Borzoï
Other names: Barzoï, Russian wolfhound, Russian hunting sighthound

The word ‘borzoi’ is an old Russia word meaning ‘fast’; it was only by description of a dog’s abilities that Russian breeders used to name their breeds. Today, the Borzoi defines a breed of large and handsome domestic dog. The Borzoi has more or less the same shape as a Greyhound and is a member of the sighthound group.
Key facts about the Borzoï
Access the rest of the content after the ad

Loading advertisement ...
Origins and history
It was the Russian nobility that first identified a need for a large dog that was expert at chasing and cornering game. A cross of an Arabian Greyhound and a Russian sheepdog is thought to have begun the Borzoi lineage. During the late 1800s Borzois were introduced into the UK; they have never enjoyed immense popularity.
FCI breed nomenclature
FCI Group
Group 10 - Sighthounds
Section
Section 1 : Long-haired or fringed Sighthounds
Physical characteristics of the Borzoï
Adult size
Female : Between 27 and 31 in
Male : Between 30 and 33 in
Weight
Female : Between 77 and 99 lb
Male : Between 77 and 99 lb
Coat colour
The Borzoi is seen of many colours but tends not to be seen of brown. The colours of the Borzoi are either solid or pied. A black ‘mask’ is typical of this breed.
Type of coat
Silky, flat and wavy: the topcoat is long and flat; the undercoat is soft and silky.
Eye colour
Dark brown, dark hazel
Description
A dog of majestic proportions is the Borzoi. For those who admire the lines of the Greyhound, this dog has abundant attractions. The dog is muscular but not bulky and is graced with a mane and ample feathering of its tail and hindquarters. The Borzoi has an elegant gait.
Good to know
The Borzoi grows up very fast in its first two years. Over-feeding a Borzoi puppy or feeding it supplemental proteins can cause the dog to become unhealthy and weak in later life.
Temperament
Behaviour of the Borzoï
Access the rest of the content after the ad

Loading advertisement ...

Is the Borzoï right for you?
take the testLifestyle
Compatibility
Price
A KC Registered Borzoi will cost between £380 and £740. You’re also looking at between £150 and £175 per month to care for this dog.
Grooming
Brush the Borzoi every day or every other day with a firm bristle brush. Bath the dog only when necessary (you will need someone to help you!).
Shedding
Borzois shed a lot throughout the year but shedding reaches its peak in the last few weeks of spring.
Nutrition of the Borzoï
Due to the Borzoi’s proneness to a condition known as ‘bloat’ it is advisable to feed the dog little and often throughout the day.
Health of the Borzoï
Life expectancy
8 to 10 years
Strong / robust
The Borzoi is a strong and robust breed.
Withstand heat
The Borzoi is reasonably tolerant of heat because its coat tends to shed as hotter weather approaches. You must still make sure there is plenty of fresh water on hand for this dog.
Withstand cold
Yes. The Borzoi’s coat will thicken as the outdoor temperature cools.
Tendency to put on weight
Weight gain is not usually a feature of the Borzoi. However, if a Borzoi is not exercised as regularly as it should be it will become obese.
Common illnesses
- Allergies
- Bloat
- Cancer
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)