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> Index of every page on this site: [llms.txt](https://www.pedibase.com/llms.txt)
+9
Dogs
# The Borzoi: temperament, price, health, and breeders
Russia
A majestic Russian sighthound, calm at home and lightning-fast when running.
Size LargeLife expectancy 10–12 yearsBudget ≈ €155/monthPuppy €800 – €1,300
[Find a breeder 17](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-borzoi) [ Compare with other breeds](https://www.pedibase.com/en/compare-dog-breeds?races=borzoi)
The right choice?
## Is this breed right for you?
[Find your ideal breed with our online quiz!](https://www.pedibase.com/en/choose-your-dog)
Families and children Good
Daily exercise needs Very high
Apartment living Good
First-time owners Good
Other pets Good
Tolerance of being alone Fair
Guarding instinct Fair
Strengths and weaknesses
- Calm at home: Once he has expended his energy, he is discreet, composed and pleasant to live with.
- Great sensitivity: He develops a close bond with a gentle and respectful owner.
- Remarkable athlete: His speed and aptitude for running make him an impressive partner for suitable activities.
- Not much of a barker: He generally vocalizes in moderation and prefers to observe his environment.
- Gentle recall: His chasing instinct can take over as soon as he spots a moving target.
- Regular grooming: His medium-length coat and heavy shedding require frequent brushing.
- Sensitive training: He may shut down when faced with constraint and requires a gentle, consistent, and patient method.
- Need to run: Simple potty outings are not enough for his physical balance.
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- Calm and available owners: He appreciates a peaceful relationship and organized outings every day.
- Households with fenced land: A secure space allows him to express his need to run without danger.
- Sighthound enthusiasts: A good understanding of his independence and his hunting instinct makes living together easier.
Not recommended for
- Very sedentary people: Its need for regular running cannot be satisfied by short walks.
- Households looking for a very playful dog: It is often serious, reserved and not very interested in repetitive games.
- Homes with small animals not accustomed: Its chase instinct can complicate cohabitation without early socialization and strict management.
Meet the breed
## What does it look like?
1,75 mHuman
77 cmBorzoi
- Height at the withers
- 68–85 cm
- Weight
- 27–47 kg
- Coat
- Medium-long, silky and wavy
- FCI group
- 10
- Origin
- Russia
- Grooming
- High-maintenance coat
## Photos and videos
See the Borzoi in photos and videos: coat colors, size, and distinctive expressions.
Origins
## Where does it come from?
Originally from Russia, the Borzoi has been present for several centuries and is said to have been shaped from ancient sighthounds, notably dogs of the Saluki type, in order to pursue game over vast territories. Long associated with the Russian nobility and with great hunts, it appears in historical accounts as early as the Middle Ages, then becomes the subject of more precise descriptions from the 17th century. The abolition of serfdom in 1861, then the Russian revolution of 1917, caused a sharp decline in its numbers in its country of origin. Its export to England, France and the United States nevertheless makes it possible to preserve the breed. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale definitively recognizes the Borzoi on 13 January 1956 under number 193, in group 10 of the sighthounds.
Appearance
## What does it look like?
The Borzoi has a tall, lean, elongated and harmonious silhouette, with a solid bone structure without heaviness and a deep chest descending to the elbows. Its long and narrow head, with an almost absent stop, is extended by a fine muzzle. Its almond-shaped eyes, well spaced, give it a gentle and attentive expression. The small fine ears are set high, while the long tail, set low, is carried in a sabre. Its medium-length coat, silky, light, shiny and often wavy becomes more abundant around the neck. Many coat colors are accepted, notably white, fawn, brindle or black associated with white, with the exception of blue and brown.
Temperament
## Temperament and personality
Very calm, balanced and sensitive in his home, the Borzoi willingly observes his environment before acting. He forms a close relationship with his owner and appreciates a respectful presence, without brusqueness. His behavior changes markedly when a movement triggers his pursuit instinct: he then becomes fast, impetuous and determined. Rather reserved than demonstrative, he can be stubborn and is not always very playful with children. Early socialization helps develop serene relationships with strangers and other animals, without making his hunting instinct disappear.
Affectionate Intelligent
Living together
## Living with children and other pets
On a daily basis, the Borzoi knows how to remain discreet and calm indoors as long as its exercise needs are met. It needs regular outings and above all opportunities to run at high speed in a large, secure and fully enclosed area. Its chasing instinct requires caution near roads and around small animals. A house with a fenced garden suits it particularly well, but apartment living remains possible for a very available owner who organizes daily walks and suitable exercise sessions.
