Consider These 9 Factors Before Getting a Borzoi
Thinking about bringing a Borzoi into your life? I get it — those elegant looks and that gentle, aristocratic vibe are almost impossible to resist.
But here's the truth most people skip past: a Borzoi is not your average house dog.
Owning one takes more than admiration for their beauty. It takes space, patience, and a real understanding of what these graceful giants actually need.
So before you commit, let's walk through the 9 things you really need to know — from someone who's been through it.
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Affection | |
| Trainability | |
| Exercise needs | |
| Grooming | |
| Good with kids |
1. They're Big — Really Big
Let's start with the obvious: Borzois can stand over 2 feet tall and weigh up to 100 pounds.
That's a lot of dog. And that size shapes almost everything about daily life with one.
Here's what it means in practice:
- You'll need plenty of space — tiny apartments or homes without a yard aren't ideal.
- Everything costs more: bigger crates, more food, stronger leashes.
- Their size can intimidate strangers, so you've got to be confident handling them in public.
Big body, big engine — let's talk about that running instinct.
2. They Need Room to Run
These dogs were bred to chase down wolves across the Russian countryside. Yes — actual wolves.
So they come with serious speed and stamina baked right in.
Expect to give your Borzoi at least an hour of exercise daily. And no, a slow lap around the block won't cut it.
Here's the catch, though:
Off-leash play is fantastic — but only in a fully fenced area. Once a Borzoi spots something that looks like prey, they're gone. And calling them back? It won't work.
All that beauty needs upkeep. Next up: the coat.
3. Grooming Takes Time
That long, flowing coat is one of the breed's signatures. It's also high-maintenance.
You'll need to brush your Borzoi at least once a week — more during shedding seasons, when the loose fur really flies.
A few essentials to keep on hand:
- A slicker brush for the topcoat.
- A detangling comb for the feathering on the legs and tail.
- Close attention to the ears — they're prone to infections if not kept clean and trimmed.
On top of that, stay on top of nail trims, dental care, and the occasional bath.
- Brush thoroughly at least once a week
- Check and clean ears regularly
- Keep nails trimmed and teeth brushed
- Skip grooming during shedding season
- Shave the coat to “make life easier”
Now for the part that surprises new owners: the mind of a Borzoi.
4. They're Smart — and Stubborn
Make no mistake: Borzois are intelligent. But they're also fiercely independent.
Training one isn't about dominance or drilling commands. It's about patience and positive reinforcement.
Treats and praise go a long way. Harsh corrections, on the other hand, will only damage your bond.
So what does this mean for you?
Start early with socialization and basic obedience. Be consistent, be kind, and they'll come around.
Just don't expect a robotic follower who hangs on your every word — that's not who they are.
“A Borzoi will happily do what you ask — right after they've decided it was a good idea.”
They’re actually very intelligent — just independent. Sighthounds were bred to make split-second decisions alone at high speed, not to wait for a handler’s cue.
Heavy-handed correction backfires with this sensitive breed. Reward-based training builds cooperation; force just erodes trust.
Speaking of instinct — this next one is non-negotiable.
5. The Prey Drive Is Real
This is not a dog you can trust off-leash in open areas. Full stop.
Their prey drive is deeply ingrained. Anything small and fast — squirrels, cats, even small dogs — can trigger the chase.
If you have other pets at home, early socialization is a must.
Some Borzois can live peacefully with cats or smaller animals. But it takes time, careful management, and plenty of supervision.
Under that racing instinct beats a surprisingly gentle heart.
6. Sensitive Souls
Borzois pick up on your mood more than most dogs.
They thrive in calm, stable homes — and they don't do well with yelling, chaos, or constant change.
In return, they're affectionate and loyal, often bonding deeply with one or two people.
Want a quiet "Velcro dog" who shadows you gently around the house? This might be your breed.
But here's the flip side: they don't tolerate being left alone for long. Separation anxiety is common.
Quick poll
How many hours would your dog realistically be home alone each day?
Before you fall completely in love — let's cover their health.
7. Health Considerations
Borzois are generally healthy dogs. But like every breed, they carry a few risks worth knowing about.
Heart issues (DCM)
Dilated cardiomyopathy affects the heart muscle. Regular checkups help catch it early.
Bloat
A life-threatening emergency where the stomach twists. Know the warning signs and act fast.
Joint problems
Hip and elbow dysplasia can develop. Reputable breeders screen for these.
Eye diseases
PRA and cataracts can affect vision over time. Yearly eye exams matter.
Hypothyroidism is another condition the breed can develop, so watch for changes in weight, coat, or energy.
Most importantly: work with a reputable breeder who screens for genetic health problems, and keep up with regular vet visits.
Add it all up and one theme emerges.
8. They're Not Low-Maintenance
Between the grooming, the exercise, the training, and the emotional needs — Borzois take real time and attention.
Let's be honest about who they're not for:
Pros
A great fit if you…
- Have space and ideally a fenced yard
- Are home for much of the day
- Enjoy grooming and calm bonding time
- Value a gentle, quiet companion
Cons
Think twice if you…
- Are out of the house all day
- Live in a small apartment with no yard
- Want a dog that obeys every command
- Prefer a low-effort, hands-off pet
And yet — despite all of it — here's the payoff.
9. But They're Incredibly Loving
Despite everything — or maybe because of it — Borzois make amazing companions.
They're quiet, gentle, and deeply affectionate.
They're typically great with kids, too — though more calm and dignified than bouncy and playful.
Most of all, they bring a serene, elegant presence into a home that's hard to describe until you've lived with it.
Frequently Asked Questions
They can be, but they’re not the easiest starter breed. Their size, prey drive, and independent streak mean you’ll need patience and commitment. If you’re home a lot and willing to learn positive training, a Borzoi can absolutely work.
Not very long. Borzois bond closely with their people and are prone to separation anxiety. A few hours is manageable for an adult, but full workdays alone regularly can lead to stress and unwanted behavior.
Generally no — they’re a quiet breed. They tend to be calm and reserved indoors rather than yappy or noisy watchdogs.
Yes, they’re usually gentle and tolerant with kids. They’re more calm than playful, so they suit families who want a peaceful companion. As always, supervise interactions between any large dog and young children.
It depends on the individual and early socialization. Their strong prey drive means small, fast-moving pets can trigger a chase. Some Borzois live happily with cats, but it takes careful management and supervision.
For most owners, it’s the combination of their prey drive (no off-leash freedom in open areas) and their need for near-constant companionship. The grooming and exercise demands add up too.
Yes — at least an hour a day, ideally with a chance to run safely in a fully fenced space. They’re sighthounds built for speed, so a slow neighborhood walk alone isn’t enough.
Sviatoslav Oleksiv founded The Pets and Love in 2019. A lifelong pet owner and Rhodesian Ridgeback enthusiast, he writes and edits our guides to help fellow pet parents give their animals the best care.
Every guide follows our editorial standards. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice — always consult a licensed veterinarian about your pet's health.