Breed library

Borzoi

Also known as Barzoi, Borzaya, Russian Wolfhound.

Borzoi photograph.
Chart rosyjski borzoj rybnik-kamien pl.jpg - Pleple2000. CC BY-SA 4.0. Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Chart_rosyjski_borzoj_rybnik-kamien_pl.jpg. License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0. License: CC BY-SA 4.0.

Breed overview

The Borzoi or Russian Hunting Sighthound is a Russian breed of hunting dog of the sighthound type. It was formerly used for wolf hunting; until 1936, the breed was known as the Russian Wolfhound.

  • Breed classification: houndBreed reference breed group.
  • Breed type: dog breedBreed reference breed kind.
  • Country of origin: RussiaBreed reference country of origin.

Breed facts

  • The Borzoi originated in the sixteenth century Russia by crossing Saluki and European sighthounds with thick-coated Russian breeds.
  • After the 1917 Revolution, the breed became associated Tsarist rule and communist revolutionaries killed Borzoi in large numbers, leading to their near-extinction in Russia.
  • The breed survived in the West because many had previously been exported.
  • The Borzoi or Russian Hunting Sighthound is a Russian breed of hunting dog of the sighthound type.
  • Historically, Russian sighthounds were named through descriptive terms as opposed to actual names. is the masculine singular form of an archaic Russian adjective that means 'fast'. ('fast dog') is the basic term for sighthounds used by Russians, though is usually dropped.

Size and appearance

Borzois are large Russian sighthounds that resemble some central Asian breeds such as the Afghan Hound, Saluki, and the Kyrgyz Taigan. Borzois come in a variety of colours. The Borzoi coat is silky and flat, often wavy or slightly curly. The long top-coat is quite flat, with varying degrees of waviness or curling. The soft undercoat thickens during winter or in cold climates, but is shed in hot weather to prevent overheating. In its texture and distribution over the body, the Borzoi coat is unique. There should be a frill on its neck, as well as feathering on its hindquarters and tail. Borzois have a uniquely long snout, likely originating from Greyhound ancestry.

  • Body mass reference: 27 - 48 kgAdult breed reference quantity from the article infobox. Original value 27 - 48 kg. Unit conversion where applicable: 1 inch = 2.54 cm; 1 pound = 0.45359237 kg. Original field and references are retained in the revision-pinned article evidence.
  • Height reference: 68 - 78 cmAdult breed reference quantity from the article infobox. Original value 68 - 78 cm. Unit conversion where applicable: 1 inch = 2.54 cm; 1 pound = 0.45359237 kg. Original field and references are retained in the revision-pinned article evidence.
  • Height reference: Up to 78 cmBreed reference height. female, maximum, adult.
  • Height reference: 68 cm or moreBreed reference height. female, minimum, adult.
  • Height reference: 75 - 85 cmAdult breed reference quantity from the article infobox. Original value 75 - 85 cm. Unit conversion where applicable: 1 inch = 2.54 cm; 1 pound = 0.45359237 kg. Original field and references are retained in the revision-pinned article evidence.
  • Height reference: Up to 85 cmBreed reference height. male, maximum, adult.
  • Height reference: 75 cm or moreBreed reference height. male, minimum, adult.
  • Coat layers: double
  • Coat length: short
  • Coat length: medium
  • Coat texture: curly
  • Coat texture: wavy
  • Height category: tall
  • Height category: very_tall
  • Weight category: large
  • Weight category: giant

Personality and behavior

The Borzoi is an affectionate and athletic breed of dog with a calm temperament. In terms of obedience, Borzois are selective learners who quickly become bored with repetitive activity, and they can be difficult to motivate. However, Borzois are capable of enjoying and performing well in competitive obedience and agility trials with sufficient training.

