How long does a Borzoi (Galgo Ruso) live?

The life expectancy of the Borzoi (Galgo Ruso) is 9-14 años. A good diet, adequate exercise, annual veterinary check-ups and preventive care can help reach the upper end of that range.

How much does a Borzoi (Galgo Ruso) weigh?

An adult Borzoi (Galgo Ruso) weighs between 25-48 kg, depending on its sex, genetics and condition. It is grande.

Where does the Borzoi (Galgo Ruso) breed come from?

The Borzoi (Galgo Ruso) originates from Rusia. Recognised by the FCI. Originating from Russia. An aristocratic Russian sighthound.

How much exercise does a Borzoi (Galgo Ruso) need?

The Borzoi (Galgo Ruso) has media energy. **Exercise:** long walks + off-lead sprints in a safe area.

Who is the Borzoi (Galgo Ruso) NOT recommended for?

It isn't the right breed for: Households with rabbits/cats. Extreme climates without a coat. It's important to choose a breed that's compatible with your lifestyle.

Can it live in a flat, being so large?

Surprisingly, yes. At home it is calm, clean and almost sedentary (a 'couch athlete'). The condition is giving it daily walks and, above all, opportunities to run at full gallop off-lead in a fenced area.

Can it live with cats or rabbits?

It is very risky. It was bred to hunt wolves and its prey drive is extremely high. With small animals at home it is not advisable, and it must never be off-lead where it could give chase.

Why must you flag that it is a sighthound before anaesthesia?

Greyhounds and sighthounds have little body fat and metabolise certain anaesthetics differently, with greater sensitivity. Always state the breed so the team uses an adapted protocol.

Yes. Despite its long coat, its lean body with barely any fat makes it sensitive to intense cold and damp. A coat in winter and a warm shelter are advisable.

It is intelligent but independent and sensitive, more like a cat than an obedient dog. It learns with positive reinforcement and respect, but do not expect blind obedience or a reliable recall with a hunting stimulus in front of it.

Breed profile

Borzoi (Galgo Ruso)

Aristocratic Russian sighthound. A wolf hunter on the steppes. Long silky coat. Dignified, silent character. Excellent in a flat (yes, surprisingly) if it is walked well every day.

Origin: Rusia Size: Grande Lifespan: 9-14 años Energy

Foto: Wikipedia Commons · CC BY-SA

Ideal for

✓Calm families
✓Flats with daily walks + sprints
✓Households without small animals

Reconsider if

×Households with rabbits/cats
×Extreme climates without a coat

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Is the Borzoi (Galgo Ruso) a good match for you?

Indicative rating from 1 (low) to 5 (high).

Suitable for flats

Suitable for first-timers

Good with children

With other dogs

With cats

Tolerates being alone

Energy level

Ease of training

Shedding level

Grooming needs

Tendency to bark

Tolerates heat

Tolerates cold

💶 Estimated cost of ownership

70-110 €/month

Feeding 40-60 €, brushing/occasional grooming 8-15 €, antiparasitics 10-15 €, veterinary provision 18-30 €. Budget for a winter coat and bear in mind the extra cost of monitored anaesthesia.

History and origin

Recognised by the FCI. Originating from Russia. An aristocratic Russian sighthound.

Temperament and character

Calm at home but an athlete outdoors. Reserved with strangers. Very high prey drive. Affectionate and sensitive with its family.

Living together

Children: good with respectful ones. **Other dogs:** sociable with its own type. **Cats/rodents:** high prey drive, NO.

Life stages of the Borzoi (Galgo Ruso)

Each stage has its own care priorities. Life expectancy: 9-14 años.

Puppy

0-15 months

Controlled growth of the large sighthound; exercise in safe areas due to its strong chase instinct; socialisation.

Young

1.5-3 years

Controlled gallops; split meals and rest after eating (risk of torsion); anaesthetic caution.

Adult

3-7 years

Weight control, cardiac health and protection from the cold; general check-ups.

Senior

7+ years

Cardiological and oncological monitoring (osteosarcoma); joint support.

Care

Exercise: long walks + off-lead sprints in a safe area.

Brushing: brief, weekly.

Coat in winter: yes, little fur and little body fat.

Vet: annual check-up + watch for anaesthetic sensitivity.

Care in detail

🍽️ Nutrition

Quality large-breed food split into several meals (bloat prevention). It is naturally slender: do not mistake its lean figure for being underweight.

✂️ Grooming

Long, silky coat that needs brushing 2-3 times a week to prevent knots in the feathering, ears and tail; seasonal moult.

