Borzoi Breed description: Character & Co
| Alternate Name | Russian Wolfhound |
| Origin | Russia |
| Life expectancy | 7 - 10 years |
| Care requirements | high-maintenance |
| Activity level | high |
| FCI group | Long-haired or fringed Sighthounds |
| AKC group | Hound Group |
| KC group | Hound Group |
Character
Usage
Origin
What are typical Borzoi diseases?
The Borzoi is a robust dog breed and no typical hereditary diseases are known. However, like all big dogs, it is prone to developing stomach torsions and tend to suffer from flatulence from time to time. Intensive breeding of the Borzoi can also increase the risk of hip and elbow dysplasia as well as eye and heart diseases.
What should be considered in regards to Borzoi breeding?
Since the Borzoi is not a widespread dog breed, Borzoi puppies should only be bought from a trustworthy breeder. On the VDH website there is a list of Borzoi breeders and clubs. In general, however, you should pay attention not only that the mother animal is healthy and makes a satisfied impression, but also that the kennel is clean and well maintained. Borzoi puppies should not only be vaccinated and dewormed, but also have a lively, open-minded and fearless spirit. While they are still with their mother, the socialisation of the puppy should already have started and the puppy should already be familiar with some basic rules. However, it does not necessarily have to know all commands.
What are the breed characteristics of the Borzoi?
The FCI has defined the following breed characteristics as breed specific for the Borzoi:
- Appearance: aristocratic with elegant and harmonious outlines and movements
- Head: very narrow and slender, oval skull, strong lower jaw with scissor or pincer bite, small thin and movable ears, black nose and lips
- Eyes: large, set obliquely, almond shaped, expressive, hazel or dark brown eye colour
- Neck: long, laterally flattened, muscular, slightly curved, thick coat
- Physique: quite narrow, broad, arched and muscular back, long and broad, slightly sloping croup, very deep, oval chest, withers not pronounced, long and sloping shoulder blade, long, muscular and well angulated legs
- Tail: low set sabre or sickle tail, long, thin and strongly feathered, hanging down freely
- Paws: narrow, elongated-oval arched, strong and long claws reaching to the ground
- Coat: silky soft and smooth coat, short or wavy curls, short coat on head, ears and limbs, close lying to the body and quite long
Borzoi's appearance and coat
The Borzoi impresses with its aristocratic and elegant overall appearance, with a slender physique, arched back, deep chest and tucked-up stomach. The neck has a typical ruff.
The silky soft and smooth coat can be short or curly. The coat colour can be uni-coloured or multi-coloured white, beige or cream. Apart from the forehand and hindquarters, flanks and ribs, the dense coat is short.
The Borzoi has a unique facial expression and can raise their eyebrows and muzzle slightly or look at you with its sparkling eyes. Some Borzois even know how to "laugh". They show some or all of their teeth show a "laugh" that goes across their whole face by presenting their complete set of teeth.
How big does the Borzoi get?
With a wrist height of 68 to 85 cm the Borzoi is considered a large dog breed. Bitches are usually smaller than males, which can reach a wrist height of up to 95 cm in some cases.
How much does the Borzoi weigh?
The Borzoi's weight lies between 35 and 48 kg.
What is the average age of the Borzoi?
With appropriate keeping and nutrition, the Borzoi can reach 7-10 years of age.
| Fur length | long |
| Fur | flat coated |
| Ear shape | Floppy Ear |
| Tail | fanned |
| Anatomy | slim |
| Size | 66 - cm |
| Weight | 25 - 40 kg |
| Size | 75 - 85 cm |
| Weight | 34 - 47 kg |
| Suitable For | - |
Colors
Other large dogs
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