Borzoi

also known as Barzoï, Russian Wolfhound, Russkaya Psovaya Borzaya, Psovoi

Pros History


The Borzoi, also known as the "Russian Wolfhound," is a large and elegant breed of dog that is believed to have originated in Russia. The breed has a long and storied history that is intertwined with the history of Russia and its culture.

The origins of the Borzoi can be traced back to the 9th century in Russia, where it was developed by breeding various sighthound breeds such as the Arabian Greyhound, the Saluki and the Greyhound. The goal was to create a large and elegant dog that could be used for hunting large game, such as the wolves, which were prevalent in Russia at the time.

The breed's name, "Borzoi," is derived from the Russian word "borzii," which means "fast." This name reflects the breed's history as a hunting companion and its fast speed. The breed is also known as the "Russian Wolfhound," which is a nod to the breed's origins and the main prey it was used to hunt.

The Borzoi was a popular breed in Russia during the 16th to the early 20th century, and it was often used for hunting and as a companion dog for the nobility. The breed's popularity began to decline in the early 20th century, as a result of the revolution in Russia, which led to the destruction of many estates of the nobility.

The Borzoi is recognized by kennel clubs around the world, including the American Kennel Club (AKC) which recognized the breed in 1891, The Kennel Club (UK) which recognized the breed in 1891 and other international kennel clubs.

Breed Information


Type

Is Borzoi a purebred?

Purebred

Purpose

What were Borzois originally used for?

hunting game

Lifespan

How Long Do Borzois Live? What is average life expectancy for a Borzoi? How long can Borzois live?

10-12 years

The average Borzoi lifespan is somewhere between 10-12 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Borzoi Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Borzoi?

What is the average height of a Borzoi? How big is a Purebred Borzoi height? Borzoi dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 28-33 inches (71.1 - 83.8 cm) 26.5 inches (67.3 cm) 28.5 inches (72.4 cm) 30.5 inches (77.5 cm)
Female 26-31 inches (66 - 78.7 cm) 24.5 inches (62.2 cm) 26.0 inches (66 cm) 28.5 inches (72.4 cm)
What is the average weight of a Borzoi? How much should Borzois weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 75-105 pounds (34 - 48 kg) 57.5 pounds (26 kg) 70.0 pounds (32 kg) 90.0 pounds (41 kg)
Female 60-85 pounds (27 - 39 kg) 47.5 pounds (22 kg) 57.5 pounds (26 kg) 72.5 pounds (33 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do Borzois get fat easily?

The Borzoi is a dog breed that has a low to average risk for obesity. This means that they are less likely to gain weight than some breeds, but it is still important to monitor their food intake and ensure they get enough exercise to maintain a healthy weight and overall well-being.

Hypoallergenic

Are Borzois Hypoallergenic?

No

Unfortunately, the Borzoi is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Temperament

What is a Borzoi personality? What are Borzoi dogs best known for?

Athletic
Independent
Quiet
Gentle
Intelligent
Respectful

Shedding Level

Are Borzois heavy shedders? How Much Does a Borzoi Shed?

Borzoi dogs are extremely heavy shedders, they will lose a large amount of hair each year. To decrease the amount of shedding, you can regularly brush your Borzoi.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of a Borzoi dog?

The Borzoi breed is one of the worst choice if you want a good watchdog.

Breed History


Origin

Where do Borzois come from?

Russia

Ancestry

What are Borzois descended from?

sight hound

Date of Birth

When were Borzois first bred? How old is the Borzoi breed?

middle ages

Breed Group

What Breed Group is a Borzoi?

Hound (AKC:1891)
Sighthound and Pariah (UKC)

Borzoi Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are Borzoi eyes?

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can Borzoi nose be naturally?

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can Borzoi coat be naturally?

Black
Gray
Brown
Red
Cream
Fawn
White
Sable
Brindle

Coat Length

How long is a Borzois coat?

The coat of a Borzoi is longer than that of the typical dog.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The Borzoi Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of a Borzoi?

Wavy

Litter Size

How many puppies can a Borzoi have in a litter? How many puppies can a Borzoi have in her first litter?

10-12 puppies per pregnancy

A Borzoi can have a litter of 10-12 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

Borzoi dogs generally adapt well to changes in lifestyle and different living environments, but it is considered as an average level of adaptability compared to other breeds.

Borzoi Health Issues


Health Issues

Do Borzois have a lot of health problems?

The Borzoi is generally considered to be healthy. However, like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain health issues and it is important to keep an eye out for them and address them with your veterinarian as needed.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a Borzoi?

Gastric Torsion
Bone And Joint Problems
Osteosarcoma
Heart Problems
Von Willebrand's Disease

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Borzois?

Cataracts
Hypothyroidism

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Borzoi breed?

Blood Test
Heart
Thyroid Tests
X-Rays
Eye Examination

Borzoi Needs and Activities


Energy

Do Borzois have a lot of energy?

Borzois may be a good breed for those who prefer a more relaxed lifestyle. They tend to have a lower energy level than other breeds of dogs.

Social Needs

Do Borzois need socialization? How social are Borzois?

