Borzoi
Elegant. Ancient. Fully unbothered by your schedule.
Borzois are quiet, dignified, and gentle — classic sighthound aloofness paired with a calm indoor presence. They're not big barkers and tend to observe rather than react. That calm exterior flips the moment something fast-moving catches their eye; the prey drive is real and immediate.
Borzois typically live 9–14 years. Bloat is a significant risk given their deep chest. Heart conditions appear in the breed at notable rates. Like Greyhounds, Borzois metabolize anesthesia differently due to very low body fat — any vet performing a procedure should be made aware of this. Hip dysplasia is less common here than in many large breeds.
A lean, visibly athletic build is normal for this breed, not a sign of underfeeding — resist the urge to add weight to a dog that's supposed to look this way. Quality protein and bloat-conscious meal structure (smaller meals, calm periods around eating) matter given their build and risk profile.
Borzois are gentle with respectful kids and calm as an indoor presence. Their strong prey drive makes small pets a genuine risk in the household, and secure fencing is essential given their speed and sighthound instincts.
Like the Greyhound, this is a couch potato with a switch — elegant and serene at home, but the prey drive is real and recall in open space isn't reliable once it's triggered. Unlike short-haired sighthound cousins, the Borzoi's coat requires genuine, ongoing grooming commitment, which surprises people expecting a low-maintenance dog based on the breed's calm temperament.
How much exercise does a Borzoi need?
The Borzoi has moderate physical activity needs and low mental stimulation needs.
What size is a Borzoi?
The Borzoi is a large breed.
How much grooming does a Borzoi need?
The Borzoi has high grooming needs.
Is a Borzoi easy to train?
The Borzoi is independent-minded, which can make training more challenging.
Is the Borzoi a good choice for first-time owners?
The Borzoi is best suited to owners who already have some dog experience.
Is a Borzoi apartment-friendly?
The Borzoi can live in an apartment, as long as it gets enough daily exercise.
How long does a Borzoi live?
The Borzoi typically lives 9–14 years.
General references for further reading. For your own dog, always check with your veterinarian.