Borzoi
Trait scores are tendency indicators from 0-100. Example: 42% alone tolerance roughly maps to around 4 hours alone.
Borzois are elegant Russian wolf hunters with graceful builds and gentle, independent temperaments. These quiet, cat-like dogs are calm indoors but need opportunities to sprint safely, and their strong prey drive makes them unreliable off-leash while their sensitive nature requires gentle training.
Verified source: American Kennel Club profile (2026-02-10)
Quick Facts
AKC VerifiedGroup
Hound
Life Expectancy
9-14 years
Height
26-28 in
Weight
60-105 lb
Alone-Time Tolerance
About 5 hours
Exercise
60 min/day
AKC popularity rank: #102
Hound context: Hounds were bred to track scent or chase game. They often have strong noses, prey drive, and independent streaks.
Source: American Kennel Club breed profile (verified 2026-02-10)
Finding Your Borzoi
🏠Consider Adoption First
Many wonderful Borzois are waiting in shelters and breed-specific rescues. Adoption saves lives and gives deserving dogs a second chance.
Adoption Resources
Search for Borzois in shelters and rescues near you.
Responsible Breeder Checklist
- Provides health clearances for both parents
- Allows you to visit the breeding facility
- Offers a written health guarantee / contract
- Provides references from previous buyers
- Asks you screening questions about your home
- Breeds only one or two breeds
Whether you adopt or buy from a breeder, always prioritize the dog's health and well-being. Avoid puppy mills and pet stores that source from irresponsible breeders. For Borzois, ensure health testing for common breed-specific conditions.
Life Stage Simulator
Who This Breed Fits
Watch Out For
A Day in the Life
A purposeful walk and short training game helps this breed settle for the day.
Most do best with another activity block before winding down near their people.
Longer outings and enrichment games improve behavior and sleep quality through the week.
People often underestimate how quickly behavior slips when routine and enrichment are inconsistent.
Exercise & Activity
Expect about 60 minutes of daily activity, with a mix of walking, enrichment, and short training blocks. Consistency matters more than occasional intense sessions.
High
Moderate
Mental Enrichment Ideas
Health
Long-term outcomes improve with weight control, preventive care, and condition-specific screening based on known breed risks.
Known Health Concerns
Long ears can trap debris and moisture without routine cleaning.
Low thyroid levels can cause lethargy, skin changes, and weight gain.
Disc degeneration can cause pain and neurologic deficits.
Boarding complexity and cost are driven by size, exercise demand, and any special handling needs.
Behavior Reality Check
Good news! This breed typically has manageable behavior traits with proper training and socialization. Of course, individual dogs vary, but Borzois generally don't present severe behavioral challenges.
Temperament & Traits
All traits rated on a 0-100 scale representing tendency scores.
Lifestyle & Activity
High
Moderate
~8h alone capacity
High
Social & Compatibility
Moderate
Moderate
Moderate
Moderate
Moderate
Training & Behavior
Low
High
Moderate
Very High
Maintenance & Care
Low
Moderate
Low
Very Low
Environment & Adaptability
Moderate
High
High
High
Moderate
Grooming & Coat
Low
Moderate
Low
Very Low
Coat care depends on coat type, but weekly brushing and routine nail, ear, and dental care are baseline requirements. Curly, silky, wire, and long coats usually need more frequent grooming support.
Shedding level varies by coat and season, but routine brushing keeps loose hair and skin debris manageable.
Common Barking Triggers
Lifestyle Planner
PROInteractive Cost Calculator
Adjust the options below to see how your choices affect ownership costs.
Monthly Cost Breakdown
Annual Cost Summary
Estimates based on breed size, grooming needs, and health risk. Actual costs vary by location, individual dog health, and lifestyle choices. Emergency vet visits and unexpected health issues not included.
10-Year Cost Calculator
PRONeighborhood Compatibility
Breed History
Origin
The Borzoi originated in Russia.
Original Purpose
Borzoi lines were developed for scent/sight hunting. That working role still shows up today in temperament, stamina, and day-to-day needs.
Breed Group: Hound. Hounds were bred to track scent or chase game. They often have strong noses, prey drive, and independent streaks.
In modern homes, this history matters because it predicts what helps the dog thrive: enough movement, clear structure, and outlets that match their original instincts.
Fun Facts
Borzois were bred by Russian nobility as sighthounds to hunt wolves, and they were so valuable that they were treated as royal treasures.
The breed's long, narrow skull is an extreme adaptation for sighting prey at distance, and some have vision so acute they can spot a rabbit moving at full speed from a quarter-mile away.
Borzois are so focused on prey that once they see something to chase, they'll completely ignore their owners and run until they catch it or collapse from exhaustion.
The breed has a distinctly aristocratic, aloof personality and will refuse to obey commands they don't respect—they're basically the Russian aristocrats of dog breeds.
Borzois have extremely thin skin and are prone to severe lacerations from even minor brush contact, making them surprisingly fragile despite their athletic appearance.
Famous Borzoi Dogs
Scent and sight trailblazers
Famous representatives are usually known for tracking, hunting heritage, or storytelling roles.
Classic pop-culture hounds
Many of this group's recognizable dogs come from cartoons, books, and family films.
Practical Next Steps
First-Month Supplies Checklist
Breeder Red Flags
Preparation Timeline
Week Before
Purchase all supplies, puppy-proof your home, choose a veterinarian, and set up training schedule.
Day 1
Gentle introduction to home, establish crate/bed location, first bathroom break routine, quiet time to adjust.
Week 1
Vet checkup, start basic training, establish feeding routine, begin socialization carefully.
Month 1
Continue consistent training - patience is key with this breed. Regular vet visits for vaccinations, establish grooming routine.
Training Priorities for Borzois
- • Extensive socialization with people and other dogs
- • Patient, consistent training - this breed needs extra time
Recommended Products
Joint Supplements
Larger and active breeds often benefit from joint support supplements starting early.
Shop Supplements →Is Borzoi right for you?
Use our breed matcher to see how Borzoi compares to other breeds based on your lifestyle.
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Quick facts for Borzoi are cross-checked against publicly available American Kennel Club breed pages.
AKC source: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/borzoi/ (verified 2026-02-10)
AKC sync coverage: 188/188 non-mix breeds as of February 10, 2026.
Last updated: February 10, 2026
Sources: American Kennel Club (AKC) breed profiles, Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) breed standards, United Kennel Club (UKC) breed standards, Merck Veterinary Manual (canine health references), Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) screening guidance, AKC: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/borzoi/