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.
Build
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.
Watch points
What to watch 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
Cold and heat tolerance
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
Tendency to gain weight
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.
Daily life
Good habits to keep it 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 vaccines: vaccination schedule
Which vaccines for a Borzoi? Like all dogs, the Borzoi receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. The puppy primary vaccination for Borzoi is given in several injections 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on its lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may complete the protocol with vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary series | First booster | Then | Who for? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All pets |
RabiesLifestyle-based Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughLifestyle-based Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisLifestyle-based 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 diseaseLifestyle-based Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisLifestyle-based 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 vaccine boosters are annual for leptospirosis and rabies; for distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often sufficient after the first booster. Your veterinarian will adjust the schedule to your dog’s actual risk.
Which boosters for your Borzoi?
Enter your companion’s age: we list the vaccines to do now and the next boosters.
Adopting 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 provided for guidance only and does not replace a veterinarian’s advice. If you have any concerns about your pet’s health, consult a professional.
