Overview
Bred by the Russian aristocracy to course wolves and hares across open steppe, the Borzoi is one of the tallest sighthounds, with a long curved body, a narrow head and a flowing coat. It is calm, sensitive and somewhat cat-like in temperament, reserved with strangers and affectionate with its own people.
Sighthounds hunt by sight, and the Borzoi's eyes are tuned to movement at a distance. A rabbit three fields away is enough. That instinct shapes how you walk the dog more than anything else, and most sighthound owners accept that their dog will never be reliably off lead in open country.
Exercise and walking needs
About an hour and a quarter a day, split between a long lead walk and a chance to run flat out in a secure field, keeps a Borzoi fit. They do not want endless mileage; a couple of hard sprints a week and steady walking suit them.
Growing Borzoi should not be over-exercised or allowed to run hard on slopes, because the breed matures slowly. Older dogs keep the sprint but need longer to warm up.
On the walk
- Recall: Good until something runs. Then it is gone. Treat open spaces as lead-only unless the owner has shown you a secure field.
- Lead: Sighthounds have narrow heads and slip standard collars. Use a sighthound collar or a harness and keep the lead fixed, not retractable.
- Other dogs: Polite and often uninterested, though small fast dogs can trigger a chase. Watch greetings with terriers and toy breeds.
- Sensitivity: Borzoi are thin-skinned in both senses. Loud correction upsets them and rough play on hard ground leaves cuts.
Tips for professional walkers
- Walk at the dog's natural pace, a long easy stride, and give it a chance to sprint somewhere safe once or twice a week.
- Check the coat and feet for grass seeds after a run; the feathering collects them.
- Keep the dog warm in wet, windy weather; a thin frame loses heat fast.
- Avoid walking straight after a meal; deep-chested breeds and full stomachs do not mix.
What to ask the owner
- Where does the dog run safely, and is there a secure field you can use?
- Any history of bloat or stomach problems, and how long after feeding should you wait?
- How does the dog react to cats and small dogs, and has it ever caught anything?