🎓 Training

Independent, sensitive and dignified: no harsh methods. Positive reinforcement and patience. Its prey drive is extreme, so never off-lead outside a fenced area.

🏃 Exercise

Daily walks plus sprints in a safe, fenced area; calm and almost sedentary at home, but it needs to run at full gallop regularly.

Breed-specific health

Documented anaesthetic sensitivity. Mild heart conditions. Life expectancy 9-14 years.

🩺 Health predispositions of this breed

Conditions this breed is more predisposed to. Knowing about them helps with prevention and early detection. A predisposition does not mean the animal will develop them.

🆘Torsión gástrica (dilatación-vólvulo)💔Cardiomiopatía dilatada 🦴Osteosarcoma (cáncer de hueso)

Common diseases in dogs

Learn the symptoms, prevention and when to see the vet. Reviewed indicative information that does not replace a veterinary consultation.

🐾Dermatitis atópica 🍄Tiña (dermatofitosis)🦟Alergia a la picadura de pulga (DAPP)🤢Gastroenteritis ☠️Parvovirosis canina 🆘Torsión gástrica (dilatación-vólvulo)

See all 158 diseases in the health guide

Screening and prevention for the Borzoi (Galgo Ruso)

Recommended tests and screenings

✓Anaesthetic protocol for sighthounds (documented sensitivity to anaesthetics)
✓Cardiological assessment/echocardiography (heart conditions, arrhythmias)
✓Monitoring for gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat)
✓Orthopaedic assessment for lameness (risk of osteosarcoma in large breeds)

Prevention

Always flag the sighthound before any anaesthesia, split meals to prevent bloat and protect it from extreme cold due to its low body fat. Keep vaccination and deworming up to date.

Check-up schedule

Annual check-up with cardiac monitoring; two visits a year from the age of 7. Discuss the anaesthetic protocol before any surgery.

Warning signs

!Swollen abdomen with unproductive retching (bloat: EMERGENCY)
!Fainting, coughing or exercise intolerance (heart)
!Persistent lameness or swelling in a limb
!Exaggerated reactions or slow recovery after sedation/anaesthesia

Borzoi (Galgo Ruso) gallery

Foto de la raza borzoi — Foto: Wikimedia Commons

Frequently asked questions about the Borzoi (Galgo Ruso)

How long does a Borzoi (Galgo Ruso) live?: The life expectancy of the Borzoi (Galgo Ruso) is 9-14 años. A good diet, adequate exercise, annual veterinary check-ups and preventive care can help reach the upper end of that range.
How much does a Borzoi (Galgo Ruso) weigh?: An adult Borzoi (Galgo Ruso) weighs between 25-48 kg, depending on its sex, genetics and condition. It is grande.
Where does the Borzoi (Galgo Ruso) breed come from?: The Borzoi (Galgo Ruso) originates from Rusia. Recognised by the FCI. Originating from Russia. An aristocratic Russian sighthound.
How much exercise does a Borzoi (Galgo Ruso) need?: The Borzoi (Galgo Ruso) has media energy. **Exercise:** long walks + off-lead sprints in a safe area.
Is the Borzoi (Galgo Ruso) good with children?: **Children:** good with respectful ones. **Other dogs:** sociable with its own type. **Cats/rodents:** high prey drive, NO.
Who is the Borzoi (Galgo Ruso) NOT recommended for?: It isn't the right breed for: Households with rabbits/cats. Extreme climates without a coat. It's important to choose a breed that's compatible with your lifestyle.
What health problems does the Borzoi (Galgo Ruso) have?: Documented anaesthetic sensitivity. Mild heart conditions. Life expectancy 9-14 years.
Can it live in a flat, being so large?: Surprisingly, yes. At home it is calm, clean and almost sedentary (a 'couch athlete'). The condition is giving it daily walks and, above all, opportunities to run at full gallop off-lead in a fenced area.
Can it live with cats or rabbits?: It is very risky. It was bred to hunt wolves and its prey drive is extremely high. With small animals at home it is not advisable, and it must never be off-lead where it could give chase.
Why must you flag that it is a sighthound before anaesthesia?: Greyhounds and sighthounds have little body fat and metabolise certain anaesthetics differently, with greater sensitivity. Always state the breed so the team uses an adapted protocol.
Does it get cold?: Yes. Despite its long coat, its lean body with barely any fat makes it sensitive to intense cold and damp. A coat in winter and a warm shelter are advisable.
Is it easy to train?: It is intelligent but independent and sensitive, more like a cat than an obedient dog. It learns with positive reinforcement and respect, but do not expect blind obedience or a reliable recall with a hunting stimulus in front of it.