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Borzoi Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Borzoi so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Hunting Dogs
Popularity Rank102
Reviews2
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Borzoi dog profile picture
OriginRussia flagRussia Belarus flagBelarus
Other Names
What other names does the Borzoi have?
BarzoiPsovoiRusskaya Psovaya BorzayaRussian Wolfhound
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Purebred

Photo Gallery of the Borzoi Breed

Borzoi Size and Weight

Size
Is a Borzoi small, medium or large dog?

How big do Borzoi get?

What is the average size of a Borzoi?

LargeGiant
Weight
How much does the Borzoi weigh? How much should a Borzoi weight? What is the normal weight of a Borzoi? How much does a full-grown Borzoi weight?
Male: 75-105 pounds (34-48 kg), Female: 60-90 pounds (27-41kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Borzoi?
Male: 90 pounds (41 kg), Female: 75 pounds (34 kg)
Height
How tall is the Borzoi? Borzoi height:
Male: 28 inches (71 cm), Female: 26 inches (66 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Borzoi?
Male: 28 inches (71 cm), Female: 26 inches (66 cm)

Borzoi Price and Availability

Price
How much does the Borzoi puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of a Borzoi in the United States? How much money is a Borzoi?

Where to buy a Borzoi with a good pedigree?

$1000-$1200
If you choose to purchase the Borzoi, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Borzoi for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Borzoi gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Borzoi? How many Borzoi are there in the world?
Frequent: The Borzoi is easier than average to get. Maybe there is some risk of overbreeding, as it is a popular breed.

Due to its popularity, inbreeding may occur. A new study shows that inbreeding contributes to the incidence of disease and health problems.

So be careful and seek the help of an experienced person or a professional, in making your decision.

Borzoi Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the Borzoi? Is the Borzoi breed dumb or smart?
Low: The Borzoi is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence. You need to work hard if you want to impress people with these dog tricks and commands. They understand and memorize new commands in 80-100 repetitions, and obey the first command 25% of the time or better.
Trainability
Are Borzoi dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train a Borzoi?
Borzoi dogs are easy to train. They find out the association between commands and actions quite quickly.
Watchdog Ability
Is Borzoi good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
Borzoi dogs are not the best choice if you want a good watchdog. They aren't territorial and protective about their property, so they won't alert you if they sense something different.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do Borzoi dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
Borzoi dogs can't provide protection for their territory. It's better to leave them out of the duty of protecting your valuables and property.

Borzoi Personality and Temperament

Temperament
What kind of personality does the Borzoi have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
IndependentIntelligentGentleQuietAthleticRespectful
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Borzoi sensitivity:
Sensitive: Borzoi dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.

This breed's emotional level reflects their owner's feelings and they don't handle punishments well.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Borzoi a good family dog?
Average: Borzoi dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level. Some breeds are forthcoming and friendly, while others are independent and don't bond too closely with their owners.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Barzoi need? Borzoi social needs:
Borzoi dogs need for social interaction is average. This breed likes being around people or other animals, but they don't mind being left alone for a few hours either.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Borzoi to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Borzoi roam?
The wanderlust potential of the Borzoi is strong enough to escape from home. They have a strong desire for exploring the world. Safer to walk them on a leash unless you teach them how to get back to you on command.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Borzoi have high prey drive?
Borzoi dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. Cats or any other small animals are in danger. It's a natural instinct, doesn't necessarily mean that Borzoi dogs are aggressive. Better to keep this breed on a leash.

Borzoi Activity and Playfulness

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
Average: Borzois, like any other dog breed, like playing. Sometimes they bark in excitement for playing, but they are not the most playful dog breed.
Barking
Do Borzoi dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my Barzoi bark?
Low: The Borzoi barks none to minimal. Perfect choice if you prefer a quiet breed.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Apartment Friendly
Is Borzoi good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have a Borzoi in an apartment?
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Borzoi indoors.

Borzoi Adaptability and Independence

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
Average: Borzoi dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can a Borzoi be left alone? How long can you leave a Borzoi alone?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner. With proper socialization and quality time with the dog can solve this problem.

Borzoi Bite Characteristics

Bite Force PSI
Does the Borzoi has a hard bite? What is the bite force of a Borzoi? How much bite force does a Borzoi have? How strong is a Borzoi bite?

Above 400 PSI 🔼

Borzoi bite force: The Strongest. The Borzoi bite force is among the strongest in the canine world. The bite force Borzoi measurements are typically quite high, which is a testament to their powerful and large stature. The bite force of Borzoi dogs is impressive, and their Borzoi bite PSI is reflective of their powerful nature.

The Borzoi PSI bite should be respected, and appropriate precautions should be taken when interacting with these dogs. The PSI of a Borzoi bite is high, making them one of the strongest breeds in terms of bite force.

