Borzoi
The Borzoi is an elegant Russian sighthound with a fascinating history spanning several centuries.
Bred by the Russian aristocracy to hunt hare, fox, and wolf across the vast steppes, the breed's name derives from the Russian word for swift, a fitting tribute to its impressive speed.
25-48kg
Weight
Large
Size
10-14yrs
Lifespan
About the Borzoi
Introduced to Britain in the nineteenth century and formerly known as the Russian Wolfhound, the Borzoi captured the imagination of Edwardian society and remains cherished by devoted enthusiasts today. This is a striking dog with a distinctive appearance. Standing between 68 and 85 centimetres at the shoulder and weighing 25 to 48 kilograms, the Borzoi is tall and slender with a long, narrow head and silky, wavy coat in virtually any colour or combination. Despite its considerable athletic capability, the breed is remarkably calm and reserved at home, often displaying cat-like independence and cleanliness. Gentle and sensitive, the Borzoi responds best to patient, thoughtful handling and thrives in a quiet, respectful environment. Its powerful sighthound instinct to chase means it cannot be trusted off lead in open areas and requires secure outdoor spaces. Requiring up to an hour's exercise daily, the Borzoi is an ideal companion for patient owners who appreciate its quiet dignity and can meet its specific needs.
Borzoi at a Glance
- Group
- Hound
- Size
- Large
- Weight
- 25–48 kg
- Height
- 68–85 cm
- Lifespan
- 10–14 years
- Coat
- Medium
- Sheds
- Yes
- Exercise
- Up to 1 hour per day
- Typical price
- £800–£1500
Borzoi Temperament
The Borzoi is a calm, sensitive and dignified breed that responds best to gentle, patient handling. Loyal and affectionate with its family, it can be reserved with strangers and prefers a quiet, respectful environment. Its sighthound nature means it has a powerful instinct to chase, so secure outdoor spaces and careful management off the lead are essential. Borzois enjoy regular exercise and love to run freely when safely able to, but they are equally content to find a comfortable spot and rest quietly. Children sharing a home with a Borzoi should be taught to handle it calmly and thoughtfully to ensure a harmonious relationship.
Borzoi Lifestyle
The Borzoi is happiest in a spacious home and really benefits from a large, secure garden. They tend to do best out in the countryside.
Dog Food for Borzoi
Top-rated foods for Large breeds, ranked by FurScore. How we score →
Recommended Food for Borzoi
Borzoi Food Costs
Estimated based on a typical Borzoi weighing around 37 kg, using the food prices shown above.
Per day
£6.13 - £6.53
Per month
£184 - £196
Per year
£2236 - £2384
Borzoi Characteristics
The Borzoi requires a great deal of exercise and does best with an active owner and is easy to train. They are excellent with children of all ages, but can be left for short to moderate periods without issue. The coat is fairly easy to maintain with regular brushing and sheds at a fairly average rate. This is a very clever breed that benefits from puzzle toys and training to keep their mind busy.
Borzoi Pros & Cons
Pros
- Elegant and aristocratic with a calm, deeply loyal nature
- Forms strong bonds with family, particularly good with older children
- Highly intelligent and capable of learning complex tasks
- Adapts well to rural or spacious living with ample exercise opportunities
Cons
- Needs a large, secure outdoor space that may not suit urban living
- A high prey drive means vigilant management and solid recall training are essential
- A sensitive temperament means harsh training methods cause more harm than good
- Not a great match for first-time owners given the training challenges involved
