At a glance
Basic requirements and commitment level
Daily requirements
Context & compatibility
Is this right for you?
Common scenarios where this breed tends to fit well or less well
A good match
- Can offer secure sprint time and calm indoor routines
- Prefer leash-first habits outside fenced areas
Not ideal
- Have free-roaming small pets that run
- Prefer an off-leash lifestyle outside fenced areas
Care & health
Setup, routines, and health considerations
Care overview
Elegant and calm indoors, then suddenly explosive outdoors—often gentle, sensitive, and independent rather than eager-to-please. Prey drive can be strong and selective.
Environment & space
A secure fenced area for safe sprinting is ideal. Apartment life can work if you can reliably provide run outlets and protect quiet downtime.
Daily routine
Daily walks plus occasional full-speed runs in a safe space, with training kept calm and low-drama.
Health sensitivities
Owners often plan for deep-chested bloat awareness, careful conditioning, and sensitivity to extremes of temperature.
Grooming / coat
Moderate grooming—regular brushing helps manage feathering and seasonal shedding.
Background
Origins and how that history shapes what you see today
Origin region
Russia
Background
Refined in Russia over centuries as a coursing hound, the Borzoi was built to chase fast game across open ground with speed and efficiency. The long frame is made for sprinting, not tight maneuvering. In modern homes, many are quiet and gentle indoors, then shockingly fast outdoors—especially if something runs.
Social & behavior
Temperament and interaction style
Personality & activity
Quiet indoors, fast outdoors—classic sighthound contrast. Often prefers calm routines and space over busy environments.
Handling & social style
Reserved with strangers and not usually into rough play. Gentle, light handling works better than tight restraint.