Borzoi Characteristics
Life Expectancy: 12 – 14 years
Adult weight: 35 – 65 lbs.
Adult height: 19 – 23.5 in.
Origin – Russia
Borzoi dogs are a member of the Sighthound family. This breed was originally used for hunting wolves in Russia. They are known for their as elegance, grace, and speed. Borzois have a unique appearance; with a long, narrow head, a pointed snout, and eyes that are almond-shaped and dark. Their ears are small and often folded back, and their tails are long and curved.
Borzoi dogs are large dogs, reaching up to about 23.5 inches at the shoulder. Their silky, long coats can be found in a variety of colors, including white, black, tan, and gray. Borzois are gentle and affectionate with their family but can be timid with strangers. While these dogs are not aggressive, they may bark to alert their families of perceived danger.
Borzois require regular exercise but are often not as demanding as other dog breeds. They enjoy long walks and runs but are also happy lounging about the house with their family. They are known for being sensitive dogs that require a lot of attention from their owners. If you are thinking about bringing a Borzois into your home, please keep in mind that they are not recommended for families with small children or small pets because of their naturally strong prey drive.
Overall, Borzois are excellent pets for active families who have time and energy to devote to their needs. They are loyal and affectionate and make great companions. However, potential parents should be aware that their coats take a lot of work to maintain and are very sensitive to harsh training methods.
What is the price of a Borzoi?
The cost of a Borzoi can change depending on multiple factors. Whether or not the puppy you are looking at comes from a reputable breeder and whether the puppy has a champion bloodline are two factors that can have a large impact on the price of the puppy. In addition, the coat color of the Borzoi can also affect the cost.
If you want to add a Borzoi to your family for a more affordable price, adopting is a great way to accomplish this. Adopting your puppy from a shelter or animal rescue organization can significantly lower the cost of bringing this breed into your home. Adopting also provides an opportunity to provide a loving home to a dog in need.
According to the OVMA and Rates, here are the average costs of puppy ownership in Canada.
Buying: $1800 - $2000
The Borzoi price from a breeder can range around $1800 - $2000. In addition to the factors mentioned above, the price of a Borzoi puppy can also change according to the gender of the puppy. Male Borzoi are typically more expensive than females. In regard to coat color, Borzoi with white or cream coasts are often more desirable and more expensive.
Adoption: $50 - $500
The adoption fee for a Borzoi puppy can range around $50 - $500 dollars. Adoption fees often cover the cost of spaying or neutering the puppy, giving them core vaccinations such as the rabies vaccine, and other necessary care.
Adopting a Borzoi puppy is a great way to provide a loving home to a dog in need. At times, the adoption process could require additional time and effort, such as submitting to a home check, but it can also be a very rewarding experience for both puppy and pet parent.
Monthly costs for a Borzoi puppy?
Diets: $17 - $90
The cost of feeding a Borzoi puppy can range depending on the type and quality of food you choose for your new companion. This is about $17 - $90 a month, but some pet parents may find it to be beneficial to purchase in bulk. Nutrition is important to assistant in the proper development of your Borzoi, so prioritize purchasing food that is rich in nutrients. If you are unsure what is best for your puppy, contact your veterinarian to ask for a recommendation.
Grooming: $65 - $100
Due to their thick, luxurious coats, these dogs require regular grooming to help keep their fur healthy and prevent matting. The cost of grooming a Borzoi can cost around $390 to $600 annually, depending on the frequency of grooming and whether or not the owner chooses to groom their dog themselves or take them to a professional groomer. Professional grooming sessions can cost around $65 to $100 per session, with the average Borzoi requiring six sessions per year.
Medical Costs: $65 - $170
During their first year, your Borzoi puppy will likely require 3 – 4 veterinary exams to evaluate their development. The cost of each visit can be about $65 - $170 depending on your location, the services required, and vet fees. It’s important to budget for these expenses to help ensure your Borzoi can get the recommended care to remain happy and healthy.
One-time costs for a Borzoi
Initial Costs: $245 - $925
A Borzoi pet parent can expect to spend around $245 and $925 on supplies for their new puppy. This estimate considers the cost of food and water bowls, a collar and leash, a bed, crate, grooming supplies, training supplies, and sanitary equipment. If you opt for training or socialization courses for your Borzoi, you could expect your cost to be a little higher.
Microchipping: $60 - $70
The cost of microchipping your pet is generally about $60 - $70. This procedure provides an opportunity for you and your furry friend to be reunited if they ever become lost or stolen. If your dog is taken to a shelter or veterinary clinic, their microchip can be scanned and the unique identifier number can give the shelter or staff at a veterinary clinic your contact information so that you can be reunited with your pet.
Vaccinations: $225 - $300
During the first year of a Borzoi puppy's life, vaccinations are important to help ensure they are protected against common diseases. Borzoi puppies typically require three sets of vaccines during their first year. The cost of each can range from about $75 - $100 and generally includes the core vaccinations such as rabies, parvovirus, distemper, and hepatitis.
Miscellaneous:
There may be times as your puppy grows up when you are unable to meet their exercise needs on a daily basis. In these instances, you may benefit from hiring a professional dog walker to ensure your Borzoi is able to have their needs met. Dog walking can cost around $15 - $25 for a 30-minute walk, or $20 - $50 for a 1 hour walk.
Another service that can be beneficial is boarding your pet at a facility or a pet hotel when you are traveling. Generally, the cost for this service can be about $25 - $85 a day. Some facilities offer additional services such as puppy playtime or grooming while your dog is in their care. This can help pet parents have peace of mind, knowing that their puppy is well cared for while they are away.
Lifetime Borzoi Cost $25,495
When considering the lifetime cost of owning a Borzoi, it's important to recognize that this breed requires a significant investment of time, money, and resources. According to recent estimates, the total lifetime cost of owning a Borzoi can range from $12,335 to $42,190, with an average cost of around $25,495.
This estimation includes diet, grooming, veterinary care, medical costs, and initial supplies, as well as unexpected miscellaneous costs. The cost of emergency care services is not included in this estimation, should your pet need it. While the cost of owning a Borzoi may seem expensive, remember that they can provide a lifetime of love, companionship, and joy.
Conclusion
Owning a Borzoi can be an incredibly rewarding experience. These elegant dogs are known for their loyalty, intelligence, and affectionate nature. They make great companions for anyone willing to invest the time, money, and resources needed to care for them properly. In addition to their charming personalities, Borzois are also great watchdogs and can provide an added layer of security for your home. They're great pets for people who enjoy outdoor activities, for example, hiking or running, because they have a lot of energy and love to exercise. Overall, a Borzoi can bring a lot of joy and fulfillment to your life, as long as you're willing to make the commitment.
With 10 years of experience as a pet parent, I aim to empower pet owners with insights into pet insurance and maintaining their pet's well-being. I aspire to be a trusted source, combining knowledge with a commitment to the welfare of our beloved pets.
“Annual Cost of Owning a Puppy,” OVMA, https://www.ovma.org/assets/1/6/CostOfCare%20PuppyDog%202022.pdf, n.d.
“The Cost of Owning a Pet in Canada,” Rates, https://rates.ca/resources/the-cost-of-owning-a-pet-in-canada, n.d.