Borzoi

Borzoi are quiet, gentle, and independent, more likely to curl up on the couch than beg for attention, though they're affectionate on their own terms. They tend to do best with owners who appreciate a dignified, low-drama companion rather than a dog that craves constant interaction.

They're sprinters, not joggers, short bursts of explosive speed followed by long naps. A securely fenced yard for zoomies plus daily leashed walks covers their needs, but that sighthound chase instinct means off-leash time should be limited to safely enclosed areas.

The long, silky coat needs brushing two to three times a week to prevent mats, especially around the ears, tail, and britches, with more frequent attention during seasonal shedding. Otherwise they're fairly clean dogs that don't need frequent bathing.

Smart but independent-minded, Borzoi respond better to patient, reward-based methods than repetition or firm corrections, they can get bored or shut down if training feels like a drill. Early socialization helps, and a strong recall is nearly impossible to guarantee given their instinct to chase.

Like many deep-chested breeds, they're at risk for bloat (gastric torsion), so feeding smaller meals and avoiding vigorous exercise right after eating helps. They can also be sensitive to anesthesia due to low body fat, so it's worth discussing sighthound-specific protocols with your vet.

Borzoi need space to stretch their legs and a securely fenced area, their prey drive means small pets and off-leash freedom near roads don't mix well with this breed.