported to Britain, western Europe and the United States. It is recognised by the Kennel Club and the FCI, and remains a relatively uncommon breed kept largely by sighthound enthusiasts.
Temperament & family fit
Borzois are typically calm, gentle and quiet, especially indoors, where they are content to lounge for much of the day and very rarely bark. They tend to be affectionate but somewhat aloof and independent, often described as catlike in their reserve and self-possession. They can be sensitive and do not respond well to rough handling or noisy, chaotic environments.
The defining trait to understand is their intense prey drive: as dogs bred to chase and catch fast-moving animals, they may pursue small pets, cats or wildlife instinctively, and their recall can be unreliable once a chase is triggered. They are generally good with calm older children and other sighthounds, but their reserve and size call for sensible supervision around very young children.
- Families with older, respectful children
- Owners ready for consistent training
- Active homes with plenty of space
Training & intelligence
Borzois are intelligent but independent thinkers, and they do not have the eager-to-please nature of a working gundog or herding breed. Training requires patience, consistency and gentle, reward-based methods; harsh corrections tend to make a sensitive sighthound shut down rather than cooperate. Realistic expectations help, as blind obedience is not the breed's strength.
Because of their strong prey drive and unreliable recall, off-lead freedom should be limited to securely fenced areas, and a long line is wise elsewhere. Early, careful socialisation and basic obedience are important given the dog's eventual size and power.
- Start socialisation & handling early
- Reward-based methods only — no harsh corrections
- Keep sessions short, calm and consistent
Exercise needs
A healthy adult Borzoi typically needs around an hour a day (roughly 60–80 minutes), split across walks, play and a little training. A good sniffy walk, some play and a little training usually keeps them content. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need adjusted amounts — check with your vet.
Grooming & coat
The long, silky coat needs regular brushing, around two or three times a week, to prevent tangles and matting, with extra attention during seasonal moults when shedding increases. The feathering on the legs, tail and chest particularly benefits from routine grooming, and the coat should be kept clean and free of debris picked up on walks.
- Brush several times a week
- Bathe every few weeks or as needed
- Check ears, nails and teeth weekly
Feeding a Borzoi
Feed a complete, balanced diet appropriate to this large, lean breed, in measured meals that maintain the naturally slim sighthound body condition without allowing the dog to become underweight. As a tall, deep-chested breed, the Borzoi is among those for which dividing food into two meals and avoiding vigorous exercise immediately before and after eating is commonly advised to reduce bloat-related risk. Many sighthounds are also notably sensitive to certain anaesthetics, which is worth discussing with your vet.
A giant breed
An adult Borzoi typically weighs 27–48 kg, so a healthy Borzoi eats a lot, and the sack size matters as much as the recipe compared with other breeds. Every feeding guide on a bag is written per kilo of body weight, not per breed — start there, then adjust to the dog in front of you.
Life stage
A giant breed is usually done growing at 18–24 months, which is roughly when a puppy food has finished its job. With a typical lifespan of 9–12 years, there is a long adult stretch in the middle; switch to a senior food when your vet thinks it is worth it rather than on a birthday.
Joint support is worth looking for
Their size and frame put more load through the joints than a smaller dog carries, so a food with joint support on the label is worth reading for — and keeping them lean does more for their joints than any supplement.
Weight matters more than usual here
A long back or a heavy frame makes every extra kilo count twice. Weigh portions rather than eyeballing a scoop, and reduce the food rather than the walks if the waist starts to disappear.
How much should a Borzoi weigh?
Adult 27–48 kgfully grown at 18–24 months
| Age | Stage | Typical weight | Of adult size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 weeks | Just home | 2.4–4.2 kg | 9% |
| 3 months | Young puppy | 3.9–6.9 kg | 14% |
| 6 months | Growing fast | 7.7–13.7 kg | 29% |
| 12 months | Adolescent | 15.4–27.4 kg | 57% |
| 18–24 months | Fully grown | 27–48 kg | 100% |
A guide, from the same rule of thumb our puppy growth predictor uses — each age is that share of the way to maturity for a giant breed. Puppies grow fastest early, so a real puppy usually sits a little above the middle rows. Weigh yours and ask your vet if the number worries you.
