Discover Everything About Borzoi
Learn about the breed characteristics, health, history, and find trusted breeders
At a glance
Borzoi overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Health grade
Relative to other breeds
The Barsoi is generally considered a robust breed, with Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) being the primary hereditary condition currently in focus for breeding tests. However, as a very large, deep-chested breed, it carries anatomical risks such as a predisposition to GDV (bloat) and heart conditions like Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM). Prospective buyers should therefore look for a heart-healthy pedigree in addition to confirming the DM test results.
Lifespan
10–14 yrs
Height
68–85 cm
Weight
27–48 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 1,200 – 2,500 €
- Coat: Long, silky fur with a thick undercoat
- Origin: Russia
Typical coat colors
- Diverse
- including white
- black
- gray
- cream
- gold
- various spotted variants
Temperament
Daily life
What matters most
Especially with a Borzoi, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Is the Borzoi right for you?
The Borzoi is an aristocratic sighthound that is almost cat-like indoors—bred to hunt wolves and hares in the vast Russian wilderness. Outdoors, they are explosive sprinters with an enormous prey drive, while indoors, they are gentle, unobtrusive companions.
Perfect for you if:
- You have access to large, securely fenced areas where they can safely satisfy their need for explosive sprinting.
- You appreciate an independent, reserved character and do not expect blind obedience or a constant 'will-to-please'.
- You are looking for a calm, relaxed couch potato who doesn't need to be constantly entertained with mental stimulation.
- You are proactive and have the physical strength to hold a large dog if their hunting instinct suddenly kicks in.
Less ideal if:
- You dream of relaxed, off-leash forest walks—as a pure sighthound, they will completely tune you and your calls out the moment they spot a fleeing deer.
- You are looking for a motivated partner for agility, trick dogging, or obedience sports.
- You have small pets or cats in the household whose quick movements could trigger fatal prey reflexes.
- You live in the middle of a loud, busy city without quick access to expansive nature.
The real vibes check
A Borzoi is like a high-performance sports car that spends most of its time deeply relaxed in the garage. Indoors, they rest elegantly on the softest sofa for hours—but as soon as a visual stimulus appears outside, they transform into an archaic, unstoppable projectile. You aren't getting a dog that follows orders, but an independent aesthete whose hunting instinct never sleeps.
Breed Profile
The Borzoi, also known as the Russian Wolfhound, is a sighthound of impressive size and grace. With its slim silhouette, long, muscular legs and deep chest, it is reminiscent of a work of art. He belongs to FCI Group 10 of greyhounds and is characterized by his high speed and endurance. What is particularly striking is the long, silky fur, which is particularly pronounced on the chest and neck and gives the Borzoi an almost royal appearance. His eyes are dark and almond-shaped, giving his expression an extra depth. In Germany this breed is rather rare and there is no distinction between performance and show lines.
| Height | 68 - 78 cm (Female), 75 - 85 cm (Male) |
| Weight | 27 - 31 kg (Female), 34 - 48 kg (Male) |
| Life Expectancy | 10 - 14 years |
| Character | Graceful, calm, self-confident |
| Coat | Long, silky fur with a thick undercoat |
| Coat Color | Diverse, including white, black, gray, cream, gold and various spotted variants |
| Price | 1200 - 2500 € |
History
The Borzoi has a long and fascinating history, dating back to medieval Russia. There it was used by the nobility to hunt game, especially wolves. His name literally means "quick" and indicates his outstanding abilities as a hunting dog. The Borzoi only became known outside of Russia at the end of the 19th century, when it was introduced into Western European aristocratic circles. The breed has been recognized as a separate breed by the FCI since 1896.
The Borzoi was bred to hunt wolves and other large game species and is characterized by its speed and elegance.
Russia
1600
Character & Temperament
Borzois are characterized by a strong sense of self-confidence and a natural calmness. They are known for their deep bonds with their people and their loyalty, but also tend to maintain a certain degree of independence. They are generally calm dogs and very pleasant companions around the home as long as they receive adequate exercise and mental stimulation. They love being in nature and pursuing their natural urge to move. Although they have a strong hunting instinct, this can usually be easily managed with proper socialization and training. However, it should be noted that this is a natural instinct that can never be completely suppressed. Therefore, the Borzoi should always be kept under control and kept on a leash in areas where wildlife is present. As former hunting dogs, they are attentive and alert, but not aggressive. Although they can exhibit highly protective behavior towards their home and family, they are generally very friendly towards strangers. They are also good at getting along with other dogs and pets, especially if they are used to it from a young age. Borzoi are intelligent and can stay alone well as long as they are not left alone for long periods of time. They love their family and prefer to be close to them. They are not prone to exhibit destructive behavior as long as they are not bored or stressed. The Borzoi's even-tempered temperament makes him a pleasant companion, both indoors and during outdoor activities. But despite his calm nature, his needs as a greyhound should not be underestimated. This dog needs room to run and mental stimulation to be happy and balanced. His grace and majestic demeanor coupled with his friendly and gentle nature make the Borzoi an exceptional companion dog for people willing to meet the breed's specific needs.
