Most important facts
- Group
- Hound
- Size
- Large
- Weight
- 27–48 kg
- Lifespan
- 9–14 years
- Coat
- Long
- Energy
- Moderate
- Height
- From 68 cm
- Colours
- Any colour
- Shedding
- Moderate
- Est. feeding cost
- ~£53/mo
- Gear to consider
- Slow-feeder or puzzle bowl, well-padded orthopaedic bed, secure long-line lead for safe recall training
Typical dry food, adult
About the Borzoi
The Borzoi was the coursing hound of the Russian aristocracy, bred on grand estates to run down wolves in hunting parties that could field a hundred dogs. The name simply means swift. The Revolution nearly ended the breed along with its patrons, and it survived through dogs already gifted to foreign royalty. It retains the manner of a dog that once had serfs.
Borzois are gentle, dignified and notably quiet, often described as cat-like in their independence. They bond closely with their family, stay reserved with strangers and do best with patient, reward-based training, because harsh handling and repetitive drilling both fail completely.
The sighthound instinct to chase anything fast is fully installed, so secure fencing and careful introductions to small pets are essential. Indoors they settle beautifully, spending much of the day on the softest available surface once the day's sprint has happened.
Common health conditions
Things Borzoi owners commonly watch for. Guidance, not veterinary advice.
Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat)
A deep-chested sighthound at raised risk of this fast-moving emergency. Smaller meals and rest around eating reduce the risk.
Cardiac conditions (including dilated cardiomyopathy)
Some Borzois are predisposed to heart muscle disease, so regular vet checks and a sensible energy density support the heart long-term.
Hip dysplasia and joint wear
A tall frame needs sound joint development, so feed controlled growth as a puppy and joint-supportive nutrition as an adult.
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
An inherited eye condition in some lines causing gradual sight loss. Diet does not influence it, so buy from screened parents.
Sensitivity to anaesthesia and certain medications
Lean sighthounds process some drugs differently, so vets adjust dosing. A correct lean condition helps them manage it safely.
Feeding a Borzoi
A Borzoi carries very little body fat over a deep, narrow chest, which puts it at meaningfully higher bloat risk than most breeds. Split the day's food across two or three meals, keep strenuous exercise an hour clear of eating, and slow a fast eater down with the right bowl.
The natural leanness worries new owners, but a visible waist and tucked abdomen are correct sighthound condition, with ribs easily felt rather than prominently seen. Some are picky eaters, so a palatable, energy-dense complete food at a consistent portion beats a carousel of tempting changes.
Every dog is different — weight, age and activity all shift what a Borzoi needs. The turns these breed tendencies into a shortlist matched to your dog’s age, size, budget and needs.
Typical adult weight
27–48 kg
Est. daily calories
990–2,040 kcal
A broad guide for an average-activity adult in good body condition — not veterinary advice. Real needs vary with age, neutering, activity, health and body condition, so no two Borzois eat exactly the same. Get a personalised estimate or estimate feeding costs.
- Per day
- ~£1.75
- Per month
- ~£53
- Per year
- ~£639
A broad typical monthly budget guide, not a live price quote. Food format, calorie density, pack size and retailer pricing all change the real cost.
Find the right food for your Borzoi
Foods ranked to your dog
Answer a few quick questions and the Food Finder ranks foods to your Borzoi by score, price, life stage and fit.
Breed at a glance
- Exercise needs6/10
- Appetite4/10
- Trainability4/10
- Good with children5/10
- Shedding5/10
- Tolerates being alone5/10
The good & the worth-knowing
The good
- A calm, quiet housemate once exercised
- Gentle and elegant with familiar people
- A long lifespan for a large breed when kept lean
Worth knowing
- The bloat risk makes feeding routine genuinely matter
- A strong chase drive limits off-lead freedom
- The silky coat needs regular brushing
Best matched accessories
All accessories →The collections that suit the breed, judged by the same independent standard.
Common owner questions
How much should I feed my Borzoi to avoid bloat?
Split the daily amount into two or three smaller meals rather than one large one, and keep vigorous exercise an hour clear of eating. The Food Finder can help find a complete food and portion suited to a large, deep-chested sighthound.
Why is my Borzoi so thin-looking even though it eats well?
A visible waist and easily felt ribs are normal, healthy condition for this breed, not underfeeding. If you are unsure, ask your vet to condition-score them alongside your current feeding plan.
Do Borzois need a lot of exercise?
They need daily exercise with the chance of a proper sprint in a secure area, but they are not busy dogs indoors and settle happily once that need is met. A steady routine with matched portions keeps weight and energy in balance. Two sprints a week beat none, and the sofa covers the rest.
Is the Borzoi a good family dog?
They do well with calm, older children who respect their space, but the size, chase drive and sensitivity to rough handling suit quieter households. Early, patient socialisation and a settled routine bring out their best.