Borzoi Care & Longevity Guide — The Elegant Russian Sighthound

That elegant, quiet presence — the way your Borzoi might stretch out on the sofa, observing the world with a regal calm — is truly captivating. Formerly known as the Russian Wolfhound, these magnificent dogs stand 68-85 cm at the shoulder and weigh 27-48 kg. Bred by Russian nobility to hunt wolves, their heritage gave them incredible speed, a uniquely serene indoor temperament, and some specific health considerations that, as owners, we want to help you understand.

Many owners describe Borzoi as cat-like: quiet, independent, clean, and happy to lounge for hours between bursts of activity. They are sprinters, not marathon runners. Your Borzoi can reach speeds of 58-64 km/h in short chases, but they don't have the build or the desire for sustained jogging. Knowing this difference is key for planning their exercise and meals, and we're here to help you get it just right.

Bloat: A Top Concern for Borzoi Owners

Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), commonly called bloat, is a serious, life-threatening condition that many Borzoi owners worry about. We know it's a scary thought, but understanding it is the first step in prevention. Your Borzoi's deep, narrow chest puts them at higher risk, similar to Great Danes and Irish Setters.

In GDV, the stomach fills with gas and twists on its axis, cutting off blood supply. Without emergency surgery, it is fatal — often within hours. The survival rate, even with surgery, depends so much on how quickly treatment begins, which is why we care so much about you knowing the signs.

Prevention through daily management:

• Feed two or three smaller meals instead of one large meal. Giving smaller portions throughout the day really helps reduce bloat risk.
• No vigorous exercise for 90 minutes before or after eating. This is the single most impactful behavioral change you can make to keep your Borzoi safe.
• Slow feeder bowls or puzzle feeders are wonderful tools to help your dog eat more slowly and swallow less air.
• Avoid elevated bowls — it might sound counterintuitive, but a 2006 Purdue study found that raised bowls actually increase bloat risk in large and giant breeds by approximately 110%.
• Keep meals calm. We know how exciting mealtime can be, but 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%. It's a conversation worth having.

Keeping Those Beautiful Borzoi Eyes Healthy

Borzoi can be 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. We know it's tough to think about, but 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. Good breeders screen their dogs, but if your Borzoi came to you without health clearances, testing is definitely a worthwhile step to take.
• Annual eye exams: Regular check-ups with a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist can catch early retinal changes before symptoms even appear, giving you peace of mind.
• Nutritional support: Antioxidants (vitamin E, vitamin C, beta-carotene) and omega-3 fatty acids are wonderful for supporting retinal health. While they cannot reverse PRA, they may help slow oxidative damage to retinal cells.

Beyond PRA, Borzoi can also develop cataracts and retinopathy. We recommend regular eye examinations starting at age two to keep a close watch on their vision.

Supporting Those Long Limbs: Joint and Bone Health

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) is a developmental orthopedic disease where cartilage in the joints doesn't convert properly to bone during growth, creating flaps of loose cartilage that can cause pain and lameness. Because Borzoi are a large, fast-growing breed, they are at an elevated risk, and we want to help you prevent this where possible.

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

• Controlled puppy growth: This is key! Feed a large-breed puppy formula with moderate calories and controlled calcium (0.8-1.2% dry matter). We know what works — rapid growth is the primary dietary risk factor for OCD.
• Avoid over-supplementation: It's tempting to add more, but extra calcium or vitamin D during puppyhood can actually worsen developmental bone disease. Please do not add calcium supplements to a complete puppy food.
• Moderate puppy exercise: Let's keep those growing joints safe. Avoid high-impact activities (jumping, hard running on pavement) until growth plates close, typically around 14-18 months in Borzoi.
• Adult joint support: As they grow, glucosamine (750-1,500 mg/day), chondroitin, and EPA/DHA omega-3 are wonderful for supporting cartilage maintenance throughout life.

Like all sighthounds, Borzoi naturally 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, and we care about helping you achieve that for your Borzoi.

That Magnificent Silky Coat: Keeping it Beautiful

That long, flowing, silky coat is truly one of your Borzoi's most defining and beautiful features — with its elegant waves and heavy feathering on the chest, legs, hindquarters, and tail. While it looks luxurious, it's actually surprisingly manageable compared to breeds like the Afghan Hound, but it definitely thrives with regular attention:

• Brush 2-3 times per week with a pin brush or slicker brush. Pay special attention to those beautiful feathered areas where mats love to form first — behind the ears, armpits, and between the hind legs.
• Bathe every 4-6 weeks or as needed. Always use a gentle, pH-balanced dog shampoo. We know it's tempting, but over-bathing can strip those natural oils.
• Seasonal shedding: Borzoi will "blow" their undercoat once or twice a year. During these times, daily brushing is your best friend for preventing matting and keeping excess hair around your home to a minimum.
• Check ears weekly: Those long, feathered ears are gorgeous, but they can trap moisture and debris, which increases infection risk. A quick check each week makes a big difference.

Just like with us, your Borzoi's coat quality is directly linked to what they eat. A dull, brittle, or thinning coat is often the first visible sign that something might be missing nutritionally. Here are some key dietary factors we know make a difference:

• Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids: These are the essential building blocks for healthy skin and a beautiful coat. Fish oil (EPA/DHA) is the most bioavailable source, and we often recommend it.
• High-quality protein: Your Borzoi's hair is made of keratin, a protein. If protein intake isn't quite right, you'll often see it in their coat quality before almost anything else.
• Zinc and biotin: Both of these are wonderful for supporting healthy skin cell turnover and vibrant coat growth.

Exercise: Your Borzoi is a Sprinter, Not a Marathoner!

We often see owners surprised by this, but it's a common misconception! Looking at their size and athletic build, it's easy to assume Borzoi need marathon-level exercise. The reality, however, is wonderfully different.

Borzoi are truly 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 actually quite moderate, and we can help you plan for them:

• 30-45 minutes of daily exercise is typically sufficient for an adult Borzoi. This can be a lovely walk, some off-leash running in a secure area, or fun playtime together.
• Off-leash access to a fenced area is truly ideal. Borzoi have an incredibly strong prey drive and will chase anything that runs — squirrels, cats, rabbits. For their safety, they cannot be trusted off-leash in unfenced areas, no matter how good their recall training is.
• Lure coursing is the perfect organized activity. It lets your Borzoi use their natural chasing instinct in a safe, controlled environment, and they absolutely love it!
• Avoid forced running on hard surfaces. Pavement running is hard on those sighthound joints and just doesn't offer the mental satisfaction of a real chase.
• Mental stimulation matters: Even with their calm demeanor, Borzoi are intelligent dogs. Puzzle toys, scent work, and varied walking routes are wonderful ways to prevent boredom and keep their minds engaged.

Nourishing Your Borzoi: What They Truly Need

Borzoi share that unique sighthound metabolic profile — low body fat, a fast metabolism, and higher calorie-per-kilogram needs than breeds of similar weight. For example, a 35 kg Borzoi typically needs 1,500-2,200 calories daily, depending on their activity level. We know what works to keep them fueled and healthy!

When choosing food, we recommend avoiding excessive fillers, corn gluten meal as a primary protein, or artificial preservatives. Your Borzoi will truly benefit from high-quality animal proteins (like chicken, lamb, fish, venison) as the first ingredients. Their sensitive digestion means food quality matters even more for this breed than for many others, and we care about helping you find the best.