Complete dog foods that suit a Borzoi
Complete foods from our range, matched to a Borzoi's size band and what the breed typically needs. Stock levels and delivery dates are live on each product.
Field & Trial Skinner S Field Trial Light Senior
A lower-fat dry food for older, overweight or less active dogs, including working breeds
From£9.85
Autarky Complete Grain Free Adult Turkey
Grain-free complete dry food for adult dogs, with turkey and a marine-algae joint care package
£12.79
Autarky Grain Free Tasty White Fish & Potato Complete
Grain-free dry dog food built around white fish meal rather than poultry
£12.99
Lily's Kitchen Lily S Kitchen Dog Lovely Lamb
Complete lamb-led dry dog food offered in two practical bag sizes
From£25.15
Burns Adult Large/Giant Breed Chicken and Brown Rice
Complete large-breed dry dog food with 23% chicken and brown rice
£59.99
Burgess Greyhound and Lurcher Chicken
Complete adult dry food formulated for the specific build of greyhounds and lurchers
£35.35
Naturo Senior Rice Poultry Variety 6pk
Six 400g trays across three recipes for senior dogs, with glucosamine and chondroitin
£10.29
Naturo Senior Dog Turkey with Rice and Vegetables 7pk
Turkey at 65% in a senior wet tray, with brown rice, vegetables and added joint support
£11.99
Vitalin Adult Dog Pork with Apple
Complete dry food for adult dogs of any age, led by pork, with citrus extract for dental support
From£11.99
Borzoi health & costs
Before bringing a Borzoi home it pays to budget for the whole picture — food, insurance, grooming and routine vet care all add up. The figures below are typical UK estimates for a healthy adult; your real costs vary with where you live, your dog's health and the cover you choose.
Food
£850–1,200 / year
Complete food sized to weight & life stage
Insurance
£45–85 / month
Lifetime cover — varies by age, breed & area
Grooming
£120–300 / year
Occasional pro + home brushing
Routine vet care
£200–450 / year
Vaccines, flea/worm, annual check
The Borzoi is generally a healthy breed, but as a large, deep-chested sighthound it carries some specific risks that owners should understand. There is more health information available than for very rare breeds, though UK-specific large-scale data remains limited, so general large-breed and sighthound guidance is a useful reference alongside breeder health information.
The most serious concern is gastric dilatation-volvulus, or bloat, a life-threatening twisting of the stomach to which deep-chested breeds are prone and which requires emergency veterinary treatment. Sighthounds also tend to have unusual sensitivity to some anaesthetic agents, so it is important that any vet treating a Borzoi is aware of the breed.
Common health conditions to be aware of
- Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat) — a life-threatening emergency in deep-chested breeds; learn the warning signs and seek immediate veterinary care.
- Anaesthetic sensitivity — like other sighthounds, Borzois can react unusually to certain anaesthetics, so vets should be informed of the breed.
- Cardiac conditions — some heart problems are reported in large breeds, making routine veterinary checks worthwhile.
- Osteosarcoma (bone cancer) — large and giant breeds carry an increased risk of bone tumours.
- Hypothyroidism — an underactive thyroid is reported in the breed and is diagnosed and managed with veterinary testing.
These reflect typical, size- and coat-related risks for dogs like the Borzoi; individual breeds carry their own predispositions. Always buy from health-tested parents and speak to your vet — this isn't a diagnosis.
Protect against surprise bills
A single emergency can run into thousands. Lifetime insurance spreads the risk.
Estimate insurance →How pet insurance works →Puppy & senior care
Bringing home a Borzoi puppy
Puppies need controlled exercise (a rough guide is five minutes per month of age, twice a day) to protect growing joints, little-and-often meals of a complete puppy food, early socialisation, and a calm routine for toilet training and sleep. Book first vaccinations, microchipping and a vet check early.