They are very protective of themselves and their families, therefore a dog bite from them could be exceptionally dangerous with their PSI being above 400.

To ensure a well-behaved and controlled dog, it's important to learn how to train a Borzoi puppy not to bite from an early age. It is important that they’re trained to be around others safely.

Biting Potential
Do Borzoi bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the Barzoi? What are the odds of getting bitten by a Borzoi? Why do dog bites happen?

Low 🔽

The Borzoi has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the Borzoi do?
Borzoi dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Borzoi dogs need to be taught a good attitude.

Borzoi Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do Borzoi dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
The Borzoi is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Health Problems
What genetic/health problems does the Borzoi breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the Borzoi breed? Most common health risks of Borzoi:
Hip Dysplasia Patellar LuxationBloatHeart ProblemsElbow DysplasiaAnesthesia SensitivityOsteochondrosis DissecansDental ProblemsThyroid Disorder
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the Borzoi breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the Borzoi see the vet?
Average
The Borzoi should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Life Expectancy
How long do Borzoi dogs live? How old can a Borzoi be? What is the age limit of the Borzoi? How many years can the oldest Borzoi live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of a Borzoi?

How long is the lifespan of a Borzoi?

10-12 years
The average lifespan of Borzoi: 11 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Borzoi can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.

Borzoi Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the Borzoi have? What is the activity level of the Borzoi?
Borzoi dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs. If you live a chilled life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Borzoi need? How much exercise do Borzoi dogs require per day?

Do Borzoi dogs need a lot of exercises?

Borzoi dogs have an average exercise need. This breed is satisfied with short walks every weekday and a long ones on weekends.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Borzoi breed need?
Borzoi dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot. They're not the most active dog breed. If you live an active life, this breed can be a bad choice for you.

Borzoi Diet and Weight Management

Average daily food consumption
How much food does a Borzoi need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does a Borzoi breed eat per day? What is good dog food for Borzoi? How much food should I feed my Borzoi?
4 to 7 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? Borzoi risk for obesity:
Low to Average: The Borzoi has a low to the average risk for obesity. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Borzoi weight regularly.

Borzoi Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the Borzoi have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
Feathered
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper Borzoi coats?
Black Red Cream White Sable Brindle
Grooming
How to groom the Borzoi and how often? How often should I take my Borzoi to the groomer?
Advanced: The Borzoi requires a lot of grooming. Cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer can be helpful sometimes.

Regular brushed dog's coat is less likely to shed. Ears and eyes should be cleaned often to avoid infections.

Don't skip the seasonal flea treatment too. Occasional dog nail trimming and dog baths are important.

Check the local pet store for dog grooming supplies and find the best dog shampoo to keep its coat healthy and to give your Borzoi a pleasant experience of a dog bath.

If you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of your Borzoi, search for the best dog groomer or clipping service in your area and book an appointment.

Maybe you're lucky to have a dog boarding service that includes grooming or walk-in dog bath places nearby.
Shedding Level
How much do Borzoi dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Barzoi? Do Borzoi dogs shed a lot?
Borzoi dogs are heavy shedders. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. Be prepared for the daily vacuum cleaning. The amount and frequency of hair loss mostly depend on their health status and breed type.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the Borzoi need a bath? How often should you give a Borzoi a bath? Can I bathe my Borzoi every day?
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. It’s also a good time to look for unusual scratches, bumps, fleas, and other irregularities. When their hair is wet and flat against their body, these details are more visible.

For example, short-haired dog breeds can go a very long time in between baths. These short-haired breeds shed regularly and that shedding works to naturally remove excess dirt and oil. So unless your weenie dog got into the garbage can, you can probably hold off on a bath for a while.

Hypoallergenic
Is the Borzoi breed hypoallergenic?
No
Borzoi dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

Medium

The Borzoi has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Drooling Tendency
Does the Borzoi drool?
The Borzoi is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. If you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, the Borzoi could be a perfect choice for you. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool minimum compared to others, just like the Borzoi.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Borzoi Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do Borzoi dogs get along with other pets? Are Borzoi dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
Borzoi dogs do best when they’re the only pet at the family.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Borzoi temperament with other people:
Borzoi dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Are Borzoi dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? Borzoi temperament with children:
Borzoi dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs. If you have children, you may have to reconsider your choice of having a puppy from this breed.
Cat Friendly
How well do Borzoi dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Borzoi breed live with a cat?
Borzoi dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Is Borzoi good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Borzoi dogs get along with other dogs?
Borzoi dogs are not dog-friendly. If you want more dogs in your family or you'd like to join dog meetups, the Borzoi is not the best choice.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Borzoi breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Borzoi breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Borzoi dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Borzoi dogs good office canines? Do Borzoi dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Borzoi is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Borzoi dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Barzoi temperament with senior people? Are Borzoi dogs good for elderly owners?
Borzois are not the best breed for elderly people.