Training
## Training and socialization
The Barzoi’s training must begin early, with consistent rules, great gentleness and short sessions that preserve its motivation. Intelligent but independent and sensitive, it responds poorly to harsh or repetitive methods. Recall must be worked on as a priority, while keeping in mind that it can become difficult to obtain when a trail or prey captures its attention. The long line, reward and gradual progression in fenced areas are essential tools. Socialization must include people, dogs, varied environments and, if necessary, the other animals in the household.
Budget
## Price and budget for the Borzoi
The price of a Barzoï depends on the quality of the line, the pedigree, the reputation of the breeding kennel, the screenings carried out on the breeding dogs and the dog's intended purpose, companion, show or breeding. The maintenance budget is that of a large dog and must include quality food as well as preventive veterinary follow-up.
[See cost breakdown](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/borzoi/price)
Health
## Health at a glance
The Borzoi is generally robust, but its large size, deep chest and sighthound morphology call for targeted monitoring. Quality nutrition, a stable weight, well-adjusted activity during growth and regular veterinary follow-up help to limit joint, digestive and ocular risks.
[Prevention and things to watch for](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/borzoi/health)
Nutrition
## Feeding your pet well
The Borzoi is not always a big eater, but it needs a complete, digestible diet adapted to its size. Protein quality, mineral balance and control of energy intake are particularly important during growth.
[Our feeding advice](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/borzoi/food)
Did you know?
## Fun facts and popularity
The name Borzoi comes from a Russian term evoking speed. This sighthound can exceed 55 km/h at peak speed. It was closely linked to the Russian aristocracy and several tsars, including Ivan the Terrible, Peter the Great and Nicholas II, owned them. Writers such as Pushkin and Turgenev also contributed to its cultural renown. The breed is also known under the names Russian Wolfhound and Russkaya Psovaya Borzaya.
FAQ
## Frequently asked questions about the Borzoi
Answers to common questions from future owners before their new companion arrives.
### Can the Borzoi live in an apartment?
Yes, if it gets sufficient outings every day and regular opportunities to run safely. It remains calm indoors, but a house with a large, fully fenced plot generally meets its needs better.
### Is the Borzoi suitable for children?
It can live with respectful children, but it is often not very playful and does not tolerate rough interactions well. Adult supervision and mutual learning of proper behavior remain essential.
### Can you let a Borzoi off-leash during walks?
Its powerful chase instinct can lead it to take off very quickly and very far. Off-leash should be reserved for large, safe, fenced areas; elsewhere, a long line is preferable even with a well-trained recall.
### Does the Borzoi shed a lot?
Yes. Its annual shedding causes significant hair loss and its medium-long coat requires brushing two to three times a week, then daily during shedding.
## Find a Borzoi breeder
The areas where Pedibase lists the most Borzoi breeders, along with their litters and typical prices.
[Borzoi breeders in Nouvelle-Aquitaine5](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-borzoi/nouvelle-aquitaine) [Borzoi breeders in Centre-Val de Loire3](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-borzoi/centre-val-de-loire) [Borzoi breeders in Occitanie3](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-borzoi/occitanie)
### Borzoi breeders by country
[29 breeders of Borzoi in Germany](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-borzoi/germany) [17 breeders of Borzoi in France](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-borzoi) [15 breeders of Borzoi in Italy](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-borzoi/italy) [5 breeders of Borzoi in the Netherlands](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-borzoi/netherlands) [2 breeders of Borzoi in Switzerland](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-borzoi/switzerland) [1 breeder of Borzoi in Austria](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-borzoi/austria) [1 breeder of Borzoi in Belgium](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-borzoi/belgium) [1 breeder of Borzoi in Denmark](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-borzoi/denmark) [1 breeder of Borzoi in Finland](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-borzoi/finland) [1 breeder of Borzoi in Romania](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-borzoi/romania)
[All breeders of Borzoi in France](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-borzoi)
## Ready to welcome a Borzoi?
Find a registered, verified breeder near you and meet your future companion with confidence.
[View breeders](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-borzoi)
## Discover other breeds
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](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/greyhound)
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](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/afghan-hound)
[Saluki
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[Scottish Deerhound
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/scottish-deerhound)
[Spanish Greyhound
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