Borzoi - Russian Hunting Sighthound

Borzoi can be gentle and affectionate family companions in the right household. They are quiet, elegant dogs that bond closely with their families. They tend to be reserved rather than exuberant, and they coexist well with calm, older children. However, their strong prey drive means they can be dangerous around small animals, and their large size and speed require a securely fenced environment. They are sensitive dogs that thrive on calm, loving homes rather than busy, chaotic ones.

Borzoi are sprinters, not endurance runners — they are built for short bursts of extreme speed rather than hours of sustained exercise. Daily exercise should include a moderate walk plus regular off-leash running in a safely enclosed area. A securely fenced field is ideal — they can reach speeds of 60 km/h and have an incredibly strong chase instinct. At home, they are often calm and enjoy lounging. Without regular running outlets, they can become restless and develop destructive habits.

Borzoi are intelligent but independently minded, which makes them moderately challenging to train. Like many sighthounds, they were bred to think and act quickly without human direction — a trait that translates into selective listening in a training context. They respond poorly to repetitive drills and harsh corrections. Short, engaging sessions with high-value rewards work best. They can learn excellent manners but are unlikely to ever be "off-switch" obedience dogs. Patience and a sense of humour help enormously.

Borzoi have a very strong prey drive and should be carefully introduced to cats and small animals. A Borzoi raised with cats from puppyhood often learns to distinguish them as part of the family, but any small, fast-moving animal can trigger the chase instinct. Introductions should be slow, supervised, and controlled. Never assume a Borzoi that is friendly with one cat will be safe with all cats — particularly strange ones outside the home. Small dogs, rabbits, and rodents are at significant risk.

Yes — Borzoi are exceptionally sensitive dogs, both physically and emotionally. They are deeply attuned to the emotions of their owners and respond to a calm, gentle home environment. Harsh words, tense atmospheres, and rough handling can cause anxiety and shut them down completely. They also have thin skin and lower pain tolerance than many breeds. This sensitivity makes them wonderful companions for quiet, emotionally aware households, but challenging in high-stress or noisy environments.

Borzoi are generally healthy but have some breed-specific concerns. Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus / GDV) is a serious risk in all deep-chested breeds — feeding smaller meals twice daily and avoiding vigorous exercise around mealtimes helps prevent it. Cardiac issues, including dilated cardiomyopathy, can occur. They are sensitive to anaesthesia due to their low body fat, so inform your vet. Osteosarcoma (bone cancer) affects large breeds at higher rates. Annual vet check-ups are important.

Borzoi typically live 9–14 years. Despite their size, they are a relatively long-lived large breed when properly cared for. Maintaining a lean weight, managing the risk of bloat (GDV) with careful feeding practices, regular cardiovascular monitoring, and dental hygiene all support longevity. Their quiet, relatively low-stress lifestyle at home may contribute to their ability to age gracefully. Regular vet check-ups are essential for monitoring cardiac health and catching issues early.

Yes — Borzoi have a long, silky double coat that sheds moderately year-round and more heavily during seasonal shedding periods. Regular brushing (2–3 times per week) is essential to prevent tangles and manage loose hair. Their fine coat is generally easier to manage than it looks, and they are naturally clean dogs. Despite the long coat, Borzoi are not known to be particularly smelly — they have relatively low odour compared to many other breeds. Professional grooming a few times a year helps maintain coat health.