Borzoi Dog Breed Guide

Borzois are large, deep-chested canine athletes with long, lean frames and luxurious, silky double coats. Sound nutrition supports lean muscle, joint health, skin and coat quality, dental health and a lean body condition. They do best on complete and balanced foods that match their age and level of activity. A healthy body weight is one of the simplest ways to support longevity. Partner with your veterinarian to calculate daily calories, adjust as seasons or exercise habits change and keep treats to less than 10% of daily calories.

A complete and balanced large-breed dog food should provide all the essential nutrients your borzoi needs for a healthy, happy life. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids support the skin, coat, brain, kidneys, and joints, while controlled calcium and phosphorus in large-breed puppy formulas foster healthy skeletal development. Fermentable fiber and prebiotics promote healthy digestion and help maintain healthy stool quality, and antioxidants help support the immune system and healthy aging.

Puppies: Borzoi puppies can take up to 18 months for their skeletons to fully mature. During this time, feeding a complete and balanced large-breed puppy food that supports development is critical. Choose a puppy formula that provides an appropriate ratio of calcium to phosphorous and includes DHA from fish oil for healthy brain and eye development. Talk to your veterinarian about when the best time is to transition them to adult food. 

Adults: Most borzois transition from puppy food to a large-breed adult food around 12-18 months of age. Adult borzois thrive on food that provides essential nutrients while maintaining a lean body condition. Make sure their calories are divided into 2 to 3 small meals daily to help avoid the risk of gastric dilatation- volvulus (GDV), also known as bloat, a life-threatening emergency.

Seniors: Providing the right nutrition can help a large-breed dog like the borzoi enjoy their golden years. Choose a complete and balanced dog food that's designed for dogs 7 years and older and select a formula that is highly digestible.

Weight and joint support: Unhealthy weight gain results in increased wear and tear on joints, which can be challenging for a large-breed dog. Whatever food you feed, always measure the amount that you feed — preferably with a kitchen gram scale — and limit treats to less than 10% of their total daily calories.

Always consult your veterinarian for personalized nutrition decisions, especially for growth, athletic conditioning, weight changes or disease conditions.

The borzoi blends aristocratic grace with surprising athletic power. Elegant and reserved indoors yet explosive in motion outdoors, they balance a gentle, catlike calm with bursts of breathtaking speed.

Before adopting any breed of dog, it's a good idea to speak to a veterinarian to determine if their health and care needs fit with your household, budget and lifestyle. Understanding common veterinary needs can also help you decide if they are a good fit for your home.

Best for: Families and singles who appreciate quiet companions indoors and are committed to safe sprint time, enrichment and grooming.

Good with: Older children and other dogs when properly socialized and supervised. Always monitor children around dogs.

Less suitable for: Homes with concern for cats or other small animals, homes without secure fencing, or people wanting a fetch partner.

Borzois may look delicate, but they’re durable athletes at heart. Plan for 45 to 60 minutes of daily activity, divided between leash walks, free sprints in safely fenced spaces and brain work that keeps their minds as sharp as their eyesight. True distance running isn’t required, but bursts of speed help them burn energy and stay zen.

Because borzois have a strong chase instinct, make sure they have secure, enclosed areas for play. Lure-coursing or flirt-pole games let them indulge their hunting heritage safely while building muscle tone. Many also enjoy structured leash walks at a moderate trot, which strengthens their core without overexerting their joints. On rest days, mental enrichment like scent games, hide-and-seek and food puzzles keeps them mentally content without excess strain. This breed does best with quiet, consistent routines — which means no high-impact fetch marathons or endless ball throwing. They don't enjoy roughhouse play.

For borzoi puppies, keep exercise gentle and brief. Several short, supervised play sessions each day are better for their growing joints than long walks or runs. Focus on soft-surface exploration, light leash training and age-appropriate games that build confidence without stressing developing joints.

Borzois have a sensitive and independent nature, but do respond to training if positive methods are used. They do best with multiple, short sessions and consistent, clear expectations. Teach core cues like sit, stay, come and leave it, and add in practical manners such as calm leash walking, polite greetings and standing still for grooming. Because borzois were bred for independent pursuit, recall training can be a lifelong project, so start early with long lines, whistles and generous rewards for quick returns.

Socialization should begin in puppyhood with calm, well-managed introductions to lots of different people, dogs and environments. Loud or chaotic situations can overwhelm a young borzoi, so build confidence gradually rather than forcing interaction. Teach cooperative care skills early: gentle brushing, handling of feet and ears and brief mock exams prepare them for veterinarian visits later on.

Like all large-breed dogs, borzois are predisposed to a few hereditary and conformational conditions that owners should understand. Early detection, proactive preventive care and regular communication with your vet can help support your borzoi's long-term health.

Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV): Due to their deep chests, they are highly prone to stomach twisting, which is a life-threatening emergency.  A surgery, called gastropexy, to minimize the severity can be considered at the time of neuter or spay. 

Developmental joint disorders: Most large-breed dogs, including borzois, are susceptible to developmental joint disorders such as hip and elbow dysplasia. Help support healthy joints by keeping dogs lean, feeding complete and balanced large-breed dog food and avoiding high-impact exercise while they are growing. It is also recommended to discuss with your veterinarian about waiting until your borzoi is skeletally mature to have them spayed or neutered to allow for healthy puberty and bone development.²

Osteosarcoma (bone cancer): Large dogs with long legs, like borzois, have a higher risk of bone cancer. The risk is higher in older dogs. Signs include sudden lameness and limb swelling. Have your dog seen by a veterinarian if you notice changes.³

Cardiac disease: Some borzois develop heart conditions such as dilated cardiomyopathy or irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias). Symptoms can include coughing and exercise intolerance.^4,5,6

Regular grooming keeps a borzoi looking and feeling their best. Their long, silky coat should be brushed 2 to 3 times a week and daily during seasonal shedding to prevent tangles. Pay close attention to the feathering behind the ears and on the hind legs,  as those areas tend to mat first. Bathing can be done as needed, but always detangle hair thoroughly beforehand because mats will tighten when wet. Check the ears weekly, only cleaning them if your vet advises it. Trim their nails every three to four weeks and brush their teeth using an enzymatic toothpaste daily with periodic professional cleanings to maintain good dental health.

If you love quiet grace and sensitive souls, this aristocratic comedian could be perfect for you. When you are attentive to their needs, a borzoi will be a devoted companion for life. Don’t be surprised when they claim the couch, the pillows, and probably the moral high ground, too.