Longevity
Life expectancy
Its life expectancy is generally between 10 and 12 years. Good lifestyle hygiene, maintaining an optimal weight, and early detection of breed-related disorders promote a more comfortable old age.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
Despite its slender appearance, the Borzoi is a strong and hardy dog. Its digestive sensitivity and certain risks specific to large sighthounds should not, however, be underestimated. Its growth requires particular attention in order to protect its skeleton and its joints.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
Regular monitoring is recommended throughout life, particularly for the hips, eyes and digestive system. Any sudden abdominal distension, unproductive retching, pain, decreased vision or lameness warrants a prompt veterinary consultation.
Hip dysplasia: This joint abnormality can promote pain, lameness and osteoarthritis; screening breeding dogs and controlled growth reduce the risk.
Eye conditions: The Borzoi may be prone to various retinal disorders, including a breed-specific retinopathy; ophthalmologic monitoring is recommended.
Digestive disorders: A digestible diet, slow transitions and monitoring of persistent symptoms are recommended in this sometimes sensitive dog.
Gastric dilatation-volvulus: Its deep chest exposes it to this life-threatening emergency; splitting meals and avoiding exertion around feeding time are prudent measures.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
Its coat provides it with adequate protection against the cold, but it must have a dry and comfortable bed. In hot weather, intense outings should be scheduled during the cooler hours, with shade and water available. Its low body fat also suggests avoiding prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
The silhouette of the Borzoi must remain lean without becoming thin. The ration is adjusted according to weight, age, activity and body condition, with regular monitoring of the ribs and musculature. Food excesses and strenuous exertion around meals should be avoided, notably because of its deep chest.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Have the hips and eyes checked according to veterinary recommendations.
- Seek urgent consultation in case of a swollen belly or unproductive retching.
- Regularly inspect the ears and maintain the teeth.
- Brush two to three times per week and every day during shedding.
- Adjust exercise during growth and avoid slippery floors.
Vaccination
Borzoi vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Borzoi need? Like all dogs, Borzois should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Borzoi vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on their lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All animals |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughDepending on lifestyle Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisDepending on lifestyle Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult Borzoi booster shots are given annually for leptospirosis and rabies. For distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog's actual risk.
Which boosters does your Borzoi need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing well
Adopting a healthy Borzoi
Before breeding, a hip examination and an ophthalmological check-up are recommended. Veterinary follow-up must also include cardiac evaluation according to the lineage history, as well as digestive vigilance. In the puppy, the veterinarian monitors growth and adjusts energy intake to avoid weight gain that is too rapid.
This information is for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
