Borzoi
The Good
- Non-aggressive temperament
- Minimal odour
- Quiet nature, rarely bark
- Incredibly fast runners
- Affectionate yet undemanding
The Real
- Stubborn and strong-willed
- Don't cope well with being alone
- Require careful diet monitoring
- Need frequent grooming maintenance
Gallery
Breed Overview
The Borzoi is pure aristocracy on four legs - a breed that commands attention wherever they go. These magnificent sighthounds were originally bred for Russian nobility, and it shows in every graceful movement. Standing up to 85cm tall and weighing between 25-47kg, they're impressive without being overwhelming.
What makes Borzoi special is their unique combination of athleticism and tranquillity. One moment they're couch potatoes content to lounge around your living room, the next they're sprinting at 60km/h with the grace of a dancer. Their silky, flowing coat and elegant build make them look like they've stepped out of a fairytale.
In Australian homes, these hounds adapt well to families who understand their gentle nature. They're wonderful with children but prefer calm interactions over rough play. Their independent streak means they're not clingy, but they do form deep bonds with their families. Don't expect a guard dog - Borzoi are more likely to greet intruders with polite curiosity than protective instincts.
Their hunting heritage means they'll chase anything that moves, so secure fencing is essential. But once they've had their exercise, they're perfectly content to spend the day as elegant living room ornaments. They're ideal for owners who appreciate a dog with both beauty and brains, even if those brains sometimes choose to ignore your commands!
History
History
The Borzoi's story reads like Russian royalty's hunting journal. These magnificent hounds emerged in 16th century Russia, where their hunting prowess and elegant appearance quickly caught the attention of the aristocracy. By the 17th century, they'd become the ultimate status symbol among Russian nobles, who competed to maintain the largest and finest packs.
The breed's development was no accident. Russian breeders carefully crossed Arabian Greyhounds with thick-coated Russian breeds to create a sighthound that could handle wolves in harsh Russian winters. The result was a dog with the speed to catch prey and the coat to survive brutal conditions.
Wolf hunting became an elaborate social event for Russian nobility. Hunts involved hundreds of dogs, horses, and people in massive festivals that could last for days. The most famous enthusiast was Grand Duke Nikolai Nikolaevich Romanov, whose kennels housed some of the finest specimens ever bred.
The breed nearly disappeared during the Russian Revolution when many aristocratic families and their dogs were lost. Fortunately, specimens had already made their way to England and America in the late 1800s. The first Borzoi arrived in America in 1889, and the breed quickly gained popularity among dog enthusiasts.
In 1936, the first Soviet breeding program was established, helping rebuild the breed's numbers. Today's Borzoi carry the genes of these carefully preserved bloodlines, maintaining the elegance and hunting ability that made them legends in their homeland.
Traits & Characteristics
Borzoi characteristics and temperament traits.
Caring Guide
Borzoi are generally robust dogs, but like many large breeds, they have specific health considerations Australian owners should know about. The most serious concern is bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus), which can be life-threatening. Watch for signs like restlessness, distended stomach, dry heaving, or excessive drooling - if you see these symptoms, get to your vet immediately.
Their lean build makes them sensitive to anaesthesia, so always inform your vet about this before any procedures. Australian veterinarians are typically well-aware of sighthound sensitivities, but it's worth mentioning.
Joint issues are common in this breed. Hip and elbow dysplasia can affect Borzoi, particularly given their size and rapid growth as puppies. Keep young dogs off slippery surfaces and avoid excessive jumping until their joints mature. Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) is another concern, especially in rapidly growing puppies.
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is an inherited eye condition that can lead to blindness. While there's no treatment, affected dogs can live full, happy lives with proper care. Regular eye checks with your Australian vet can help monitor for early signs.
The breed is also sensitive to certain flea and tick treatments, which is particularly relevant in Australia's tick-prone regions. Always consult your vet about safe parasite prevention options. Despite these potential issues, many Borzoi live healthy lives well into their teens with proper care, regular vet checkups, and attention to their specific needs.
Feeding a Borzoi properly requires understanding their unique metabolism and digestive sensitivities. Despite their impressive size, these dogs typically eat less than you'd expect - they're quite efficient with their food intake and can be surprisingly picky eaters.
The key to Borzoi nutrition is preventing bloat through proper feeding practices. Feed 3-4 smaller meals daily rather than one large meal, and always allow rest time before and after eating. No vigorous exercise for at least an hour after meals - this is crucial for preventing the life-threatening stomach twisting that large, deep-chested dogs can experience.
High-quality commercial dog food designed for large breeds works well for most Borzoi. Look for foods with appropriate protein levels and joint-supporting ingredients, as this breed can be prone to hip and elbow issues. Australian pet food brands offer excellent options specifically formulated for large breed dogs.
If you're considering a raw or home-prepared diet, work with a veterinary nutritionist to ensure proper balance. These elegant dogs can be fussy about their food, so consistency is important once you find something they enjoy.
Monitor your Borzoi's weight carefully - their lean build means excess weight shows quickly and puts extra stress on their joints. Australian owners should be particularly mindful during cooler months when dogs tend to be less active. Fresh water should always be available, and avoid feeding immediately before car trips, as some Borzoi can be prone to car sickness.
