Borzoi

A Borzoi’s coat is lovely and fluffy, but they’ll need you to help control the shedding. Consider it some healthy bonding time while you brush.  

• Bathing: Borzoi don’t usually need haircuts, but they will need your help getting a bath. Their silky coat resists dirt naturally, so bathe them only once a month to avoid stripping any natural oils (unless they get super dirty). Use a dog-approved blow dryer to get rid of loose hair and keep them dry.   
• Brushing: Brush your dog at least once or twice a week with a pin brush, followed by a comb. They tend to shed heavily once a year, when you’ll need to brush them daily. Pay special attention to the fur around their ears, as it tends to get matted. 
• Dental care: Brush your dog’s teeth every day with a dog-safe toothpaste. It’s a good idea to start when your Borzoi puppy is young so they get used to the experience. You’ll also need to have their teeth professionally cleaned once a year. 
• Nail care: Trim your dog’s nails once a month. If you can hear the nails clacking on hard surfaces when they walk, it’s time to pull out the nail clippers.  

Start with some basic obedience training—like sit, stay, and come—as soon as you bring your Borzoi home. 

They’re very smart dogs, so if it takes them a while to get the hang of things, it’s not for lack of intelligence, but more so because they are independent-minded. Sight hounds were originally bred to hunt independently, so a Borzoi’s ancestors didn’t take cues from human friends.   

Your Borzoi will learn best if you’re consistent and patient with their lessons. Aim for two- or three-minute training sessions, and avoid drills and too many repetitive actions that might bore them.  

Always use positive reinforcement—praise, special dog treats, and favorite toys—to teach your pup how to be on their very best behavior. 

Regular socialization with other dogs and people, as well as introducing your Borzoi to new places, will help your pup acclimate to polite society. These social interactions give your dog a chance to explore a variety of environments and situations, all of which they’ll probably come to love (even if they’re introverted).  

There’s no one-size-fits-all nutrition plan for your Borzoi, but every dog needs a complete and balanced diet that meets AAFCO standards.  

It’s important to choose a diet for your dog’s life stage (puppy, adult, or senior). A large-breed diet is probably a good choice for your dog, especially for Borzoi puppies who need proper nutrition to support their quick growth. Ask your vet what they recommend.  

It’s also important to talk to your vet about bloat in dogs. Big pups with deep chests, like the Borzoi breed, are at risk for this life-threatening condition. But the good news is that you can take proactive steps to reduce the chance of bloat by: 

• Not letting your dog exercise for two hours before and after eating
• Putting your dog’s food in a slow feeder bowl or food-dispensing toy to stop them from scarfing too quickly
• Placing your dog’s food bowl on the floor (not elevating it)
• Feeding your Borzoi at least two meals per day instead of one big meal

Your Borzoi is a runner—and you’re not going to be able to keep up. These speedy canines can reach speeds of up to 40 mph, so they need a place where they can expend all that energy on their own. A fenced yard is ideal for these pups.  

That doesn’t mean they don’t need you, though—on the contrary. They love walks, playtime, and runs (and will politely reduce their speed so as not to embarrass you). Plan about spending an hour a day exercising with them, but be wary of dog parks, as these tall dogs might chase after smaller friends.  

Keep your Borzoi on a leash when you’re out. If they see a squirrel across the street, they’re going to sprint to get to him, so make sure they’re secure.  

Dedicate an hour every day to your Borzoi’s exercise needs. Mix it up with plenty of walks, running, and playtime. For competitive sports, your dog might also enjoy flyball and agility trials. 

If you live alone and worry your Borzoi might be lonely with just the two of you, don’t give it another thought. This introverted canine is happy to keep their inner circle very small—as long as they get the exercise and affection they need.  

A house with a fenced yard, however, is a must. This big dog breed needs room to run, and the hour of exercise you’ll do together each day isn’t enough to satisfy their need to run wild on their own.  

It’s not that Borzoi can’t get along well with children, but more so that kids might mistake this pup for a very pretty pony they can goof around with. If your kids know how to gently interact with dogs and understand that they don’t like to be pulled on or ridden, you could all be a big, happy family.   

As for strangers, if you’re an extroverted dinner party host with regular boisterous guests, this might not be your soul pup. Borzoi are exceptionally loyal to their families, but they might not get the appeal of having lots of strangers around. Who can blame them when they’ve already got their favorite people in the world 24/7?