Borzoi or Russian wolfhounds are a sight to behold. Their large size and regal bearing make them very appealing. However, this means it will take a while before they can romp around without supervision. Remember that even six-month-old Borzois need careful watching to prevent injury or escape.
Borzois are prized for their coat, which is very soft and fluffy when it is in prime condition. Brushing its coat every day is necessary to keep the fur clean and manageable.
Here are some other ways to take care of your Borzoi puppy:
Shelter
During the night, it is best to provide your Borzoi with a crate or an enclosed space where it can rest. The space will keep the dog from chewing on electrical cords and prevent it from getting lost under furniture where it may become stuck.
A crate also lets you safely transport your Borzoi by vehicle without the risk of escape. Remember that even when your dog is house-trained, it will still need to go outside to relieve itself since Borzoi is very large and cannot hold its urine very long.
Feeding
Borzoi should be fed once or twice a day to keep them in optimum condition, depending on their age, activity level, and health. Puppies, in particular, need lots of food to grow and develop properly. Do not free-feed your Borzoi. Always put down a set amount of food and remove any leftover after 10 or 15 minutes.
When giving your Borzoi puppy food, it is best to stick to lean proteins, whole grains, and fresh vegetables. Some Borzois can be picky eaters, but most can regulate their caloric intake without problems.
Exercise
As with every breed, Borzois need to be taken on regular walks to keep them healthy and in peak condition; these should start when the dog is seven weeks old. They are not high-energy dogs, so they do not require very long walks, but they will still try to pull on their leash due to their natural desire to roam.
Take your Borzoi to a safe, enclosed area where it can run around and play with you but keep an eye on the dog at all times since it will have no sense of what is too far away from you for safety.
Grooming
Borzoi has soft coats made up of a blend of long and short hairs, making them very easy to groom. Trim the puppy’s nails every month or two. If the dog is not taken out for walks, its nails will need to be clipped more frequently.
You can brush your Borzoi’s teeth yourself with a canine toothbrush and specially formulated toothpaste. Teeth brushing should be done once or twice a week depending on the dog’s eating habits since any food that gets caught in their teeth will lead to tartar build-up over time.
Borzoi has gorgeous eyes, but they are known for becoming clouded by excessive tear production due to allergies or other immune system issues. If your dog’s eyes begin to look cloudy, take it to the vet to determine if there is an infection present and what can be done about it.
Final Thoughts
With careful attention and proper care, your Borzoi will be a wonderful family pet for many years to come.