Borzoi Care Guide — The Elegant Russian Sighthound

The Borzoi — formerly known as the Russian Wolfhound — is one of the most visually striking dog breeds in existence. Standing 68-85 cm at the shoulder and weighing 27-48 kg, these aristocratic sighthounds were bred by Russian nobility to hunt wolves in open terrain. That heritage shaped a dog with extraordinary speed, a uniquely calm indoor temperament, and a set of health vulnerabilities that every Borzoi owner should understand.

Borzoi are sometimes described as cat-like in their behavior: quiet, independent, clean, and content to lounge for hours between bursts of activity. They are sprinters, not marathon runners. A Borzoi can reach speeds of 58-64 km/h in short chases, but they have neither the interest nor the build for sustained jogging. Understanding this distinction is essential for both exercise planning and feeding.

Bloat: The Number One Emergency

Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), commonly called bloat, is the most acute life-threatening condition Borzoi owners face. The breed's deep, narrow chest makes them one of the highest-risk breeds for this condition, alongside Great Danes and Irish Setters.

In GDV, the stomach fills with gas and rotates on its axis, cutting off blood supply. Without emergency surgery, it is fatal — often within hours. The survival rate even with surgery depends heavily on how quickly treatment begins.

Prevention through daily management:

• Feed two or three smaller meals instead of one large meal. A large single feeding dramatically increases bloat risk.
• No vigorous exercise for 90 minutes before or after eating. This is the single most impactful behavioral change you can make.
• Slow feeder bowls or puzzle feeders to reduce the speed of eating and the amount of air swallowed.
• Avoid elevated bowls — contrary to old advice, a 2006 Purdue study found that raised bowls actually increase bloat risk in large and giant breeds by approximately 110%.
• Keep meals calm. Stress, excitement, or competition with other dogs during feeding increases risk.
• Discuss prophylactic gastropexy with your vet. This surgical procedure tacks the stomach to the abdominal wall, preventing rotation. It can be done during spay/neuter and reduces GDV risk by over 90%.

Eye Health: PRA and Beyond

Borzoi are susceptible to progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), a group of genetic diseases that cause the photoreceptor cells in the retina to deteriorate over time, eventually leading to blindness. PRA is painless and progressive — dogs typically show signs of reduced night vision first, followed by gradually worsening daytime vision.

• Genetic testing: DNA tests are available for several PRA variants. Responsible breeders screen breeding dogs, but if you adopted a Borzoi without health clearances, testing is worthwhile.
• Annual eye exams: A board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist can detect early retinal changes before symptoms appear.
• Nutritional support: Antioxidants (vitamin E, vitamin C, beta-carotene) and omega-3 fatty acids support retinal health. While they cannot reverse PRA, they may slow oxidative damage to retinal cells.

Beyond PRA, Borzoi can develop cataracts and retinopathy. Regular eye examinations starting at age two are recommended.

Joint and Bone Health: OCD and the Sighthound Frame

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) is a developmental orthopedic disease where cartilage in the joints does not convert properly to bone during growth, creating flaps of loose cartilage that cause pain and lameness. Borzoi, as a large, fast-growing breed, are at elevated risk.

OCD most commonly affects the shoulder, elbow, hock, and stifle joints. It typically appears between 4-8 months of age during the rapid growth phase.

• Controlled puppy growth: Feed a large-breed puppy formula with moderate calories and controlled calcium (0.8-1.2% dry matter). Rapid growth is the primary dietary risk factor for OCD.
• Avoid over-supplementation: Extra calcium or vitamin D during puppyhood can worsen developmental bone disease. Do not add calcium supplements to a complete puppy food.
• Moderate puppy exercise: Avoid high-impact activities (jumping, hard running on pavement) until growth plates close, typically around 14-18 months in Borzoi.
• Adult joint support: Glucosamine (750-1,500 mg/day), chondroitin, and EPA/DHA omega-3 support cartilage maintenance throughout life.

Like all sighthounds, Borzoi carry very low body fat. This means their joints bear load without the cushioning that fat provides in heavier-set breeds. Maintaining lean muscle through appropriate exercise and protein intake is the best joint protection strategy.

The Silky Coat: Care and Nutrition

The Borzoi coat is one of their defining features — long, silky, and slightly wavy or curly, with heavy feathering on the chest, legs, hindquarters, and tail. Despite its appearance, the coat is surprisingly manageable compared to breeds like the Afghan Hound, but it does require regular attention:

• Brush 2-3 times per week with a pin brush or slicker brush. Focus on feathering areas where mats form first — behind the ears, armpits, and between the hind legs.
• Bathe every 4-6 weeks or as needed. Use a gentle, pH-balanced dog shampoo. Over-bathing strips natural oils.
• Seasonal shedding: Borzoi blow their undercoat once or twice a year. During these periods, daily brushing prevents matting and reduces hair throughout your home.
• Check ears weekly: The long, feathered ears can trap moisture and debris, increasing infection risk.

Coat quality is directly linked to nutrition. A dull, brittle, or thinning coat is often the first visible sign of nutritional deficiency. Key dietary factors:

• Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids: The building blocks of skin and coat health. Fish oil (EPA/DHA) is the most bioavailable source.
• High-quality protein: Hair is made of keratin, a protein. Inadequate protein intake shows in coat quality before almost anything else.
• Zinc and biotin: Both support healthy skin cell turnover and coat growth.

Exercise: The Sprinter, Not the Marathoner

This is where many new Borzoi owners get things wrong. Looking at their size and athletic build, people assume Borzoi need marathon-level exercise. The reality is quite different.

Borzoi are built for short, explosive sprints — they were bred to sight a wolf and run it down over a few hundred meters, not to jog alongside a horse for hours. Their exercise needs are moderate:

• 30-45 minutes of daily exercise is typically sufficient for an adult Borzoi. This can include walks, off-leash running in a secure area, or play.
• Off-leash access to a fenced area is ideal. Borzoi have an extremely strong prey drive and will chase anything that runs — squirrels, cats, rabbits. They cannot be trusted off-leash in unfenced areas regardless of recall training.
• Lure coursing is the ideal organized activity. It lets Borzoi use their natural chasing instinct in a controlled environment.
• Avoid forced running on hard surfaces. Pavement running is hard on sighthound joints and offers none of the mental satisfaction of a real chase.
• Mental stimulation matters: Despite their calm demeanor, Borzoi are intelligent dogs. Puzzle toys, scent work, and varied walking routes prevent boredom.

Nutrition Essentials for Borzoi

Borzoi share the sighthound metabolic profile — low body fat, fast metabolism, and higher calorie-per-kilogram needs than breeds of similar weight. A 35 kg Borzoi typically needs 1,500-2,200 calories daily, depending on activity level.

Avoid foods with excessive fillers, corn gluten meal as a primary protein, or artificial preservatives. Borzoi benefit from high-quality animal proteins (chicken, lamb, fish, venison) as the first ingredients. Their sensitive digestion means food quality matters more for this breed than for many others.