That gorgeous silky coat is the Borzoi's crowning glory, but it does require regular attention to keep it looking its best. The good news is that their coat rarely develops that typical "doggy smell" and feels wonderfully soft to touch - almost like silk or feathers.
Plan on brushing your Borzoi 2-3 times weekly with a pin brush and slicker brush to prevent matting and remove loose hair. During their annual heavy shedding period, daily brushing becomes essential. Australian owners will find this particularly important during seasonal changes when the coat naturally adjusts.
Bathing only needs to happen when they're actually dirty - their coat naturally repels dirt quite well. Use a moisturising dog shampoo to keep their skin healthy, especially important in Australia's varying climates. After bathing, thorough drying is crucial to prevent skin issues under that thick coat.
Pay special attention to areas prone to matting: behind the ears, under the legs, and around the tail where the coat is longest. Regular trimming of hair between toe pads keeps feet healthy and comfortable, particularly important for active Australian dogs who might encounter grass seeds and burrs.
Don't forget the basics: regular nail trims (every 3-4 weeks), ear cleaning to prevent infections, and dental care. Their ears should be checked weekly for redness, odour, or debris buildup. Given their predisposition to eye issues, keep an eye on their vision and any changes in their eyes during grooming sessions.
Training a Borzoi requires patience, consistency, and a good sense of humour. These intelligent dogs have an independent streak that can make them selectively deaf to commands they don't find interesting. They're not being defiant - they're just thinking it through first!
Early socialisation is crucial for these naturally reserved dogs. Expose your Borzoi puppy to various people, places, and situations while they're young. Australian puppy schools are excellent for this, helping them become confident, well-adjusted adults who can handle everything from busy markets to beach crowds.
Positive reinforcement works best with Borzoi. Harsh corrections can damage their sensitive nature and break down the trust you're building. Use treats, praise, and patience to teach basic commands like recall - which is absolutely essential given their chase instincts.
Exercise needs are interesting with this breed. They need daily walks and the opportunity to run freely in a securely fenced area, but they're not marathon athletes. Think sprinter rather than distance runner. A good 30-minute walk plus some free running time in a safe area usually satisfies their needs.
Australian owners have great opportunities for Borzoi activities. Many dog clubs offer lure coursing, which perfectly suits their sighthound instincts. Beach walks are wonderful (on leash), and they often enjoy the social aspect of dog parks - just watch for small animals that might trigger their chase response. Remember, these dogs can reach 60km/h, so a secure fence is non-negotiable for off-leash time.
Who is an ideal owner?
The perfect Borzoi owner appreciates elegance and understands that beauty requires patience. These dogs suit people who want a calm, dignified companion rather than an overly enthusiastic playmate. If you're looking for a dog that greets you warmly but doesn't bounce off the walls with excitement, a Borzoi might be your ideal match.
Australian families with older children often find Borzoi wonderful companions. They're gentle and affectionate but won't tolerate rough play or excessive noise. They're perfect for people who appreciate a dog with an "off switch" - active when needed, but content to relax most of the time.
You'll need to commit to regular grooming and be prepared for seasonal shedding. If you're house-proud, factor in the reality of long, silky hair on your furniture and clothes. Many Australian Borzoi owners become quite skilled with lint rollers!
These dogs don't suit people who want a jogging companion or extremely obedient working dog. They're independent thinkers who'll consider your requests rather than instantly comply. They also need secure fencing - their prey drive means they'll chase anything that moves, from cats to kangaroos in rural areas.
Borzoi aren't ideal for people who are away from home long hours. They form strong bonds with their families and prefer companionship. They're also not suitable for anyone wanting a guard dog - they're more likely to show burglars where you keep the good treats than protect your property!
Interesting facts about the Borzoi
Interesting Fact
Borzoi were originally called Russian Wolfhounds until 1936, reflecting their primary hunting purpose
Interesting Fact
In their heyday, Russian nobility would hunt with packs of over 100 Borzoi, accompanied by equal numbers of people and horses
Interesting Fact
The first Borzoi arrived in America in 1889, brought from England by William Wade of Pennsylvania
Interesting Fact
The first breed standard was written in Russia in 1650, making it one of the oldest documented breed standards
FAQ
Borzoi prices in Australia typically range from $2,000-$4,000 from reputable breeders, depending on location and bloodlines. You can also find them through breed-specific rescue organisations, which is often more affordable and gives a deserving dog a second chance.
Yes, surprisingly! Despite their size, Borzoi adapt well to apartment living because they're quite calm indoors. However, you'll need to ensure daily exercise and access to secure areas where they can run freely. Many Sydney and Melbourne apartment dwellers successfully keep Borzoi with proper exercise management.
Plan on brushing 2-3 times weekly, with daily brushing during their annual heavy shedding season. Professional grooming every 6-8 weeks helps maintain their coat condition. Many Australian owners learn to do basic trimming themselves to keep costs manageable.
They can, but early socialisation is key. Borzoi raised with cats and small dogs often coexist peacefully, but their prey drive means they may chase unfamiliar small animals. Always supervise interactions and never trust them off-leash around wildlife - this includes Australia's abundant small native animals.
Less than you'd think! A daily 30-45 minute walk plus opportunity to run freely in a secure area usually suffices. They're sprinters, not marathon runners, so short bursts of intense activity followed by rest periods suit them perfectly. Beach walks and weekend park visits often provide ideal exercise opportunities for Australian owners.