Borzoï

Despite its hunting heritage, the Borzoi does not have an overly aggressive tilt. It is a sensitive dog that is easily offended by harshness and rough handling.

Good-natured, gentle and calm is the Borzoi. The dog is easily entertained but will stop playtime when it feels like it.

The Borzoi is generally calm and sedate.  However, it does not take kindly to an invasion of its personal space.

A fairly intelligent dog but not known as one of the brainiest of canines. In tests of intelligence using obedience markers the dog responded to commands less than 25% of the time.

Hunting was the reason the Borzoi was originally bred; this it would do by sight. This dog retains its prey instinct.

The Borzoi tends to be wary and shy of new people and takes some time to warm to a visitor in its home.

The Borzoi is quite independent. With some effort of training it can become obedient but on the whole it is very much its own dog: it has a tendency to ‘go on strike’ if repeatedly told to do something it does not want to do.

The Borzoi tends to follow its owner from room to room when indoors. It is a dog that does not tolerate solitude.

The Borzoi is quite difficult to train and is not overly motivated by treats. If it has the inclination the dog simply refuses to do what it is told. Couple this with the dog’s inability to retain information and an owner is faced with a challenge.

This dog does not bark to excess.

It is not advisable to let a Borzoi loose unless you are confident of there being no other dogs or small animals in the vicinity, and the area of land on which you stand is securely fenced. If it so wishes, the Borzoi will roam by itself for miles.

The Borzoi will destroy furnishings and carpets if stressed.

This dog is not known as a glutton.

He doesn't easily trust strangers and this makes him a very good guardian who, by his mere presence, can intimidate and restrain anyone from ill-intentioned.

The Borzoi is not to be considered as a first dog. Its stubbornness and aloofness can make the owner’s teaching of even the basics (such as house training) challenging.

A well-fenced garden is an insufficient provision for this dog. Borzois are also not suited to life within a confined space such as that provided in a flat.

This dog needs a reasonable amount of exercise but is not given to long, vigorous walks.

A Borzoi will not enjoy travel. Anything that disrupts its routine and carefully planned day will cause the dog to be nervous and silly.

If raised with cats the Borzoi accepts them as part of the family. However, its prey drive may get the better of it.

Borzois can get nervous around dogs they meet for the first time. Care should be taken at this time, but they generally tolerate other dogs as a whole.

On the whole this breed is good with children. However, Borzois can become easily scared by rough play or play that is not on their terms. If pushed too far the dog may exhibit aggression.

The Borzoi is not a good choice for people of senior years.