Pic - Borzoi rescue - link below. If you are considering getting one of these beautiful dogs, do talk to a Breed Rescue first and foremost. In addition to pairing dogs to the right home, they have a wealth of information on the breed and can help you find the right dog for you. https://www.rescueborzoi.org/
Borzei
General
The Borzoi one of the more stunning, elagent dogs around, and one can easily imagine them out hunting with the nobality and royalty, and later lying regally at their feet! They do look at bit like a Greyhound with a long coat.
The breed are Sight hounds, and originated from Russia where they were used for hunting, mostly rabbits, foxes, hares and wolves. Often 2 or 3 of them were run together. Another sport where they are very popular is that of Coursing. This is where a dog chases a mechanical operated lure - just like greyhound racing. Actually, if you take away the silky, longish coat, the breed looks very much like a Greyhound.
The Borzoi one of the more stunning, elagent dogs around, and one can easily imagine them out hunting with the nobality and royalty, and later lying regally at their feet! They do look at bit like a Greyhound with a long coat.
The breed are Sight hounds, and originated from Russia where they were used for hunting, mostly rabbits, foxes, hares and wolves. Often 2 or 3 of them were run together. Another sport where they are very popular is that of Coursing. This is where a dog chases a mechanical operated lure - just like greyhound racing. Actually, if you take away the silky, longish coat, the breed looks very much like a Greyhound.
Is this the right dog for you?
This beautiful dog requriesnot only exercise and a large garden to run in, it needs to be able to run free as often as possible. Seeing a Borzoi, in a flat out gallop, with all 4 paws off the ground, is really beautiful to observe.
They make great family pets, are friendly, but not overly so, and can be a bit shy. All dogs should attend puppy socialization, and due to the shyness, and often aloffness this dogs can show, don't miss puppy school and keep up the socialization.
If you have small animals in the home (even small dogs), then avoid this breed at all costs - they were born to chase and hunt and that is exactly what will happen, if you have small critters around the home.
Being a working dog, the Borzoi tends to be independent, and training can be a bit frustrating. Make sure you use positive reinforcement methods, and rather train is short time period to keep the interest and fun aspect going.
More than other dogs, this breed likes routine and does not like change.
As beautiful as it coat is, it does tend to shed, so if you do not have time for this then not for you.
Should you have 2 of the same, or 2 pups together?
On average the Borzoi gets on well with other dogs, however, it is always a good idea to attend puppy school and further socialization as the breed can be shy.
When it comes to which sex get on better, your best bet is one male and one female (both sterilized), or 2 males together. Never two females. The vast majority of the time two females will get on well until about 8 - 9 months of age and thenm fighting for position tends to occur. When males have the odd altercation, it tends to be over quickly, but with females, it just intensifies and often the only solution is for one of the females to be rehomes. This is not just for this breed, but in general.
Having two pups from same litter is not a good idea. Most people think that the pups will be happier with a playmate and won’t fight if they are family.Your pup should be at least 5 months old, before you consider bringing in another pup. This allows the pups to grow to their full potential and not become over dependent on one another. The truth of the matter is that your two pups are likely to:
Bond with each other to the exclusion of you
On average the Borzoi gets on well with other dogs, however, it is always a good idea to attend puppy school and further socialization as the breed can be shy.
When it comes to which sex get on better, your best bet is one male and one female (both sterilized), or 2 males together. Never two females. The vast majority of the time two females will get on well until about 8 - 9 months of age and thenm fighting for position tends to occur. When males have the odd altercation, it tends to be over quickly, but with females, it just intensifies and often the only solution is for one of the females to be rehomes. This is not just for this breed, but in general.
Having two pups from same litter is not a good idea. Most people think that the pups will be happier with a playmate and won’t fight if they are family.Your pup should be at least 5 months old, before you consider bringing in another pup. This allows the pups to grow to their full potential and not become over dependent on one another. The truth of the matter is that your two pups are likely to:
Bond with each other to the exclusion of you
- Will stress without the other dog being around
- Fight with each other
- Be more destructive and boisterous
- Two pups together often leads to one being more assertive and the other more submissive. This could well end up in a situation where the more submissive dog will never develop its full potential.
