Bryan McAllister’s personal reference notebook
September 11, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
A quiet encyclopedia with a personal desk
Kept by Bryan McAllister — short guides, clear facts, and the Canadian angle when it matters.
Field Notes • Dogs

Borzoi

The Borzoi is a large Russian sighthound breed developed to hunt wolves and other running game.

Updated September 11, 20261 min readCited sources

The Borzoi is a large Russian sighthound breed developed to hunt wolves and other running game. Formerly known as the Russian Wolfhound, it is noted for its long, narrow head, silky coat, and great speed.

What it is

The Borzoi is a tall, slender dog with a deep chest and long legs, built for speed. It is a sighthound, meaning it hunts by sight and can run at about 35–40 mph. The breed was historically associated with Russian nobility and used for coursing wolves over open ground.

Key details

Males stand 28–32 inches tall and weigh 75–105 lb; females are 26–32 inches and 60–85 lb. The coat is long and silky, often flat, wavy, or slightly curled. Lifespan is typically 9–14 years. The breed is calm and gentle but needs regular exercise.

Why it matters

The Borzoi is recognized by major kennel clubs and is kept as a companion animal and show dog. In Canada, it appears in dog sports like lure coursing and is bred by local enthusiasts. Its history as a wolf hunter makes it a distinctive part of canine heritage.

In short

  • Large Russian sighthound bred for wolf hunting.
  • Known for long, narrow head and silky coat.
  • Calm, gentle temperament but needs regular exercise.
  • Present in Canada as companion and show dog.
Canadian angle

Borzois are present in Canada as companion animals and show dogs, and Canadian readers may encounter them through kennel clubs, breeders, and dog sports such as lure coursing.

Quick questions

What is a Borzoi?
A Borzoi is a large Russian sighthound breed originally developed to hunt wolves and other fast-moving game.
Why is it called a sighthound?
Sighthounds hunt primarily by seeing and chasing prey, relying on speed and vision rather than scent tracking.
How big is a Borzoi?
Adult males are typically 28–32 inches tall, and females 26–32 inches; weights vary by sex and are generally large for the breed.

Sources

  1. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/animal/Borzoi
    Supports: Origin in Russia, sighthound classification, historical use for wolf hunting, physical description, lifespan.
  2. American Kennel Club — https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/borzoi/
    Supports: Breed group, speed, temperament, height, historical use and Russian origin.
  3. American Kennel Club — https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/8-fun-facts-about-the-borzoi/
    Supports: Large size, Hound Group, sighthound type, hunting use, association with Russian aristocracy, name meaning.
  4. Royal Canin — https://www.royalcanin.com/au/dogs/breeds/borzoi
    Supports: Russian origin, aristocratic hunting background, sighthound status, breed history, speed.
  5. PDSA — https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/large-dogs/borzoi
    Supports: Common name Russian Wolfhound, large active breed, temperament and exercise needs.