How to Care for a Borzoi

The Borzoi, also known as the Russian wolfhound, originated in Russia as a hunting dog, chasing game such as wolves and hares with agility and speed. The Borzoi is a calm and gentle breed, reserved with strangers. They are tall, lean and graceful, with a long silky coat in brindle, black, tan, grey or lemon. This sight hound is best suited to a home with a large, fenced yard.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Feed your Borzoi high quality, high nutrition food. They like food rewards.

2. Groom. The coat is easy to maintain. Daily brushing and regular bathing are grooming requirements. The Borzoi sheds his undercoat in the spring and sheds again in the fall.

3. Exercise regularly. The Borzoi loves to run. Sight hounds have speed and have a desire to chase a moving object.

4. Crate train your Borzoi from puppyhood to establish territorial boundaries. Put the dog dish in the crate. Praise your Borzoi when they use the crate.

5. Begin basic obedience training like heeling, sit and come. Choose a class that uses positive reinforcement. Borzois are intelligent and quickly become bored with training. They will open gates and even doors. Work with the dog yourself for 10 to 15 minutes several times a day.

6. Provide proper socialization. Take them riding in the car with you. Let them play with other puppies.

7. Arrange for regular check-ups with the veterinarian.

Tips & Warnings

• Borzois are thin dogs that need soft bedding.
• Brush the teeth to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
• The most common ailment for a Borzoi is bloat.
• The Borzoi is a gentle dog that likes praise. Do not yell or send him to a training class that uses loud, stern commands.