Breed overview

Borzoi

Elegant to the point of aristocratic, the Borzoi once coursed wolves across the estates of Russian nobility. This giant sighthound moves with breathtaking speed yet lounges like a cat indoors, calm and undemanding once its exercise needs are met. It wants a house with a backyard and 60 to 90 minutes of running in a secure space, since a moving target will trigger its chase instinct instantly. Cooler weather from 10 to 24 degrees suits its silky coat, which sheds moderately. Expect ₹40,000 to ₹80,000, with a lifespan of 10 to 14 years.

Origin: Russia 🇷🇺
Size: Giant Breed
Lifespan: 10 - 14 years
Buying price: ₹40,000 - ₹80,000
Ideal space: House with backyard
Weather: 10 - 24°C
Coat type: Short to Medium Coat

Core Behavioral Traits of the Borzoi

Athletic

Intelligent

Loyal

Playful

Protective

Nutrition

Meal guidance, safe foods, and macro balance.

Nutritional Guide for Borzoi

The Borzoi is a giant sighthound with a deep chest and lean frame, needing around 2,200 calories built on protein near 25 percent to hold muscle over its tall build. Bloat is a leading risk in deep-chested giants, so two or three smaller meals with quiet rest afterward are essential, never one big serving. Keep the silhouette slim, as this is normal and healthy for the breed. Joint support helps the long limbs. A monthly budget of ₹3,000 to ₹4,500 covers the balanced diet this elegant, athletic hound needs.

At a glance

Monthly food cost: ₹3,000 - ₹4,500
Calories per day: 2000 / 2200 kcal

Recommended foods

Cooked deboned chicken providing lean, complete animal protein essential for the Borzoi's muscle repair, coat health, and high daily energy levels.
Premium quality dry kibble formulated for giant breed breeds, delivering balanced macro-nutrients and supporting dental health through mechanical chewing.
Lean fresh meats including turkey, beef, or lamb delivering complete amino acid profiles to sustain the Borzoi's active musculature and metabolic needs.
Fresh fish rich in marine Omega-3 fatty acids that reinforce the Borzoi's brain function, coat condition, joint lubrication, and cardiovascular health.
Lean mutton supplying high-quality protein and iron that supports the Borzoi's red blood cell production, muscle development, and sustained physical activity.

Essential nutrients

High-quality animal protein from chicken, fish, and meat to fuel the Borzoi's high-energy lifestyle and support lean muscle repair
Omega-3 and Omega-6 essential fatty acids to maintain the Borzoi's coat condition, joint lubrication, and cardiovascular health
Complex low-glycemic carbohydrates providing sustained energy release for the Borzoi's daily activity demands
Prebiotic dietary fiber to regulate the Borzoi's bowel transit and support efficient nutrient absorption throughout the digestive system
Fat and water-soluble vitamins to support the Borzoi's immune system, vision, and efficient cellular repair processes
Calcium, phosphorus, and trace minerals to sustain the Borzoi's bone density, dental health, and enzymatic function

Macro breakdown

Protein
25%
High-quality animal proteins from chicken, fish, and meat support lean muscle mass and sustain the Borzoi's high daily energy demands.
Fats
15%
Essential Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids from fish oil maintain the Borzoi's coat condition, joint lubrication, and cardiovascular function.
Carbohydrates
45%
Complex carbohydrates from grains and vegetables provide sustained energy release and digestive fiber for the Borzoi's active lifestyle.
Fibre
5%
Prebiotic dietary fiber promotes smooth intestinal transit and efficient nutrient absorption in the Borzoi.
Vitamins
5%
Fat and water-soluble vitamins support the Borzoi's immune system, vision, and cellular repair processes throughout all life stages.
Minerals
5%
Calcium, phosphorus, and trace minerals maintain the Borzoi's bone density, dental health, and enzymatic function.

Foods to avoid

Coffee / Tea: Caffeine in coffee and tea overstimulates the Borzoi's cardiovascular and nervous systems, triggering rapid heart rate, tremors, and seizures in dangerous doses.
Dairy: Most adult Borzois lack sufficient lactase enzymes, making dairy products a cause of painful bloating, loose stools, and chronic gastrointestinal distress.
Grapes: Grapes and raisins contain unknown nephrotoxic compounds that cause sudden acute kidney failure in the Borzoi, often with no early warning symptoms.
Milk Products: Milk Products is harmful to the Borzoi's metabolic system and must be strictly excluded from its diet to prevent toxicity reactions.
Onions: Onions and related alliums contain thiosulfate that destroys the Borzoi's red blood cells, inducing hemolytic anemia, weakness, and collapse.
Salt: Excessive sodium intake in the Borzoi causes hypernatremia, resulting in intense thirst, neurological damage, and in severe cases, fatal brain swelling.

