Are you considering getting a Borzoi? Or are you just interested in the breed? Well this is the perfect place to start! This post is a short summary of the Borzoi breed characteristics from their size to how much exercise they need.
Breed overview
Borzois are a large, elegant breed in the hound group meaning they were bred for hunting. They have a medium length coat and long head, which is their defining feature. This coat means that they need a reasonable amount of grooming but not a lot. They stand at a minimum of 26 inches to the shoulder so are classed as a large breed and have a lifespan of over 10 years.
Grooming
As I mentioned above Borzoi don’t need a lot of grooming. However, their medium length coat can be prone to matting so they will need brushing at least twice a week. Obviously, Borzois will also need a bath, their nails trimmed and teeth cleaned regularly exactly the same as all other dogs.
Exercise
Because Borzois are working dogs they need a reasonable amount of exercise. Up to 1 hour a day and a nice big garden with high fences to have zoomies during the day. But they also need mental stimulation on top of physical exercise to tire them out. This mental stimulation can be done by training or using puzzle toys.
Health
Borzois are generally a very healthy breed especially considering their size. However there are still a few health conditions they are prone to which are GDV, Progressive retinal atrophy and osteochondrosis dissecans. To minimise the chances of these problems all good breeders have both parents genetically testedand screened for all of the common problems mentioned above. This means that when you buy a puppy you know it’s got a much smaller chance of developing these problems when its older.
Temperament
Borzois are quite an intelligent breed however they are also independent and can be stubborn which can make training more difficult. In addition, they will need to be socialized early on because sometimes sighthounds can be anxious. Borzois personalities can range from clownish to very serious and stately. They love the security of their owners, knowing that they are safe and protected so can actually be very cuddly despite their size.
So, overall Borzois can make great family dogs! But they do need owners with experience that can give them the training, socialisation and exercise they need. With a good upbringing Borzois are calm, easy going, gentle and friendly.
P.S. You can shop our full range of Borzoi products here!
