Borzoi Dog Breed

Country of Origin: Russia
Height: Males 28+ inches, females 26+ inches
Weight: Males 75-105 pounds, females 60-85 pounds
Coat: Long and silky; flat, wavy or curly
Colors: Black, white, cream, tan, gold, red, brindle, sable]
Registries (With Group): AKC (Hound Group); UKC (Sighthound & Pariah Dog Group)

Origin and History

With their trademark long snout and lanky build, the Borzoi is a sleek and speedy type of hound dog called a sighthound. Their name comes from the old Russian word “borzyi,” meaning “swift." 

Originally called the Russian Wolfhound, the breed was created in the 1600s when Russian aristocrats wanted a dog fast enough to hunt wolves and hardy enough for harsh winters. They cross-bred Arabian greyhounds with native Russian sheepdogs, and the Borzoi was born, according to Britannica. 

By the 1650s, the breed was officially recognized, making it one of the oldest dog breeds in the world. Russian nobles loved them, often keeping large kennels of Borzois for epic wolf hunts. These hunts were so legendary that Tolstoy even wrote about them in his novel War and Peace! 

Sadly, during the Russian Revolution in 1917, many Borzois were killed, and the breed almost vanished. But thanks to the Borzoi dogs brought to the U.S. just a few years earlier, the breed re-populated and re-established itself as the beautiful sighthound we know today. 

Personality Profile

Borzois are Russian aristocrats through and through: quiet, dignified, and a bit stubborn. However, they are also gentle, loyal, and affectionate. The calm, laid-back Borzoi personality makes them a great dog breed for families. 

While today’s Borzoi dogs typically aren’t hunting wolves, their deep-seated instincts mean they still love to run and chase. When you’re out of the house with your Borzoi, watch out for cats, squirrels, and other small animals that are likely to trigger their pursuit impulse. Be sure your yard has a strong fence and that you always walk your Borzoi on a leash. 

Care Requirements

Exercise

Borzoi dogs were bred as hunting dogs, so they of course love to run! These large, athletic pups need about an hour of exercise a day and will thrive with an active family that loves the outdoors. Going for a jog? Take your Borzoi dog with you on your run!  

If you can’t get outside as often as your pup would like, offer them an extra-large chew toy to help them work off their extra energy. 

As sighthounds who were trained to use their sharp vision to hunt, Borzoi dogs tend to excel at lure coursing, a dog sport that involves chasing a mechanically operated lure. They also do well with obstacle courses and agility training. Try setting up an agility course in your living room as a fun way to exercise your dog at home! 

Grooming

Thanks to their long and silky coat, Borzoi dogs require regular grooming. Use a pin brush or slicker brush 2-3 times per week to remove dirt, loose hair, and tangles. These dogs are moderate to heavy shedders, especially in the spring and fall when they experience seasonal shedding. 

To keep your dog looking and feeling their best, they’ll also need standard care of regular baths, nail trims, teeth brushing, and ear cleaning. 

Life Span

The average life span of the Borzoi is 9 to 14 years. 

Training

Borzoi dogs are smart but stubborn, and they are generally uninterested in training exercises. Keep training sessions short but consistent. Use positive reinforcement training techniques with your Borzoi and reward good behavior with chew treats and praise. 

Explore Other Dog Breeds 

Did you know that there are nearly 200 different dog breeds in existence? Browse our library of A-Z breed pages to learn all about your favorite breed, or get a quick but comprehensive overview with our guide to the types of dog breeds.