New puppy checklist →Caring for a senior Borzoi
As they age, watch weight, joints and teeth, switch to a senior diet if your vet advises, keep exercise gentle but regular, and consider orthopaedic bedding and ramps. Twice-yearly vet checks help catch issues early — larger breeds age sooner, so start senior care from around 6–7 years.
Orthopaedic beds & mobility →Pros & cons
The good bits
- Calm, quiet and gentle indoors
- Very rarely barks
Things to consider
- Powerful prey drive and unreliable recall
- Needs space to gallop and is sensitive to handle
Compare the Borzoi
See how the Borzoi measures up against similar breeds before you decide:
More breeds like the Borzoi
Same breed group
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Whippet
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Greyhound
The ultimate couch potato — despite their racing reputation, retired greyhounds need surprisingly little exercise.
Similar temperament
Saint Weiler
A giant St. Bernard and Rottweiler cross that is typically calm, devoted and naturally protective. Its huge size demands space, careful early training and an experienced owner, and lifespan is shorter as with most giant breeds.
Shiba Inu
A fox-like, dignified Japanese breed — clean, compact and cat-like, but independent with a strong will of its own.
Akita
A dignified, powerful Japanese guardian — intensely loyal and clean, but strong-willed and often intolerant of other dogs.
Saluki
An ancient, graceful sighthound — gentle and quiet at home, but with an enormous prey drive and a will of its own.
Similar size, different type
Bernese Mountain Dog
A gentle giant — calm, affectionate and wonderful with families, if you have the space and a big heart.
Great Dane
A truly enormous yet gentle and affectionate "gentle giant" — surprisingly calm for its size.
Saint Bernard
The classic gentle giant — calm, patient and wonderful with children, though it drools, sheds and lives a shorter giant-breed life.
Tibetan Mastiff
An ancient, independent guardian breed — watchful and devoted to its family, but powerful, aloof and territorial.
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Borzoi?
The Borzoi, formerly known as the Russian Wolfhound, is a tall, elegant sighthound bred in Russia to course wolves and other game across open plains. It has a long, narrow head, a deep but tucked-up chest built for galloping, and a flowing, silky coat. Recognised in the UK Kennel Club's Hound Group, it combines great outdoor speed with a remarkably calm indoor presence.
How big do Borzois get?
Borzois are among the larger breeds, standing roughly 68–85 cm at the shoulder and weighing around 27–48 kg. Despite their height and power, they are lean, graceful dogs. Their size, strength and sensitivity mean they are generally better suited to experienced, thoughtful owners with space to accommodate them.
Are Borzois calm indoors?
Yes, Borzois are typically calm, gentle and quiet indoors, content to lounge for much of the day and very rarely barking. They are affectionate but somewhat aloof and independent, often described as catlike in their reserve. They can be sensitive and do not respond well to rough handling or noisy, chaotic environments.
Can a Borzoi be let off the lead?
Only with great care. As a sighthound bred to chase fast-moving game, the Borzoi has an intense prey drive and its recall can become unreliable once a chase is triggered. Off-lead freedom should be limited to securely fenced areas, with a long line used elsewhere. A safe, enclosed space to run is far safer than open parks where a chase could lead to a dangerous escape.
Are Borzois good with cats and small pets?
Borzois can be challenging around small animals because of their strong instinct to chase and catch fast-moving prey. They may pursue cats, small pets or wildlife instinctively, so they are not well matched to homes with free-roaming small pets. They generally get on with calm older children and other sighthounds, but interactions need sensible supervision.
How much exercise does a Borzoi need?
Despite their love of lounging, Borzois need regular chances to gallop in a safe, enclosed space alongside daily walks. They are sprinters rather than endurance dogs, so short bursts of fast running suit them better than prolonged exertion. A secure, sizeable area to run is far more valuable than relying on open parks.
What health problems affect Borzois?
