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 considerations
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.
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:
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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
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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.