  • Attachment and attention seeking (C-BARQ mean): 1.32 / 4Owner-reported attachment and attention seeking factor mean for US reference population Borzoi.
  • Chasing (C-BARQ mean): 2.85 / 4Owner-reported chasing factor mean for US reference population Borzoi.
  • Dog-directed aggression (C-BARQ mean): 0.38 / 4Owner-reported dog-directed aggression factor mean for US reference population Borzoi.
  • Dog-directed fear (C-BARQ mean): 0.65 / 4Owner-reported dog-directed fear factor mean for US reference population Borzoi.
  • Energy (C-BARQ mean): 1.34 / 4Owner-reported energy factor mean for US reference population Borzoi.
  • Excitability (C-BARQ mean): 1.35 / 4Owner-reported excitability factor mean for US reference population Borzoi.
  • Familiar-dog aggression (C-BARQ mean): 0.26 / 4Owner-reported familiar-dog aggression factor mean for US reference population Borzoi.
  • Non-social fear (C-BARQ mean): 0.41 / 4Owner-reported non-social fear factor mean for US reference population Borzoi.
  • Owner-directed aggression (C-BARQ mean): 0.07 / 4Owner-reported owner-directed aggression factor mean for US reference population Borzoi.
  • Separation-related problems (C-BARQ mean): 0.22 / 4Owner-reported separation-related problems factor mean for US reference population Borzoi.
  • Stranger-directed aggression (C-BARQ mean): 0.11 / 4Owner-reported stranger-directed aggression factor mean for US reference population Borzoi.
  • Stranger-directed fear (C-BARQ mean): 0.41 / 4Owner-reported stranger-directed fear factor mean for US reference population Borzoi.
  • Touch sensitivity (C-BARQ mean): 0.40 / 4Owner-reported touch sensitivity factor mean for US reference population Borzoi.
  • Trainability (C-BARQ mean): 2.28 / 4Owner-reported trainability factor mean for US reference population Borzoi.

Exercise and activities

Care planning: build a weekly routine with walks, play and time to explore. Enter the minutes and sessions that work for your dog, then compare the weekly total with your available time. Keep notes about the activities your dog enjoys and adjust the routine together.

Training and enrichment

Care planning: choose one everyday skill to practice and keep a record of each session. Note the cue, the reward your dog enjoys and what went well. Rotate familiar games and new activities, and use your notes to choose the next small step.

Coat and grooming

Care planning: use the coat details above to discuss a grooming routine with your groomer. Record brushing sessions, baths and appointments in the app. Add the tools you use and your preferred schedule so the whole household can follow the same routine.

  • Coat layers: double
  • Coat length: short
  • Coat length: medium
  • Coat texture: curly
  • Coat texture: wavy

Health and lifespan

A 2024 UK study found an average life expectancy of 12 years for Borzois, with a sample size of 43, compared to 12.7 for purebreds and 12 for mongrels.

Living with this breed

Care planning: compare this profile's adult dimensions, coat care and available activity information with your household's routine. Make a shortlist, plan who will handle daily care and save the questions you want to ask a breed club, rescue or breeder.

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Breed history

The Borzoi is associated with Russian sighthound breeding and hunting traditions. Its name derives from an older Russian adjective meaning fast. The breed was known in English as the Russian Wolfhound before Borzoi became the usual name.

Clubs and further reading

Sources

  1. Borzoi - WikipediaWikipedia contributors Retrieved 2026-10-14.License: CC BY-SA 4.0. Adapted excerpts from Wikipedia contributors, Borzoi, revision 1377653951. CC BY-SA 4.0. Formatting, citations and selection changed. Source history: https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Borzoi&action=history
  2. Wikidata structured breed dataWikimedia contributors Retrieved 2026-10-14.License: CC0 1.0. Wikidata contributors (CC0).
  3. National C-BARQ breed and all-breed means from USA.PLOS ONE / Figshare Retrieved 2026-10-14.License: CC BY 4.0. Bohland, Kyle R.; Lilly, Meghan Leanne; Herron, Meghan E.; Arruda, Andréia G.; O’Quin, Jeanette M. (2023). National C-BARQ breed and all-breed means from USA.. PLOS ONE. Dataset. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0289356.s003 CC BY 4.0. Selected rows and field names adapted; values unchanged.
  4. File:Chart rosyjski borzoj rybnik-kamien pl.jpgWikimedia Commons Retrieved 2026-10-14.License: CC BY-SA 4.0. Chart rosyjski borzoj rybnik-kamien pl.jpg - Pleple2000. CC BY-SA 4.0. Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Chart_rosyjski_borzoj_rybnik-kamien_pl.jpg. License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0.
  5. Palipaws everyday care planningPalipaws Retrieved 2026-10-14.License: Palipaws original factual summaries. Palipaws. Original care-planning text, separate from breed measurements and licensed article summaries.
  6. AKC national parent club directoryAmerican Kennel Club Retrieved 2026-10-14.License: Factual reference only. Names and verified external links only. No source descriptions, logos or endorsement reused.