Borzoi
Hound Group · Purebred · Russia's elegant wolfhound — graceful as a living painting
60–105 lbsWeight
26–28+ inHeight
9–14 yrsLifespan
MediumEnergy
Hound Group · Purebred · Russia's elegant wolfhound — graceful as a living painting
Watch this video for a quick overview of the Borzoi — see the breed in action before diving into the details below.
The Borzoi (formerly called Russian Wolfhound) is a majestic sighthound developed by Russian aristocracy to course wolves across the vast steppes. Elegant, long-legged, and draped in a silky wavy coat, Borzoi are among the most visually striking dogs in the world. Their long, narrow head and deep-chested body are built for explosive speed — they can reach 36 mph in full stride.
Despite their imposing appearance, Borzoi are gentle, sensitive, and surprisingly low-key indoors. They have a quiet, cat-like dignity and are not typically noisy. They bond deeply with their owners but tend to be reserved with strangers. Given their strong prey drive, they should always be on-leash outside of securely fenced areas.
Real Borzois — browse photos showcasing their look, size, and personality.
Borzois are known for being driven by instinct — scent or sight. They form deep bonds with their families and thrive on consistent human connection. They strike a good balance — lively enough to enjoy playtime and adventures, but calm enough to settle indoors when the day is done.
Borzois can be trained with patience and consistency, though they may occasionally test boundaries. With proper socialization they can do well with children, though supervision is always wise.
Borzois need regular daily exercise to maintain a healthy weight and an even temperament. They are versatile companions who enjoy active outings but are equally content to relax at home after their needs are met.
Borzois have a dense double coat built for protection against the elements. They shed year-round with two major blow-out seasons in spring and fall. Regular brushing dramatically reduces the amount of hair around your home and keeps the coat healthy.
Borzois have an independent side that can make training a test of patience. They are intelligent, but they may decide when (or if) they want to cooperate. Harsh corrections make this worse — they simply disengage.
High-value food rewards, very short sessions, and variety are your best tools. Consider working with a professional trainer who has experience with independent breeds. Once they understand what's expected, they can be reliably trained.
Borzois are generally robust dogs but like all breeds they carry some genetic predispositions. Responsible breeders screen breeding stock for the most common conditions, significantly reducing risk in puppies from health-tested parents.
A Borzoi fits well with families or individuals who can provide moderate daily exercise and consistent companionship. They adapt reasonably well to various living situations as long as their exercise and social needs are met. Not ideal for owners away from home for long hours without a pet care solution in place.
Borzois need consistent, well-portioned meals matched to their life stage. Overfeeding is one of the biggest health risks for any dog — use these guidelines and adjust based on your dog's activity level and body condition.
These are general guidelines for a giant-breed dog. Always check the feeding instructions on your specific food brand, and adjust based on activity level and body condition score.
Look for dog foods where the first ingredient is a named protein — chicken, beef, salmon, or lamb. Giant-breed formulas are calibrated for their metabolism and nutritional needs.
These common human foods can be toxic — even life-threatening — for dogs. Keep them safely out of reach at all times.
Always bring your Borzoi's regular food when boarding. Switching food suddenly can cause digestive upset. Provide the facility your exact feeding schedule and portion sizes.
The upfront cost of a Borzoi is just the beginning. Here's a realistic breakdown of what to expect — both to acquire one and to own one for their lifetime.
Beyond the purchase price, owning a Borzoi costs between $200–$400 per month on average. Here's where the money goes:
Over a 7–10 year lifespan, a Borzoi typically costs between $18,000–$35,000 total — depending on health, lifestyle, and the services you use.
Pet insurance is worth considering for any breed. Buying before your dog turns 1 gives the best rates and fewest pre-existing condition exclusions. Compare 2–3 providers before committing.
Because Borzois have such wonderful traits, they're a popular choice for intentional mixed breeding. Here are the most common — and most loved — Borzoi crosses.
Borzoi × Corgi. Unexpected combo — long body, dignified face, hilarious contrast.
Borzoi × Labrador. Friendlier, more trainable sighthound hybrid.
Borzoi × Greyhound. Maximum speed and elegance in one dog.
Borzoi × Poodle. Intelligent, lower-shedding, dramatic looks.
Borzois are full of surprises. Here are some of the most fascinating, funny, and heartwarming facts about this breed.