Borzoi: Food, growth, and weight
For Borzoi, use the dog's body condition and growth trend—not a breed number alone—to guide food and weight decisions. Use the individual dog's age, comfort, and recovery to set the pace. Track portions and body condition over time instead of relying on cups or a single weigh-in. Review the trend at a consistent interval rather than reacting to one meal, weigh-in, or photograph.
What the body reference does not tell you
Borzoi's weight is recorded as 75-105 pounds (male), 60-85 pounds (female). Here, that matters because it gives context for the individual dog's body condition, but not a target by itself.
Track the individual dog
- Track portions and body condition over time instead of relying on cups or a single weigh-in.
- Use the weight (75-105 pounds (male), 60-85 pounds (female)) as context, then measure the individual dog's trend rather than changing the plan from the reference alone.
- Review the trend at a consistent interval rather than reacting to one meal, weigh-in, or photograph.
Speak to a vet if
Do not make a therapeutic diet change without a veterinarian.
If this may be a health problem
This page is not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Do not change food, medication, exercise, or care for an individual dog based on this page alone; contact a veterinarian for symptoms, pain, weight change, skin changes, persistent behaviour change, or any urgent concern.
References
Height: 28 inches & up (male), 26 inches & up (female)
AKC page PageMap DataObject > height
Weight: 75-105 pounds (male), 60-85 pounds (female)
AKC page PageMap DataObject > weight
Life expectancy: 9-14 years
AKC page PageMap DataObject > life_expectancy
Grooming: Like any long-coated dog, the Borzoi will shed a bit. In general, a quick brushing every day or two with a pin brush, slicker brush, and/or a comb will remove any loose hair and dirt from the coat. About once a year the Borzoi will shed more heavily for several weeks, and during this shedding season more frequent grooming is needed. Regular baths keep the…
AKC page Grooming > official section copy
Exercise: Even though Borzoi are large, they are graceful, athletic animals who make good housedogs. They do need daily exercise, whether in the form of long walks or running in a securely fenced yard. Being sighthounds, they are apt to chase anything that moves, so they should always be in an enclosed area or on a leash. It is never advisable to allow a Borzoi to…
AKC page Exercise > official section copy
Training: Early socialization and puppy training classes are recommended. Exposing the puppy to positive experiences with a wide variety of people, places, and situations will help him develop into a well-adjusted adult. Borzoi are intelligent and very affectionate with their owners, but are also independent and sometimes stubborn, so training may be a challenge.…
AKC page Training > official section copy
Official breed description: Among the most impressively beautiful of all dogs, the aristocratic Borzoi is cherished for his calm, agreeable temperament. In full stride, he is a princely package of strength, grace, and glamour flying by at 35 to 40 miles per hour.
AKC page About the Breed > official breed description
Recommended parent-club health tests: ['Cardiac Exam', 'Ophthalmologist Evaluation', 'Thyroid Evaluation', 'Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) DNA SOD1A']
AKC page Health > Recommended Health Tests From the National Breed Club
Official breed standard: http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/Borzoi.pdf
AKC page The Breed Standard > View Full Breed Standard
Use the tools