| Trainability Has its own ideas and will test limits. | Strong-willed |
| Watchfulness A natural watchdog with real protective instinct. | High |
| Openness to Strangers Neither pushily friendly nor suspicious. | Neutral |
| Hunting or Herding Drive Mild interest in movement and small animals — easily managed. | Low |
Fun Fact!
Despite their elegance and grace, Borzoi were originally bred to hunt wolves, which explains their speed and endurance!
What Awaits You
Borzois need a lot of exercise and are very motivated to hunt. Dog owners repeatedly report cases of borzoi chasing a smaller dog. Serious injuries can occur here. Therefore, good socialization and upbringing is very important here.
Housing & Care
Despite their size, Borzois are good city dogs as long as they get enough exercise and mental stimulation. They get along well with small children and can also live with other pets, including cats, as long as they are properly socialized. However, they require a well-fenced yard as their hunting instinct is strong and they tend to hunt anything that moves.
| Family Friendly Gets on well with different people and varying routines. | Family-friendly |
| Child Friendly Fine with calm, respectful children — not small tornadoes. | Better with older children |
| Dog Friendly Actively enjoys the company of other dogs. | Dog-friendly |
| City Friendly Can manage in the city, but only with very active owners. | Difficult in cities |
Owning a dog is not only a privilege, but also a responsibility. If you want to bring a dog into your life, you must be aware of the commitment that dog ownership entails!!
Training & Education
Borzois are intelligent and independent dogs that require a little patience and understanding in training. They do not respond well to harsh training methods, preferring instead positive reinforcement. Their need for exercise makes them good candidates for dog sports such as agility or coursing. It's important to nurture their skills and independent nature while setting rules and boundaries. They don't tend to be "ball junkies" but they enjoy different types of games and activities. It's also important to teach them to control their impulses and tolerate frustration, especially when it comes to their hunting instincts. This can be achieved through various exercises and training techniques. When raising a Borzoi, it is important to find a balance between nurturing their natural talents and abilities and adhering to the necessary rules and boundaries for harmonious coexistence.
Nutrition & Care
Borzoi require a balanced diet that contains all the necessary nutrients. They are not prone to being overweight, but because of their slim figure, it is important to keep an eye on their diet and ensure that they do not become underweight. A mix of high-quality dry food and fresh foods such as meat and vegetables can be a good solution. However, it is always advisable to seek advice from a veterinarian to ensure the dog is receiving all the nutrients it needs. When it comes to grooming, the Borzoi is a little more demanding due to its long and silky coat. They have an undercoat that protects them from the cold, but they can tolerate the German climate well. However, they shed quite a bit, especially during the spring and fall shedding period. Regular brushing is necessary to prevent matting and to keep the coat clean and healthy.
| Care Level Regular brushing and occasional professional grooming. | Moderate |
| Exercise Needs Needs several hours of serious exercise every day. | Very active |
| Shedding Regular shedding — dog hair on clothes is now normal. | Moderate |
| Trainability Has its own ideas and will test limits. | Strong-willed |
This information is currently being reviewed by experts. If you discover an error, please send an email to info@honestdog.de!!
Health
Solid
Health grade
The Barsoi is generally considered a robust breed, with Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) being the primary hereditary condition currently in focus for breeding tests. However, as a very large, deep-chested breed, it carries anatomical risks such as a predisposition to GDV (bloat) and heart conditions like Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM). Prospective buyers should therefore look for a heart-healthy pedigree in addition to confirming the DM test results.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-generated by our veterinary-genetics model.
In daily life this can mean
You should ensure they have rest periods after eating to prevent bloat, and always remind your veterinarian about the sighthound-specific sensitivity to anesthesia.
The breeder's role
Reputable breeders have the parents' hearts, eyes, thyroids, and temperaments tested to reduce health risks in the bloodline.
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
Experiences with the Borzoi
Conny S., Halterin aus der Schweiz (zwei Hündinnen, seit 2010)
Wer sich einen Barsoi-Welpen ins Haus holt, sollte sich bewusst sein, dass diese Hunde extrem schnell wachsen und man in der Aufzucht sehr aufpassen muss. Das Kalzium-Phosphor-Verhältnis im Futter muss exakt stimmen, und zu viel Eiweiß sollte man meiden, um Knochenprobleme zu verhindern. Außerdem sind Treppensteigen, wildes Springen und zu langes Gehen an der Leine in der Wachstumsphase absolut tabu, auch wenn der Welpe selbst meist gut einschätzen kann, wann er müde ist.