The most serious concern is gastric dilatation-volvulus, or bloat, a life-threatening twisting of the stomach to which deep-chested breeds are prone and which needs emergency veterinary treatment. Sighthounds also tend to be unusually sensitive to some anaesthetic agents, so any vet treating a Borzoi should be made aware of the breed. UK-specific data is limited, so general large-breed and sighthound guidance applies.
How long do Borzois live?
Borzois typically live around 9–12 years, which is fairly normal for a large breed. As a tall, deep-chested sighthound, dividing food into two meals, avoiding vigorous exercise around feeding times and arranging regular veterinary checks all help support a long and healthy life.
Are Borzois good with children?
Fine with sensible, older children. As a general guide, Borzois tend to be fine with sensible, older children. Whatever the breed, always supervise dogs and young children and teach kids to interact gently.
How much exercise does a Borzoi need?
As a healthy adult, a typical Borzoi needs around an hour of exercise a day (60–80 minutes), split across walks plus play. A good sniffy walk plus some play and training usually keeps them happy. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need less — ask your vet.
Do Borzois shed a lot?
Moderate shedding. Coat upkeep is regular brushing — brush regularly to keep the coat in good condition.
Are Borzois easy to train and good for first-time owners?
Better with some experience. Borzois are best for owners ready to commit to consistent training and plenty of activity. Reward-based training and early socialisation help any dog.
Do Borzois bark a lot?
Very quiet. They are usually fairly easy-going about barking, though any dog will bark if bored or under-exercised.
Are Borzois good with other dogs?
Generally fine with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.
Do Borzois suit flats or smaller homes?
Needs plenty of space. A Borzoi really needs plenty of space and a lot of daily activity — not ideal for a small flat.
Sources
- The Kennel Club (UK) — Borzoi breed information: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/breed-standards/hound/borzoi/
- Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) — Borzoi (Russian Hunting Sighthound) breed standard: https://www.fci.be/en/nomenclature/BORZOI-RUSSIAN-HUNTING-SIGHTHOUND-193.html
- PDSA — bloat and dog health advice: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice
- Blue Cross — dog breed and care guidance: https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog
Recommended for your Borzoi
Matched to a Borzoi's size and their typical need for no-pull walking kit, a cosy bed, joint & mobility support.
Plaid Fleece-Lined Dog Harness & Lead Set
A cosy fleece-lined checked dog harness with a matching lead and a little treat pouch.
£9.99
Reflective Two-Tone Dog Harness and Lead Set
A bright two-tone step-in dog harness with a matching lead. Adjustable straps and quick-release buckles give a snug fit, while reflective trim keeps your dog visible on darker walks.
£7.99
L-Shaped Bolster Sofa Dog Bed
A supportive L-shaped sofa bed with a raised bolster back and side for your dog to rest their head. The thick padded base cushions joints, and the soft rose-velvet cover is removable and washable for easy care.
From£44.99
Plush Bee Cat Harness and Lead Set
A soft plush cat harness with a 3D bee charm and a matching lead, adjustable at neck and chest, made for kittens, cats and very small dogs on gentle outings.
£7.99
Knitted Strawberry Neck Warmer Scarf Collar
A soft knitted neck-warmer with a ruffled trim, gingham bow and a sweet strawberry motif. Slips comfortably around a small dog's or cat's neck to keep them cosy and looking charming on cooler days.
£7.99
Warm Fleece Dog Snood
A soft, fluffy fleece snood that slips over your dog's head to keep the neck and ears cosy and draught-free in cold weather. Lightweight, stretchy and ideal for winter walks or breeds with delicate ears.
£7.99
Polar Fleece Dog Coat
A warm polar-fleece dog coat with a D-ring for lead attachment. Pulls on quickly and shields your dog from cold and wind on chilly walks, with a snug fit across the chest and back.
From£18.99
Suggestions based on breed traits — always check sizing and suitability for your individual dog.
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Every dog is an individual — temperament and needs vary. Please research thoroughly, meet dogs in person, and consider adopting from a rescue. This is general guidance, not a substitute for advice from your vet or a qualified trainer.