Appearance

“The Borzoi should always possess unmistakable elegance, with flowing lines, graceful in motion or repose,” states the AKC standard for this breed. Borzoi are aristocratic dogs, with long heads and long tails. Their ears lie back on the neck, but will stand up to an erect position when the dog is alert. They have a curved back and narrow, but deep chest. Their coats are long and very silky and come in all colors and patterns. A thick ruff of curly hair around the neck is characteristic of this breed.

Size and Weight

Borzoi are tall, graceful dogs who stand between 26 and 32 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 55 and 105 pounds. The average weight for females is 70 pounds, while males average in at 90. Regardless of weight, Borzoi should always be graceful and light on their feet.

Coat and Color

Borzoi sport long, silky coats that come in any color or combination of colors in the canine rainbow. Some have flat hair, while others have wavy hair and still others sport curls. The hair is always short and smooth over the head, ears and front of the legs and a thick frill of hair grows around the neck. Borzoi have feathering on the tail and rear.

Grooming Needs

Borzoi should be brushed weekly to keep the coat healthy, manageable and mat-free. Groomers recommend using a pin brush on this breed, as wire slicker brushes can damage the coat. They shed lightly throughout the year and heavy during the change of seasons, so more brushing may be required in the Spring and Fall months. Borzoi are clean dogs whose coats naturally deflect dirt and only require baths on an as-needed basis.

Regular ear and teeth cleanings will keep harmful bacteria from building up in the ear canal and mouth leading to infections or bad breath. Nails need to be trimmed once or twice a month.