Borzoi
Trait scores
Health risk profile
Conditions below are ranked by documented prevalence and severity in the Borzoi. Risk level drives both veterinary costs and insurance pricing.
| Condition | Risk | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Bloat (GDV) | high | Deep, narrow chest makes Borzoi high-risk for gastric torsion; know the emergency signs. |
| Cardiomyopathy | moderate | Heart-muscle disease appears in the breed; report exercise intolerance early. |
| Hypothyroidism | moderate | Common in sighthounds; routine bloodwork confirms. |
| Anesthesia sensitivity | moderate | Low body fat requires sighthound-specific protocols; confirm your vet knows them. |
| Osteosarcoma | low | Bone cancer occurs at the elevated rates typical of large sighthounds. |
Pet insurance for a Borzoi
Insurers price a Borzoi from the breed's documented claims profile — here, 1 high-risk condition, led by Bloat (GDV). Enrolling early matters more than shopping hard: no carrier covers a condition once it is diagnosed.
Annual cost of ownership
Excluding insurance, the recurring cost of a Borzoi is driven by how much it eats — which scales with body weight — and how much grooming it needs. At 60–105 lbs and a grooming score of 3/5, the Borzoi sits around the average dog on grooming spend. Chronic conditions from the risk table above can add substantially to the medical side of the budget — one reason breed-matched insurance matters. For the component-by-component breakdown, see the average cost of owning a dog, and model your own numbers with thecost of ownership calculator.
About the Borzoi
The Borzoi is a Russian wolf-coursing sighthound of the aristocracy, all flowing coat and curved lines — and underneath, a sprinter capable of serious speed. Indoors it is one of the quietest, calmest large breeds: a decorative couch companion needing a daily walk plus a weekly chance to run safely. Recall around small animals is effectively nonexistent, and training requires patience with an independent mind. Grooming is moderate for the glamorous look. Suits calm, experienced households with secure space to run.
Origin: Russia
Temperament
Related reading for Borzoi owners
Borzoi FAQ
How long do Borzois live?
The typical Borzoi lifespan is 9–14 years. Diet, weight management, and screening for the breed's known hereditary conditions have the largest measurable effect on longevity.
How much does pet insurance cost for a Borzoi?
There is no published breed-level price for pet insurance, so we do not quote one. NAPHIA's 2026 industry report puts the US average at $836 a year — about $70 a month — for accident-and-illness coverage on a dog, and insurers price above or below that line based on your dog's age, your ZIP code, and the plan you configure. The Borzoi carries 1 documented high-risk condition, which is the main reason a Borzoi policy prices above the national average. For real numbers, request quotes for your dog's exact age and ZIP code.
Is the Borzoi a good apartment dog?
Yes. With an energy level of 3/5 and a large build, the Borzoi adapts well to apartment living provided it gets daily walks.
What health problems are Borzois prone to?
The most significant documented risks are Bloat (GDV), Cardiomyopathy, Hypothyroidism. Ask breeders for the relevant health clearances and budget for insurance early, before any condition becomes pre-existing.