Hound group

Borzoi

The Russian wolfhound — graceful, quiet and a champion napper.

Borzoi are tall, elegant sighthounds bred by Russian aristocrats to hunt wolves. They are calm, gentle and affectionate at home, but independent, highly prey-driven and in need of safe places to sprint.

Height
26–32 in66–81 cm
Weight
60–105 lb27–48 kg
Life expectancy
12–14 years
Size
Giant
Group
Hound
Origin
Russia

Coat: Long, silky, flat to wavy or curly coat. Colours: Any colour or combination.

At a glance

Exercise Requirement3.5 / 5
20-30 min gentle walk2+ hours intense stamina
Indoor "Off-Switch"4.5 / 5
Restless / constantly searching for actionInstantly curls up and relaxes indoors
Trainability2.0 / 5
Strong independent thinkerEager biddable student
Mental Stimulation2.5 / 5
Content with routineNeeds a job or creates mischief
Affection Level3.5 / 5
Polite distanceConstant lap snuggler
Stranger Friendliness3.0 / 5
Naturally aloof / watchfulGreets every stranger as best friend
Child Patience & Safety3.0 / 5
Prefers quiet adultsRemarkably sturdy & patient
Other Dog Friendliness3.5 / 5
Strong solo-dog preferenceLoves pack play and multi-dog homes
Prey Drive5.0 / 5
Ignores crittersHigh pursuit instinct / fence chaser
Vocalization & Barking1.5 / 5
Nearly mute / quietWatchful alarm barker or howler
Shedding Level3.5 / 5
Minimal to non-sheddingHeavy year-round fur shedding
Grooming Burden3.5 / 5
Wash & wear coatDaily brushing + salon visits
Drool Tendency1.0 / 5
Dry-mouthedRequires dedicated slobber towels
Apartment Suitability3.0 / 5
Needs acreage or private runThrives in urban elevator apartments
Beginner Friendliness2.5 / 5
Demands experienced handlerIdeal forgiving companion for first-timers
Owner Demand Level3.5 / 5
Very forgiving for novicesRequires skilled firm handling

Ratings describe typical dogs of the breed on a 1–5 scale. Individual dogs vary with lines, upbringing and training.

Temperament

Borzoi are quiet, dignified and affectionate, often described as cat-like. They are usually calm indoors and polite with strangers.

They are independent and not eager to obey, and their chase instinct is intense. They should only be off lead in securely fenced areas.

Living with a Borzoi

Exercise

Daily walks plus regular sprints in a secure area. Many are calm couch dogs between runs.

Grooming

Brush weekly, more during seasonal sheds. Trim the feet for traction.

Training

Independent and sensitive; gentle, patient, reward-based training works best.

Kids & other pets

Good with considerate older children; may be aloof with boisterous kids. Unsafe with small pets.

Time alone

Tolerates moderate alone time and is usually quiet indoors, but needs exercise first and a secure home without escape routes.

Home fit

Can manage in an apartment with committed daily exercise; a house with outdoor space is easier.

Is a Borzoi right for you?

Take the Breed Fit quiz to see how a Borzoi matches your home, schedule and tolerance for shedding, barking and exercise — or find out which breed matches your personality with Dogsona.

Take the Breed Fit quizTry Dogsona →

Health

With good breeding and care, a Borzoi typically lives 12–14 years. These are the conditions most associated with the breed — not a prediction for any individual dog.

  • Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat)

    A deep-chested breed at elevated risk; learn the warning signs.

  • Heart disease

    Dilated cardiomyopathy and arrhythmias occur; cardiac screening is recommended.

  • Degenerative myelopathy

    A progressive spinal disease; the SOD1 DNA test identifies at-risk dogs.

  • Hypothyroidism

    An underactive thyroid; managed with daily medication.

  • Anaesthesia sensitivity

    Sighthounds metabolise some drugs differently; choose a vet familiar with the breed.

Ask a breeder for

  • Cardiac examination
  • Eye examination
  • Thyroid evaluation
  • DNA test for degenerative myelopathy

Sources: OFA CHIC breed requirements: Borzoi; Borzoi Club of America. This is general information, not veterinary advice — talk to your vet about your own dog.

Cost to own

After the first year, expect roughly $2,000–$4,000 a year for food, routine vet care, preventives, insurance and supplies (US estimate).

  • Food, medication and anaesthesia are dosed by weight, so every vet visit costs more for a big dog.
  • Pet insurance for a puppy typically runs $30–$60 a month; premiums rise with age and breed risk.
See the full first-year cost breakdown →

History

Russian nobles bred Borzoi for centuries for large, organised hunts of wolves, foxes and hares. Hunts could involve over a hundred hounds.

After the 1917 revolution many kennels were destroyed, but the breed survived abroad. It was recognised by the AKC in 1891 as the Russian Wolfhound and renamed Borzoi in 1936.

Did you know?

  • “Borzoi” comes from the Russian word for fast.
  • Borzoi can reach speeds of around 35–40 mph.
  • They were favourites of the Russian imperial family.

Library guides for Borzoi owners

Similar breeds

Frequently asked questions

Are Borzoi good apartment dogs?
They can be — they are quiet and calm indoors — but need regular sprints in a secure space.
Do Borzoi shed?
Yes, moderately year-round and heavily during seasonal sheds.
Are Borzoi good with cats?
Often not. Their prey drive is very strong.