Borzoi dog: aristocratic beauty or the most overrated breed?

The borzoi dog: elegance or just impractical fluff?

The borzoi dog is one of those breeds that turns heads. With its long, flowing coat and regal posture, it looks like it stepped straight out of a 19th-century painting. It’s a dog that screams elegance, sophistication, and high society. But here’s the real question: is the borzoi actually a good dog to own, or is it just an overhyped status symbol for people who like aesthetics more than practicality?

Because let’s be honest—this dog is not for everyone. It’s big, it’s independent, and it has quirks that could drive the average dog owner insane. Yet, borzoi enthusiasts will tell you it’s the best breed in the world, no debate allowed. So what’s the truth? Is the borzoi dog an underrated gem, or is it just an expensive headache wrapped in fur?

The borzoi dog personality: independent genius or stubborn nightmare?

One of the most common things people say about the borzoi dog is that it’s intelligent. But there’s a catch: intelligence in dogs doesn’t always mean they’re easy to train. The borzoi is smart in the way that a cat is smart—it knows exactly what you want but doesn’t necessarily care.

This is a sighthound, bred for hunting wolves in Russia. That means it has two instincts deeply ingrained in its DNA: to chase anything that moves and to make its own decisions. Unlike a Labrador, which will happily perform the same trick a hundred times just to please you, the borzoi dog has a different mindset. If it doesn’t see the point of what you’re asking, it simply won’t do it. And no, it doesn’t care if you have treats.

For some, this independent spirit is charming. For others, it’s frustrating beyond belief. Imagine calling your dog at the park, only to watch it give you a dignified glance before trotting off in the opposite direction at 40 miles per hour. That’s the borzoi experience.

Living with a borzoi dog: the dream vs. the reality

Let’s get one thing straight: owning a borzoi dog is not like owning a normal pet. It’s more like having a temperamental aristocrat lounging in your house.

• Space is a necessity. This is not an apartment dog. A borzoi needs room to stretch its long legs and, ideally, a securely fenced area because once it starts running, good luck catching it.

• It sheds like a nightmare. That luxurious coat? It doesn’t maintain itself. If you’re not ready to deal with constant brushing and fur everywhere, this is not your breed.

• It’s delicate but dramatic. Borzois have an oddly fragile build for a dog that used to hunt wolves. They can be prone to injuries and are known for having zero pain tolerance. A minor scratch? Tragic. A stubbed paw? Absolute devastation.

• It loves comfort. If you think your borzoi will be content lying on a basic dog bed, think again. These dogs seek out luxury. They will claim your couch, your bed, and anything remotely soft.

The borzoi dog’s social skills: aloof or just misunderstood?

People who don’t know the borzoi dog often assume it’s snobbish. It’s not a dog that rushes up to strangers, wagging its tail with enthusiasm. Instead, it observes. It takes its time. Some would say it acts more like royalty, choosing who is worthy of its attention.

But that doesn’t mean the borzoi isn’t affectionate. It bonds deeply with its family—on its own terms. It’s not needy, but it does appreciate quiet companionship. Think of it like that friend who prefers deep conversations over small talk. It may not always seem eager to please, but when a borzoi loves you, it does so in a way that feels almost poetic.

The biggest mistake people make when getting a borzoi dog

The biggest mistake? Assuming that just because it’s beautiful, it must be a good pet for anyone. The borzoi dog is not a breed you get because it looks cool. It has very specific needs and personality traits that can be a disaster in the wrong home.

This is not a dog for first-time owners. It requires patience, a solid understanding of dog behavior, and a willingness to adapt to its independent nature. If you want a dog that will obey commands without hesitation, you’re better off with a Border Collie. If you want a dog that will stay close to you at all times, a borzoi is not that dog.

Too many people fall in love with the look of the breed without considering the reality of owning one. That’s why shelters occasionally see borzois given up by owners who weren’t prepared for what they signed up for.

L'avis de Aristopattes: Is the borzoi dog worth the hype?

At Aristopattes, we don’t believe in sugarcoating things. The borzoi dog is not for everyone, and that’s okay. If you want an obedient, easygoing dog, this isn’t your breed. But if you appreciate a dog with elegance, intelligence, and a mind of its own, then the borzoi can be an incredible companion.

That said, this is a breed that demands respect. It’s not here to perform for you. It’s not going to roll over on command just because you have a treat in your hand. It is, in every way, a noble creature that expects to be treated as such.

So is the borzoi dog overrated? Not if you know what you’re getting into. But if you’re looking for a traditional, eager-to-please pet, you might want to admire this breed from afar.