Borzoi
A Russian aristocrat built like a swept-back arrow — silk outside, sprinter within.
Vital stats
| Size | Very large · 68–85 cm |
| Weight | 25–47 kg |
| Life expectancy | 9–14 years |
| Energy | Moderate — sprint bursts, then sofa |
| Shedding | Moderate–high, seasonal |
| Coat | Long silky coat · any colour, often white with patches |
| Group | Hound · FCI №193 / AKC |
Breed traits
Friendliness
Care
Mind
Temperament
For centuries Russian estates kept whole kennels of Borzois for grand wolf hunts — dogs that worked in near-silent pairs at breathtaking speed. The modern Borzoi keeps the pattern: calm to the point of aloofness at home, gentle and undemonstrative, then pure velocity the instant something runs. Sensitive by nature, it wilts under harsh handling.
Habits & quirks
Professional lounger
Between sprints it drapes itself over furniture like a discarded fur stole.
The silent type
Borzois rarely bark; whole days can pass without a sound.
Roach and stretch
The arched loin isn't posing — it's the spring behind the double-suspension gallop.
Selective hearing
It heard you; it's simply weighing whether your request beats the view from the window.
Care
| Containment | Never trust recall against a fleeing cat or rabbit — allow off-lead running only in securely fenced areas. |
| Exercise | A couple of good daily walks plus regular chances to sprint flat-out; between them it's remarkably lazy. |
| Grooming | Brush the silky coat two or three times a week, daily during heavy seasonal shedding. |
| Health | A deep-chested breed: learn the signs of bloat, feed calm unhurried meals, and ask breeders about heart screening. |
Common questions
Are Borzois good pets?
Yes, for calm households: they're quiet, clean and gentle indoors. They need secure sprinting space and won't suit homes wanting a bouncy, obedient retriever type.
Can Borzois live with cats?
Sometimes, if raised together indoors — but the chase instinct is hard-wired, and outdoors even a familiar cat may trigger it. Small pets are a genuine risk.
Are Borzois easy to train?
They're intelligent but independent — with patience and rewards they comply thoughtfully rather than instantly. Sighthound obedience is a negotiation, not a reflex.