- Mature later
On average they get on well with other dogs.
On average they get on well with other dogs, but should be well socialized when a pup and this kept in place. Small dogs, especially in the home should be avoided, as the prey instinct can easily set in.
On average they get on well with other dogs, but should be well socialized when a pup and this kept in place. Small dogs, especially in the home should be avoided, as the prey instinct can easily set in.
Do they get on with other animals?
No, the hunting instinct is just far too strong.
No, the hunting instinct is just far too strong.
Are they good with children?
If this breed is introduced to kids as a pup an do bed they are part of the home, then they do well, on average. They do not take to rough play and as they are a large breed (although very elegant), they will do better with older kids that will not get knocked down so easily.
If this breed is introduced to kids as a pup an do bed they are part of the home, then they do well, on average. They do not take to rough play and as they are a large breed (although very elegant), they will do better with older kids that will not get knocked down so easily.
Health
Are there any special health problems in Borzoi? In general, Borzoi tend to be remarkably Overall they are healthy dogs, and surprising for being a giant breed, are not big eaterst.
They are prone to bloat and for this reason should not have heavy exercise at least 1 hour before eating and 1 - 2 hours after eating. Also avoid them drinking large amounts of water at once. For dogs prone to bloat, they do better with 2 - 3 smaller meals through out the day.
On occasion both hip and shoulder dysplasia can occur, as well as Osteochondritis Dissecans, and Progressive Retinal Atrophy.
The majority of Sighthounds seem to be very sensitive where anesthetics are concerned and we have supplied you with a link to find out why.
“In today’s age, with the rising cost of veterinary care, it really is a wise decision to consider medical insurance for your pets. Depending on the plan you choose, you can ensure that if your pet does develop one of the health issues the breed is prone too, that you will be covered –additionally, just knowing that any accident your pet may have will be covered, will out-weigh the monthly insurance fee for most pet owners. Our own personal choice is Genricpet as they have a ‘no limit’ policy and their rates are comparable to the rest of the industry. To find out the questions and things to look for in a Medical Insurance, please just follow this link”
Are there any special health problems in Borzoi? In general, Borzoi tend to be remarkably Overall they are healthy dogs, and surprising for being a giant breed, are not big eaterst.
They are prone to bloat and for this reason should not have heavy exercise at least 1 hour before eating and 1 - 2 hours after eating. Also avoid them drinking large amounts of water at once. For dogs prone to bloat, they do better with 2 - 3 smaller meals through out the day.
On occasion both hip and shoulder dysplasia can occur, as well as Osteochondritis Dissecans, and Progressive Retinal Atrophy.
The majority of Sighthounds seem to be very sensitive where anesthetics are concerned and we have supplied you with a link to find out why.
“In today’s age, with the rising cost of veterinary care, it really is a wise decision to consider medical insurance for your pets. Depending on the plan you choose, you can ensure that if your pet does develop one of the health issues the breed is prone too, that you will be covered –additionally, just knowing that any accident your pet may have will be covered, will out-weigh the monthly insurance fee for most pet owners. Our own personal choice is Genricpet as they have a ‘no limit’ policy and their rates are comparable to the rest of the industry. To find out the questions and things to look for in a Medical Insurance, please just follow this link”
Do’s and Dont’s
Do’s
Don’t
Do’s
- Do get your pup from a KUSA registered breeder and do read the articles on Breeders and also choosing a pup
- Sterilize at approximately 6 months of age. Mention to your vet that this breed is sensitive to anesthetics as a safeguard.
- Do take your pup for socialization - pups should start at 8 weeks of age and this should not be missed - lays the foundation for future social interactions.
- Do continue the socialiazation - keeps solid social skills in place
- Give daily, regular exercise
- This breed must have access to a large, fenced area to run in, which must be secured with a high fence - they can clear 6 foot easily.
- Supply chew toys and mental stimulation when left alone.
- Allow your dog to be part of the family
- Give regular brushing and annual vacs.
- Take your dog for basic training and keep simple house rules in place
Don’t
- Exercise this dog off lead in an area that is not securely fenced off with a high fence.
- Don't use aversive training methods.
- Leave this breed outside alone – behaviour problems will develop