Prohibited ingredients

Foods with corn, soy, or wheat fillers. They provide very little nutrition and can cause allergies in some dogs. - this additive directly harms the Borzoi's systemic health and organ function.
Artificial colorants and synthetic dye agents like Red 40 and Yellow 5 offer zero nutritional value while triggering dermal sensitivities and intestinal allergic reactions in the Borzoi.
Xylitol and artificial sweetener compounds cause immediate dangerous insulin surges in the Borzoi, leading to acute hypoglycemia and irreversible liver cell destruction.
Excessive sodium and synthetic flavor enhancers in processed pet food spike blood pressure levels in the Borzoi and accelerate the progression of chronic kidney disease.
Low-quality corn, soy, and wheat gluten fillers trigger systemic inflammatory responses in the Borzoi, manifesting as persistent itchy skin rashes and compromised immune function.

Feeding guidelines

Split the daily food into two or three meals with rest to reduce serious bloat risk.
Keep the naturally slim frame lean rather than padded.
Provide quality protein to maintain muscle across the tall sighthound build.
Add joint support to ease the long limbs of this giant breed.

Recommended brands

Royal Canin

Hill's Science Diet

Orijen

Purina Pro Plan

Acana

Health and wellness

Common issues, vaccinations, and daily care.

Healthcare and Preventative Guide for Borzoi

The Borzoi is a graceful giant sighthound needing 60 to 90 minutes of daily activity with space to run. Its documented health risks include bloat and hip dysplasia, so measured meals and joint care matter, plus protection against parasites and heartworm. Like many sighthounds, it is lean and often sensitive to anesthesia, worth flagging to your vet. In India's heat, exercise in cool hours with shade and water, and give a padded bed for the bony frame. Budget roughly ₹1,500 to ₹2,250 monthly for care.

At a glance

Energy level: High
Monthly cost: ₹1,500 - ₹2,250
Exercise: 60 - 90 min/day

Hereditary and Common Health Conditions in Borzoi

Monitor breed-specific hereditary and common conditions with regular veterinary screening.

Bloat: The Borzoi can be predisposed to bloat, requiring regular veterinary monitoring and targeted preventive care protocols.
Hip Dysplasia: The Borzoi can be predisposed to hip dysplasia, requiring regular veterinary monitoring and targeted preventive care protocols.
Parasites: The Borzoi can be predisposed to parasites, requiring regular veterinary monitoring and targeted preventive care protocols.
Heartworm: The Borzoi can be predisposed to heartworm, requiring regular veterinary monitoring and targeted preventive care protocols.

Recommended activities

Allow safe sprinting in a large, securely fenced area.
Try lure coursing to satisfy the sighthound chase instinct.
Take steady cool-hour walks to maintain condition.
Offer gentle recall and obedience work for focus.
Use scent and puzzle games during hot afternoons indoors.

Signs of stress

A swollen, firm abdomen with retching, an urgent bloat emergency.
Limping or difficulty rising that may signal hip dysplasia.
Vomiting, fever, or lethargy suggesting parasites or infection.
Withdrawal beyond this breed's naturally calm reserve.
Loss of appetite or reluctance to move.

Vaccination schedule

Growth stage	Vaccines
Age 6-7 Weeks	DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, and Parainfluenza) and Bordetella (Kennel Cough) to establish protective immunity for the Borzoi
Age 9-10 Weeks	DHPP, Bordetella, and Leptospirosis to establish protective immunity for the Borzoi
Age 12-13 Weeks	DHPP, Leptospirosis, Canine Influenza, and Lyme Disease to establish protective immunity for the Borzoi
Age 15-17 Weeks	DHPP, Rabies, Canine Influenza, and Lyme Disease to establish protective immunity for the Borzoi

General care tips

Feed smaller meals with rest afterward to reduce bloat risk.
Keep heartworm prevention and deworming current.
Provide a well-padded bed for this lean, bony breed.
Flag the possible anesthesia sensitivity before any procedure.
Exercise in cool hours with shade and water on hand.

Senior care

Shift to gentle, shorter outings as stamina fades.
Add joint support and keep the sleeping area soft.
Increase vet visits to catch heart and joint changes early.

Grooming

Coat care, hygiene, and shedding notes.

Keeping Borzoi tidy

The Borzoi's short to medium coat with silky feathering gives this giant breed an elegant appearance that requires thoughtful maintenance. Moderate shedding intensifies seasonally. In India's climate, the long feathering along the chest and legs collects dust and tangles in dry weather, while monsoon humidity makes the coat limp. Grooming runs ₹1,200 to ₹1,800 monthly. Their slender build makes bath time manageable despite the overall size.

