Borzoi Breed Guide

Breed background and characteristics

The Borzoi is a large Hound originating in Russia and historically used to hunt wolves. Its name is associated with speed and the breed's long, elegant body reflects its sighthound heritage. The Royal Kennel Club lists it as large, with a medium coat, regular shedding and more than once-weekly grooming. Its basic characteristics list up to around one hour of exercise per day, but secure opportunities for safe running are important.

Exercise, training and grooming

Sighthounds can have strong prey drive and owners should take care around roads, livestock and small animals. Secure exercise areas are preferable where reliable recall cannot be guaranteed. The long coat requires regular brushing and owners should check for tangles, particularly around feathered areas. Training should be calm, consistent and reward-based.

Suitability and health planning

The Borzoi may suit an owner with sufficient space and appreciation for a large, independent sighthound. It is less suitable where secure exercise and appropriate management cannot be provided. The Royal Kennel Club currently places the breed in Breed Watch Category 2 and provides breed health information. Prospective owners should investigate responsible breeding and health screening.

Choosing and planning for ownership

Because the Borzoi combines a large frame with sighthound instincts, the practical test is whether you can provide genuinely secure running space rather than relying on a garden alone. When comparing breeders, ask about health history, screening and how the parents are managed around other animals. A calm home, secure boundaries and patient training are important parts of the long-term plan.