Borzois have average social needs compared to other breeds. They are known to be less active and independent than other breeds, and they are content with spending time alone and with their human family.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should Borzois get?

The Borzoi dog requires a moderate amount of physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. These breeds are ideal for people who have a moderate amount of time to devote to their pet and enjoy regular physical activity themselves. They also make great family pets as they have the energy to keep up with children and the temperament to be great companions.

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should a Borzoi have? Do Borzois sleep a lot?

The Borzoi breed is known for their relaxed and calm nature and tendency to sleep for long periods of time.

Drooling Tendency

Does a Borzoi drool a lot?

The Borzoi is a breed of dog that is characterized by its minimal drooling, making it an ideal choice for people who dislike drool marks on their clothing.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

Borzois are known to bark very little or not at all. They tend to be very quiet and do not bark excessively. They may only bark in specific situations, such as when they need to alert their owner to something important or when they are in distress.

Territorial

Do Borzois exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

Borzoi dogs are not known for their protective nature and may not be the best choice as guard dogs. They do not have a strong drive to defend their territory and may not be inclined to provide protection.

Mouthiness

Are Borzois mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of a Borzoi running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do Borzoi dogs have a high prey drive?

Past times

What do Borzois enjoy doing? How do I keep my Borzoi busy?

Walking, Hiking, Trick, Training, Obedience, Lure coursing

Activity Level

What is the energy level of a Borzoi? How much energy does a Borzoi have?

Medium

Borzois are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should a Borzoi walk each week? How many miles should a Borzoi walk every week?

10 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Borzoi, it's at least 10 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much a Borzoi should exercise a day? How much activity does a Borzoi need?

60 minutes

In general most Borzois usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for a Borzoi?

The Borzoi is a breed of dog that requires a significant amount of grooming. They will also require regular trims, and a professional groomer's help is often necessary to keep their coat in good condition. They may also need regular baths to maintain their coat and skin.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush a Borzoi?

Weekly

Borzoi should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Borzois?

Pin Brush
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does a Borzoi eat?

3 cups

For an average 75-105 pound (34 - 48 kg) Borzoi feed 3 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does a Borzoi Cost Daily?

$2.80 - $3.20 / day

The average cost of a Borzoi is somewhere $2.80 - $3.20 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does a Borzoi Cost Per Month?

$84 - $95 / month

The average per month expenses of a Borzoi is between $84 - $95. This makes an average of $1008 - $1140 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Borzoi Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is a Borzoi?

The Borzoi have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence. This breed is an independent "freethinker" and gets on the dumbest dog breeds list since they can also be stubborn — training a Borzoi is an exercise in patience.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is a Borzoi dog?

This dog breed is particularly attuned to its environment and the emotions of those around it. It can be easily overwhelmed by loud noises, new environments, and unfamiliar people or animals. This dog is best suited for individuals or families who are patient, gentle, and understanding of its sensitive nature. It may also benefit from a calm and stable home environment, with a consistent routine and plenty of positive reinforcement training.

Affection Dependance

Are Borzoi dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do Borzoi do well in apartments? Are Borzois good indoor dogs?

Borzois are dogs that do well in apartments with sufficient exercise, but they would really appreciate a small yard.

Child Friendly

Are Borzois good with kids? Are Borzois good around children?

Borzois are not the most kid-friendly dogs. If you have children, you might want to reconsider adopting another dog as a companion.

Senior-friendly

Are Borzois good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are Borzois good with cats? How friendly Borzois are toward cats?

Borzois are not cat friendly dogs.

Dog Friendly

Do Borzoi dogs get along with other dogs? Are Borzois OK with other dogs?

Borzois are not dog friendly dogs.

Pet friendly

How do Borzoi dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are Borzois friendly with strangers?

Borzois are below average friendly around strangers. Keen of eye and sharp of tongue, most Borzois are very quick to announce strangers at the door. Once the visitor comes in, some Borzois will be friendly and outgoing. But many others have the standoffish or suspicious towards strangers.

Playfulness

Do Borzois like to play? Are Borzois playful?

Borzois have an average level of playfulness. The Borzois, like other dogs, like to play. But they are not the most playful dog breed.

Trainability

Are Borzoi easily trained?

Borzoi dogs are known for their ease of training and ability to learn quickly, making them a popular choice for pet owners and trainers alike.

Pros Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Elegant
    They have an elegant and graceful appearance.
  • Maintain a healthy weight
    Borzois are at a low to average risk for becoming overweight.
  • Rarely barks
    If you're looking for a breed that doesn't make a lot of noise, the Borzoi dog could be a good pick as they are known for being quiet.
  • Independent
    They are independent and do not require constant attention.
  • Loyal
    They are loyal and affectionate towards their owners.

Cons

  • Not cat-friendly
    Borzois do not possess the temperament to coexist peacefully with cats.
  • Not suitable for office environment
    Borzois may not thrive in an office setting
  • Not Hypoallergenic
    Allergy sufferers may want to consider a different breed of dog, as Borzois may not be a good fit due to the potential for allergic reactions.
  • Grooming
    They have high maintenance grooming requirements due to their long fur.
  • Exercise
    They require a lot of exercise and space to run.