Borzoi As a Working Dog

Service Dog
Are they good as service dogs? Can Borzoi be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Borzoi is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can Borzoi be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a Borzoi be an emotional support animal?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Borzoi is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can Borzoi be a sniffer dog?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Borzoi is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can Borzoi be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The Borzoi is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can Borzoi be a boat dog?

Not really

Borzoi breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can Borzoi be a drafting dog?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Borzoi is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where Borzoi dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Borzoi Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is a Borzoi pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the Borzoi breed is pregnant?

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Borzoi: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the Borzoi have in a litter? How many puppies can the Borzoi breed have for the first time? How many puppies does a Borzoi have? How many puppies can a Borzoi give birth to?
1-11 puppies

Borzoi Recognition

AKC Group
Is Borzoi recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1891 as a Hound breed.
FCI Group
Is Borzoi recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Recognized by FCI in the Sighthounds group, in the Long-haired or fringed Sighthounds section.

Borzoi Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Trainability: Borzoi dogs are easy to train.
  • Drooling Tendency: The Borzoi is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
  • Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity: Low to Average: The Borzoi has a low to the average risk for obesity.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Borzoi dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Cons
  • Intelligent Rank: Low: The Borzoi is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence.
  • Hypoallergenic: Borzoi dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Grooming: Advanced: The Borzoi requires a lot of grooming.
  • Shedding Level: Borzoi dogs are heavy shedders.
  • Watchdog Ability: Borzoi dogs are not the best choice if you want a good watchdog.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: The wanderlust potential of the Borzoi is strong enough to escape from home.
  • Child Friendly: Borzoi dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.
  • Cat Friendly: Borzoi dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.
  • Dog Friendly: Borzoi dogs are not dog-friendly.
  • Office Friendly: Borzoi is not the best dog breed for office environment.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Borzois are not the best breed for elderly people.

Borzoi History

One of the seven distinct breeds known as sighthounds, the Borzoi, according to some sources, is believed to have originated from a cross between a Saluki type dog and a native Russian breed, bred by the Russian aristocracy, in the 13th century and were required to hunt wolves in very cold climates. Other sources maintain that the Borzoi came from an Asiatic dog that came into Russia hundreds of years ago and over time evolved into today’s Borzoi. Apparently, their history dates back to 1260 A.D. but whatever is the exact origin of the breed, the first written description or standard did not appear until 1650. The first Borzoi model was documented in a book dealing with hunting rules. At that time, there was a huge focus on hunting dogs and countess serfs took care of the dogs on large estates. Moreover, the hunts were always grand occasion and hounds, beaters, and hunters were brought and even the Grand Duke and the nobility attended. More than a hundred Borzoi took part in the hunt. When the wolf was sighted, the huntsmen released their dogs to capture, pin, and hold it. After they ceremoniously bound and gagged the world and the huntsmen sometimes set it free to be hunted again another day. These hunting games were popular until 1861 when the emancipation of serfs started and nobles could no longer rely on their work. This led to nobles slowly losing their power, moving to cities, and abandoning their kennels. Many dogs were left behind, destroyed but some were taken in by the newly freed citizens. By 1873, a few Borzoi remained and the Russians created the Imperial Association to protect and promote the breed’s characteristics. The association’s members included Grand Duke Nicholas, the uncle of Czar Nicholas II, and other wealthy landowners. Unfortunately, this association with the aristocracy was lethal. During the Russian Revolution, many Borzoi were slaughtered and it almost drove the breed to extinction. The only reason why the breed did not go extinct is that many had been given as gifts to royals in other countries or had been imported by people interested in the breed. For example, the first Borzoi known to have left Russia was a pair given to Queen Victoria by the Russian Czar. Prince Edward was also given a pair that produced puppies later shown at British dog shows. At that time the breed was called ‘Russian Wolfhound’ which didn’t change until 1936.

The First Borzoi that was imported to the USA was names Elsie, bought from Britain by a Pennsylvanian man called William Wade. Another American, C. Steadman Hanks, personally visited Russia in the 1890s to take home a Borzoi and establish his kennel. The AKC recognized the breed in 1891 and in 1903 the Borzoi Club of America was founded as the “Russian Wolfhound Club of America”. In the USA, this breed became famous as a glamorous dog that accompanied the movie stars.

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Borzoi Comments, Reviews and Questions

  • Shannon

    Feb 20, 2023, 9:00:36 AM:

    Most of these facts are highly inaccurate...and moreover, they are not a "very popular" breed. On the contrary, they are still recovering from an attempted genocide. Not sure where this info was sourced but it's 99% completely false.

  • ctl121

    Oct 16, 2019, 11:49:59 AM:

    a very good watch dog and hunting dog with incredible speed and independent