Borzoi Health and Costs
Breed Group
Hound Dogs
Country of Origin
Russia
Breed Size
Giant
AKC Recognition
Yes, recognized in 1891
FCI Recognition
Yes, recognized in 1956
Rarity
Common3 / 10
Purchase cost
Moderate to Expensive6 / 10
Life expectancy
Moderate Lifespan6 / 10
Health
Moderate health concerns4 / 10
Health problem risk
Average health burden5 / 10
Maintenance cost
Moderate upkeep cost4 / 10
A Veterinarian's Guide
Borzoi Health Problems and Costs
The Borzoi is a tall, lean, elegant sighthound, and that build explains most of its health profile. Their deep chests raise the risk of bloat, and their low body fat changes how they handle anesthesia. Knowing both before a first visit can spare you a stressful surprise.
Why does anesthesia need extra thought?
PetMD notes that sighthounds, Borzoi included, are slower to recover from general anesthesia and heavy sedatives. Wikipedia adds that lean muscle mass and low body fat affect how drugs are distributed in the body. This is not a reason to avoid anesthesia when a dog needs it, but it is worth a conversation with your veterinarian before any spay, neuter, dental cleaning, or surgery. Mention that your dog is a sighthound so the plan can account for it.
Also tell any new clinic that visible ribs and a lean waist are normal for the breed, so a healthy Borzoi is not mistaken for an underweight one.
Why is bloat such a concern?
PetMD calls bloat the most common serious problem in Borzoi. In gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) the stomach fills with gas and twists, and the Merck Veterinary Manual treats it as a life-threatening emergency.
A swollen or tight belly, unproductive retching, restlessness, drooling, or sudden collapse needs an emergency veterinary visit right away. Do not wait to see whether it passes.
- 1
Feed smaller meals
Two to three meals a day are usually preferred over one large meal.
- 2
Rest around meals
Avoid vigorous exercise for about an hour before and after eating.
- 3
Ask about a gastropexy
This procedure tacks the stomach to the body wall so it cannot twist, and it can be done during a spay or neuter, which means one anesthetic instead of two.
What should I know about the heart and thyroid?
The AKC health-testing list for hounds names four tests for Borzoi: a cardiac exam, an ophthalmologist evaluation, a thyroid evaluation, and a DNA test for degenerative myopathy, an inherited disease that affects the spinal cord. A study of clinically healthy Borzoi cited on Wikipedia found heart murmurs in more than half of the dogs and cardiac disease in a smaller share, so a yearly heart check by your veterinarian is reasonable. An echocardiogram, an ultrasound of the heart, can follow if a murmur is found.
What about eyes and joints?
PetMD lists progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), an inherited eye disease in which the retina deteriorates and leads to blindness. There is no treatment, but PetMD notes that blind dogs can still live long, healthy lives, and keeping furniture and bowls in the same places helps. PetMD also names hip and elbow dysplasia, joint malformations that can cause pain and arthritis, along with osteochondritis dissecans, a cartilage problem seen mostly in fast-growing large puppies. Stiffness after rest or reluctance to jump is a reason for an exam.
What can care cost?
Large dogs cost more for medication, imaging, and anesthesia, so it helps to plan ahead. The ranges below are rough planning figures and vary by region and clinic.
| Item | Rough range |
|---|---|
| Yearly wellness visit with bloodwork | $250 to $450 |
| Emergency bloat surgery | $3,000 to $7,500 |
| Hip or elbow management | $500 to $4,000 or more |
| Cardiac exam | $150 to $400 per visit |
| Eye workup for vision loss | $200 to $600 |
Because bloat surgery is the largest single bill, many owners read about whether pet insurance is worth it while the puppy is young and healthy.
What should I ask a breeder?
Ask for results of the four AKC-listed tests, cardiac, eye, thyroid, and degenerative myopathy DNA, for both parents. Ask whether relatives have had bloat, heart murmurs, or vision loss, and meet a parent if you can. Health-tested puppies often cost more upfront, which is small next to many of the costs above.
How does daily life affect health?
The long, silky coat tangles around the ears and hindquarters, and mats can irritate the skin, so steady brushing helps. Our grooming profile covers the routine. The breed's quiet, reserved nature is described in the personality profile, and the training profile covers how to guide a sensitive sighthound. Keep your Borzoi lean but not underweight, and take it for regular walks on a secure lead or in a fenced area.
What is the long-term outlook?
PetMD gives a lifespan of 9 to 14 years, and a 2024 UK study cited on Wikipedia found an average of about 12 years. Yearly checkups, a lean body, and early attention to changes in breathing, vision, or movement support a long, comfortable life.
Final Thoughts From a Veterinarian
Borzoi usually live 9 to 14 years. Ask breeders about heart, eye, and thyroid testing, tell every clinic about sighthound anesthesia sensitivity, and learn bloat's warning signs. Your veterinarian can tailor a plan.
Health & Costs FAQ
How much do Borzoi cost?
Purchasing a Borzoi puppy from a reputable breeder typically costs between $1,000 and $3,000, though some lineages exceed $5,000. Adoption fees range from $150 to $600. Prospective owners should also budget $300 to $550 for initial supplies and consider significant costs for secure fencing.
Purchase cost: 6 / 10
How long do Borzoi live?
Borzoi usually live 9 to 14 years, and a 2024 UK study found an average of about 12 years. A lean body, yearly checkups, and early attention to changes in breathing, vision, or movement support a longer life.
Life expectancy: 6 / 10
Are Borzoi healthy dogs?
Borzoi have a few important risks tied to their anatomy. Their deep chests make bloat an emergency to know about, and they recover more slowly from anesthesia than many breeds. Cardiac, eye, thyroid, and degenerative myopathy testing is recommended for breeding dogs.
Health: 4 / 10
What health problems do Borzoi have?
Borzoi are prone to life-threatening bloat and are slow to recover from anesthesia. They can also develop hip and elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and heart disease. Regular veterinary screening helps with early detection.
Health problem risk: 5 / 10
Are Borzoi expensive to maintain?
Borzoi have moderate upkeep costs. Their long, silky coats need regular brushing, and large dogs cost more for food and medication. Possible bills for bloat or joint problems are worth planning for.
Maintenance cost: 4 / 10
How much does it cost to own a Borzoi per month?
Monthly ownership costs for a Borzoi typically range from $150 to $250. This covers high-quality food, which can be expensive for such a large breed, plus insurance, routine vet care, and grooming supplies. Owners should also budget for unexpected medical expenses and professional grooming services.
Monthly ownership cost: 4 / 10
How much does pet insurance cost for a Borzoi?
Pet insurance for a Borzoi typically costs between $35 and $70 per month, depending on age, location, and coverage limits. Because bloat surgery can be costly, many owners enroll while the dog is young and healthy.
Pet insurance cost: 4 / 10
Will homeowners insurance cover a Borzoi?
Most homeowners policies are likely to cover Borzoi, since they are not commonly named on restricted breed lists. Individual insurers may still consider size, so check with your provider to confirm liability coverage.
Homeowners insurance difficulty: 8 / 10
Are Borzoi on insurance restricted breed lists?
Borzoi are not commonly named on insurance restricted-breed lists, though policies vary by insurer. Check with your provider and disclose your dog to avoid claim problems.
Insurance restriction risk: 3 / 10
Can you get renters insurance with a Borzoi?
Renters insurance with a Borzoi is likely available, since the breed is not commonly restricted. Always disclose your dog to your insurer and check your lease for size or weight limits.
Renters insurance difficulty: 8 / 10