Im Haus sind Barsois unglaublich angenehme, ruhige Mitbewohner, die man kaum bemerkt. Aber man braucht überall weiche Unterlagen – ohne ein weiches Bettchen oder eine Decke legt sich ein Barsoi, wie fast jeder Windhund, schlichtweg nicht hin, selbst im Restaurant nicht. Ein wichtiger Punkt ist auch die Sozialisierung: Man muss sie von klein auf an andere Kleinhunde gewöhnen, damit sie diese später im Freilauf nicht fälschlicherweise als Beute ansehen.
Was das Sozialverhalten im Erwachsenenalter angeht, sind Barsois oft kleine 'Rassisten'. Sie vertragen sich zwar meist problemlos mit allen Hunden, aber so richtig spielen und rennen wollen sie als erwachsene Hunde eigentlich nur mit anderen Windhunden. Das Haaren darf man auch nicht unterschätzen: Sie verlieren das ganze Jahr über recht viele Haare, und zweimal im Jahr steht ein intensiver Fellwechsel an.
Ludmila M., Halterin aus dem Ruhrgebiet (mehrere Barsois, seit 2006)
In Russland sagt man nicht umsonst: 'Der Barsoi ist kein Hund, sondern eine Lebenseinstellung.' Das Leben mit diesen majestätischen Tieren verändert einen selbst. Sie sind unglaublich liebevolle, zärtliche und anschmiegsame Partner, die zu Hause eine tiefe Ruhe ausstrahlen. Sie sind hochsensibel und vertragen absolut keine Härte in der Erziehung – mit Druck oder Lautstärke erreicht man bei ihnen gar nichts.
So sanft sie im Haus sind, so extrem ist jedoch ihr Jagdtrieb, sobald sie draußen etwas sehen. In diesem Moment vergessen sie alles um sich herum, und der Gehorsam ist schlagartig weg. Man muss sich im Klaren darüber sein, dass man einen passionierten Sichtjäger an der Leine führt.
Auch gesundheitlich muss man aufpassen. Ich habe im Laufe der Jahre leider auch mit typischen Problemen wie saisonalen Allergien, Arthrose im Alter oder Wachstumsproblemen bei Welpen (wie knackenden Gelenken oder krummen Beinen) zu tun gehabt. Ein Barsoi erfordert viel Fürsorge, aber seine weise, sanfte Art im Alter entschädigt für jede Sorge.
Sabrina K., Halterin aus Bayern (Rüde, seit 2020)
Als wir uns für einen Barsoi entschieden haben, hatten wir anfangs Sorge wegen der Fellpflege. Tatsächlich ist das lange, seidige Fell aber erstaunlich pflegeleicht, da es eine Art Selbstreinigungseffekt hat – getrockneter Schlamm fällt beim Bürsten einfach heraus. Allerdings haaren sie phasenweise sehr stark. Der Vorteil gegenüber Kurzhaar-Windhunden ist jedoch, dass die weichen, langen Haare nicht wie kleine Splitter im Sofa stecken bleiben, sondern sich leicht wegsaugen lassen.
Die größte Herausforderung im Alltag ist und bleibt der Jagdtrieb. Sobald ein Hase oder ein Reh aufspringt, schaltet der Hund auf Empfang für nichts mehr. Ihn in wildreichen Gebieten ohne Leine laufen zu lassen, ist schlichtweg unmöglich und gefährlich. Man braucht unbedingt Zugang zu gut eingezäunten Auslaufflächen oder muss weite, übersichtliche Felder wählen, um ihm den nötigen Freilauf zu ermöglichen.
Wer einen Hund sucht, der Kadavergehorsam zeigt und ständig 'will to please' hat, wird mit einem Barsoi unglücklich werden. Sie sind eigenständig und entscheiden manchmal selbst, ob sie beim zweiten Rufen kommen. Aber genau diese stolze Unabhängigkeit gepaart mit ihrer Sanftheit macht für uns den Reiz aus.
sinngemäß aus echten Halterberichten
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Frequently asked questions about the Borzoi
Is a Borzoi the right dog for me?
The Borzoi is an active dog that needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
How long does a Borzoi live?
The average life expectancy of a Borzoi is 10-14 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
How much grooming does a Borzoi need?
Borzoi grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a Borzoi good for families with children?
The Borzoi can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
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