Breed History:

The Russian Borzoi, also known as the Russian Wolfhound or the Russian Greyhound, is a graceful breed hailing from Russia, where it was bred to hunt large game like wolves and deer. This elegant, slender dog has a long history, with origins tracing back to the Russian aristocracy, who used it for hunting in the vast, open landscapes of the country. Known for its speed, agility, and keen sight, the Borzoi is a natural-born hunter, often chasing prey over long distances.

Esteemed in Russian culture, the Borzoi symbolises nobility and poise. Its silky, flowing coat, elegant stature, and calm temperament make it a beloved companion both in historical and modern settings. Despite its hunting roots, the Borzoi is gentle and affectionate with its family, making it a unique blend of beauty and functionality.

Size – Medium-Large

Life Expectancy: 10-12 years

Breed Appearance: 

The Russian Borzoi is an elegant and slender breed known for its long, silky coat and graceful presence. Its fine, flowing fur, particularly on the neck and chest, gives it a refined, aristocratic appearance. Although the coat is low-maintenance, it requires regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding, especially during seasonal changes.

With a narrow, elongated head, deep, expressive eyes, and a long, curved tail, the Borzoi exudes grace and alertness. Its lean, muscular body is built for speed and endurance, moving with a fluid, effortless stride that reflects its heritage as a swift and skilled hunter in the vast Russian plains.

Breed Type - Family/guard:

The Russian Borzoi is a dignified, independent breed known for its gentle yet reserved temperament. It is deeply loyal to its family, forming strong bonds with its owners while maintaining a calm, aloof demeanour toward strangers. Despite its hunting background, the Borzoi is not aggressive; it is more inclined to observe and avoid conflict, making it an excellent companion for those seeking a serene and noble presence.

Training a Russian Borzoi requires patience and consistency due to its independent nature and intelligence. Early socialisation is important to help it interact well with other animals and people. While the Borzoi enjoys regular exercise and has bursts of energy, it is generally content with a moderate amount of physical activity, making it well-suited for homes with spacious environments. Though not known for being overly vocal, it may bark when it senses unusual activity, maintaining its watchful nature.

Training:

The Russian Borzoi is an intelligent breed, but its independent and reserved nature can make training a challenge for novice owners. While it is capable of learning commands, it tends to be less eager to please compared to other breeds, often preferring to make its own decisions. Training requires patience, consistency, and a calm, confident handler who can provide gentle guidance without being overbearing.

Positive reinforcement works best with the Borzoi, as it responds well to rewards and praise. Harsh training methods or punishment can damage the bond between dog and owner, as the Borzoi is sensitive and values mutual trust. Early socialisation and a firm yet respectful approach are essential to helping the Borzoi become well-adjusted and responsive, particularly in diverse environments or with other animals.

Health & Care:

The Russian Borzoi is generally a healthy and long-lived breed, with a lifespan of around 10–14 years. Known for its graceful build and endurance, it is typically less susceptible to many common health problems, though it can still face certain conditions. These may include hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and hypothyroidism.

Due to its slender frame, maintaining a healthy weight is important to avoid stress on the joints, especially in older age. The Borzoi's silky coat requires regular grooming to prevent tangling and maintain skin health, though it sheds minimally compared to other breeds. A balanced diet, routine veterinary check-ups, and moderate exercise are essential for ensuring its long-term health and vitality.

Living Conditions:

Originally bred as hunters and guardians in the vast Russian plains, the Russian Borzoi is best suited to homes with plenty of space and secure, fenced areas for running. This breed excels in environments where it can stretch its legs and engage in activities that allow it to utilise its natural speed and hunting instincts. While the Borzoi can adapt to apartment living, it thrives in homes with access to a yard or open areas for regular exercise.

The Russian Borzoi requires daily exercise, such as long walks or free runs in a secure area, to keep its mind and body stimulated. While it is affectionate with its family, the Borzoi is generally independent and enjoys moments of quiet solitude, particularly in calm, low-stress settings. Its silky coat requires regular grooming to maintain its health and prevent matting, and the breed is more comfortable in cooler climates due to its fine, flowing fur.

Exercise:

Like all dogs, the Russian Borzoi requires regular exercise to maintain its health, but its energy levels tend to be moderate, with bursts of high activity. Daily walks, along with opportunities to run in a secure yard or open area, help keep the Borzoi physically fit and satisfy its instinct to chase and cover large distances.

The Borzoi enjoys mentally stimulating activities, such as scent tracking or gentle obedience training, which engage its sharp mind without overwhelming it. Its exercise should be balanced with moderate, consistent activity, as excessive exertion can be hard on its slender build. Care should be taken to avoid overexertion, particularly in hot weather, as the Borzoi is more sensitive to heat due to its coat and lean physique.

Grooming:

The Russian Borzoi’s silky coat requires regular grooming to keep it healthy and prevent matting. Weekly brushing is generally sufficient throughout most of the year, but more frequent grooming may be necessary during seasonal shedding periods, which occur twice annually. Special attention should be given to areas prone to tangling, such as behind the ears, under the legs, and around the chest.

Bathing should only be done when needed, such as when the coat becomes dirty or after outdoor activities. A mild dog shampoo helps preserve the natural oils in the Borzoi's coat. Regular ear cleaning is important to prevent infections, especially given the breed’s long ears. Nail trimming is essential to avoid overgrowth and potential discomfort. It’s also crucial to check for parasites, particularly during warmer months, and to brush their teeth several times a week to maintain dental health and reduce the risk of oral disease.

Advantages:

• Elegant and graceful appearance with a calm and dignified nature

• Intelligent and independent, making it well-suited for owners who value a more reserved companion

• Loyal and affectionate with its family, forming strong bonds while maintaining a degree of independence

• Naturally gentle and good with children, especially when socialised from a young age

• Adaptable to various living situations, but thrives in homes with space for exercise and movement

• Quiet and non-aggressive, making it a peaceful and serene presence in the home

Disadvantages:

• Requires regular grooming to maintain its silky coat and prevent matting, especially during shedding periods

• Independent nature can make training challenging for inexperienced owners; patience and consistency are key

• Needs a calm, confident handler for effective training and behaviour management

• Can be sensitive to heat, requiring care in hot climates to avoid overheating during exercise

• Tends to be reserved around strangers and may not always be the most outgoing with other pets if not properly socialised

• While generally quiet, it may occasionally bark if it senses unusual activity or if left alone for too long

• Exercise must be managed carefully to avoid excessive exertion, as it can lead to joint stress in its lean frame