Hound group · Russia
Borzoi
Also called Russian Wolfhound, Russian Hunting Sighthound.
What makes them remarkable
Russian aristocrats used this elegant sighthound to hunt wolves, sometimes in enormous organised hunts.
- Gentle
- Independent
- Intelligent
- Athletic
- Quiet
- Size
- Large
- Weight
- 27 to 48 kg60 to 105 lb
- Lives
- 9 to 14 years
- Energy
- Moderate
- Trains
- Low
- Barks
- Very Low
Training
Training a Borzoi
Hound breeds. Recall is the whole game. Build it on a long line before you trust it, and never punish a slow return.
Never Trust Off-Lead
Start here
Sighthounds can spot movement from incredible distances. Once they chase, nothing stops them.
Independent Thinkers
Borzoi are not disobedient; they simply don't see why your request matters. Make training relevant and rewarding.
Gentle Handling
Sensitive and proud, Borzoi respond poorly to harsh corrections: be patient, reward generously and correct calmly and rarely.
The app turns this into five to fifteen minutes a day.
Add your Borzoi and it builds the plan around their age, where they came from and what they already know, one step at a time.
Free to start. iPhone. No card needed.
At home
Living with one
Bred to hunt by scent or sight, often far from the handler. Independent, with a nose or eyes that override you.
Gets on with
- ChildrenModerate
- Other dogsModerate
- StrangersLow
- CatsLow
Breed averages. Early socialisation and the individual dog matter more.
- Exercise
- 1-2 hours daily. Needs space for full-speed running in secure areas. Otherwise, calm house dogs.
- Grooming
- Moderate maintenance. Regular brushing for long, silky coat.
- Drool
- Low
- Coat
- Long, Silky, WavyWhite, Cream, Tan, Grey, Black, Brindle, Spotted
- In a flat
- Needs more space than a flat gives.
Health
Things to ask a breeder or vet about
Bloat (GDV)
Severe
Deep chest creates high risk; preventive measures essential
Heart Disease
Moderate
Various cardiac conditions occur in the breed
Hypothyroidism
Mild
Can affect metabolism and coat quality
Where they come from
History
Bred by Russian aristocracy for wolf hunting. Hunts involved hundreds of Borzoi and were grand social events. Nearly went extinct after the Russian Revolution.
- Eris · Internet-famous Borzoi known for her exceptionally long snout
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