Borzoi Dog Breed Information

Personality

Calm, graceful, and mild-mannered, these dogs behave nicely inside the house. However, when they step outside, their natural instincts take over, and they can sprint freely, pursuing anything small that moves. Borzois tend to be self-reliant, sensitive, and can be a bit challenging to train, particularly when it comes to coming back when called. They aren't the best with unfamiliar people. While they usually get along well with kids, they might be too energetic for very young ones and not playful enough for others.

History

The Borzoi, often referred to as the Russian Wolfhound, is an elegant and impressive breed that was developed by Russian nobles around the 13th century for a sport called coursing. To enhance their size and create a thicker coat suitable for hunting in cold Arctic conditions, breeders mixed coursing hounds with bear hounds and large Russian sheepdogs.

Ideal Owner

If you have a Borzoi, be prepared to be very patient during training, since they aren’t naturally eager to learn for fun. You’ll also need to be patient because many people will want to chat with you about your unique-looking dog. It’s important for owners to stay active and have a good sense of humor about the playful mischief their dog might get into as it grows up. Remember, these gentle creatures can be quite sensitive, so that’s something to consider as well.

Exercise Needs

These dogs thrive on running, and they feel their best when they get the chance to do it. Taking them for walks every day can keep them engaged. However, be careful around other dogs, as sighthounds can spot movement from far away. Even when they are just playing, they might act like they want to chase, which can scare other dogs. It's important not to overdo it with younger dogs; instead, give them several short walks each day along with activities that challenge their minds.

Space Requirements

These dogs are both elegant and graceful, yet they are quite big. While they can curl up when they feel like it, they truly love to stretch out and require plenty of room for that. Designed for running, they thrive in a spacious, fenced yard. They take their time growing up, so stairs aren’t the best option for them during their early years.

Training

These dogs may not enjoy training as a game; they’ll view it as a task. Borzois naturally find joy in running and chasing, so you can use these actions to encourage them during training. Teaching them to come back should be very important, but it’s usually not a good idea to let them roam free in an unsafe place due to their strong urge to run.

Grooming

The Borzoi tends to lose a lot of fur, particularly when the seasons change. Their beautiful, wavy coat looks like it belongs in a shampoo ad and requires brushing a few times each week. It's important to check their paw pads every day and trim them when necessary. Due to their size, you might want to hire a professional groomer for a complete bath and blow-dry to keep your Borzoi looking and feeling great.

Suitability for Family Life

A properly trained Borzoi can make a great pet for families. Yet, young puppies and teenage Borzois might be too lively and energetic for small children or delicate seniors. As with all big dog breeds, they require time to develop and grow up.

Did You know?

The captain of the RMS Titanic owned a Borzoi named Ben, who was well-known for being photographed with him on the ship's deck before it departed. Luckily for Ben, he did not go on the journey. In the movie Pink Floyd: Live at Pompeii, a Borzoi named Nobs took the lead vocals, singing alongside Dave Gilmour, who played the harmonica, and Roger Waters on guitar.