At a glance

Shedding level: Moderate Shedding
Monthly cost: ₹1,200 - ₹1,800

Hygiene checklist

A quick weekly brush with a soft curry brush keeps the Borzoi's short to medium coat tidy and stops dust from hanging on after park time.
For the Borzoi, a bath every month or so is usually enough unless rainy weather or outdoor play makes the coat grimy.
Check the ears weekly, especially if the Borzoi spends time in grass, dust, or damp monsoon weather. A quick paw and belly check after active play also helps catch mud or ticks early.
Keep the nails short on the Borzoi; it saves the furniture and keeps the gait smoother on slippery floors.
A few minutes of tooth brushing each week keeps the Borzoi's mouth fresher and the vet visits less dramatic.

Grooming benefits

Keeps loose hair from building up on furniture and clothing around the house.
Makes the Borzoi's coat stay neat without turning grooming into a full-time job.
Helps the skin and coat look healthier in dusty, humid Indian weather.
After active play, gives you an easy chance to spot ear or skin issues before they turn into a problem.
Keeps the dog more comfortable after walks, play, and general daily mess.

Adopt and shop

Buying guidance, adoption guidance, and monthly costs.

Before You Bring Home a Borzoi

Choosing a Borzoi is easier when the setup is honest from the start. The breed is known for being steady and dependable, but it still needs the right environment to settle in properly. A house with backyard usually works better than a cramped setup, and the short to medium coat means you should factor in coat care as well as the upfront price of ?40,000 to ?80,000.

At a glance

Market price: ₹40,000 - ₹80,000

General overview

Make sure the upfront cost of ?40,000 to ?80,000 sits comfortably inside your budget before you move ahead.
Check that your home and routine can support a giant breed dog that suits a house with backyard more naturally than a rushed setup.
Keep the short to medium coat in mind, because coat care and climate comfort are part of the long-term picture.
Ask yourself whether you are ready for a dog whose temperament will need structure and patient handling over a life of about 10 to 14 years.

Buying guidelines

Ask for clear pedigree, age and lineage details so you know exactly what you are paying for in a Borzoi.
Review vaccination, deworming and health records before you agree to the handover, not after.
Visit the breeder or seller in person so you can see how the puppy is housed, handled and socialized.
Make sure the puppy has been checked for common breed concerns and is ready to move into house with backyard living.
If possible, get written support on health and early care so the first few weeks feel more manageable, especially for a short to medium coat and a temperament that leans active.

Adoption guidelines

Check rescue groups and shelters first, because a good match can come from adoption rather than purchase.
Ask for any medical notes, behaviour history and recent vet information so you understand the dog before bringing it home.
Spend time with the dog in person if possible, because temperament and handling are easier to judge face to face than on paper.
Prepare a calm first-week setup with food, water, bedding and a quiet corner, especially if the dog is adjusting to a new house with backyard environment.
A short to medium coat and a personality that tends toward routine and companionship both benefit from a slow, patient start and a vet check soon after adoption.

Monthly expense summary

Monthly care₹5,700 - ₹8,550
Food₹3,000 - ₹4,500
Grooming₹1,200 - ₹1,800
Health₹1,500 - ₹2,250

Frequently asked questions

Common questions about the Borzoi.

What are the common health issues in the Borzoi?

The Borzoi can be prone to conditions such as Bloat, Hip Dysplasia, and Parasites. Not every dog will develop these, but routine veterinary checkups, a balanced diet, and a healthy weight go a long way in early detection and prevention.

How much activity does the Borzoi need?

Plan for about 60 to 90 minutes of activity each day for the Borzoi. This is an energetic breed, so a mix of walks, active play, and mental challenges works best to prevent boredom and restlessness.

Is the Borzoi suited to the Indian climate?

The Borzoi adapts reasonably well to most parts of India, being most comfortable around 10 to 24 degrees Celsius. Even so, provide shade and fresh water through the hottest months and avoid activity during the hottest part of the day. Basic heat precautions keep this dog healthy across Indian conditions.

What is the price of a Borzoi in India?

A Borzoi puppy in India typically costs ₹40,000 to ₹80,000, depending on lineage, breeder reputation, and city. Always choose an ethical breeder who shares health and vaccination records, and consider adoption as a rewarding alternative.

Does the Borzoi need a house with a yard?

The Borzoi is happiest with more room to move and ideally suits a house with a backyard. Access to a secure outdoor space helps it burn off energy, though committed daily exercise can still make apartment life workable for this dog.

Does the Borzoi shed a lot?

The Borzoi has a shedding level described as moderate shedding. Regular brushing helps control loose hair around the home and keeps the short to medium coat in good condition.

Is the Borzoi easy to train?

The Borzoi tends to be quick to learn thanks to its intelligent nature. Short, consistent sessions with positive reinforcement bring the best results, and early socialisation helps this dog grow into a well mannered companion.