Russian Wolfhound
Breed Description

The Russian Wolfhound is known by several names across different regions and kennel organizations. Most commonly, this breed is referred to by its Russian name "Borzoi," which translates to "swift" or "fast" in Russian, directly referencing the breed's remarkable speed and agility. In historical contexts, the breed was sometimes called the Russian Hunting Sighthound or Psovaya Borzaya, with "Psovaya" referring to the wavy or silky coat texture characteristic of the breed. In parts of Europe, particularly during the 19th century, the breed was occasionally referenced as the Russkaya Psovaya Borzaya. The name "Russian Wolfhound" was predominantly used in English-speaking countries, particularly in America and Britain, before kennel clubs standardized breed nomenclature in the early 20th century.

The Russian Wolfhound stands as one of the most elegant and aristocratic of all dog breeds, combining breathtaking beauty with remarkable athleticism. This large sighthound presents a picture of grace and power, built for explosive speed over short distances while maintaining the stamina necessary for extended pursuits across the Russian steppes. The breed's distinctive silhouette features a long, narrow head with a slightly arched skull, dark eyes that convey intelligence and gentleness, and small ears that lay back along the neck when at rest. The Russian Wolfhound's body construction demonstrates its purpose as a coursing hound, with a deep chest providing ample lung capacity, a pronounced tuck-up at the abdomen, and a back that rises in a graceful arch over the loin. The breed's legs are straight, fine-boned yet strong, culminating in hare-like feet that provide excellent traction during high-speed pursuits.

One of the most striking features of the Russian Wolfhound is its luxurious coat, which flows along the body in soft, silky waves or gentle curls. The coat is flat and straight on the head, ears, and front of the legs, while growing longer and more profuse on the neck, chest, hindquarters, and tail, forming an elegant ruff and feathering that accentuates the dog's movement. This double coat provides protection against harsh weather conditions while contributing to the breed's regal appearance. The Russian Wolfhound comes in virtually any color or combination of colors, though white with colored markings is particularly common, as are shades of tan, red, gray, black, and various brindle patterns.

In temperament, the Russian Wolfhound embodies a fascinating contradiction of traits that makes the breed both challenging and rewarding for the right owner. At home, these dogs are typically quiet, calm, and somewhat cat-like in their demeanor, often seeking out comfortable spots to lounge and observe their surroundings with an air of dignified detachment. They form deep bonds with their families and can be surprisingly affectionate, though they express their love in subtle, gentle ways rather than through exuberant displays. The breed possesses an independent streak that stems from centuries of working at a distance from hunters, making decisions about pursuit and capture without direct human guidance. This independence should not be mistaken for aloofness or lack of attachment; rather, Russian Wolfhounds simply maintain a sense of self-possession that some find refreshingly different from more overtly demanding breeds.

The breed's hunting heritage remains strong in the modern Russian Wolfhound, and owners must remain mindful of the powerful prey drive that can activate instantaneously when the dog spots something moving quickly in the distance. This instinct is not aggression but rather an hardwired response to chase, and it can make off-leash exercise dangerous in unfenced areas. The Russian Wolfhound's incredible speed, which can reach 35-40 miles per hour, means that once in pursuit, the dog can cover ground with alarming rapidity. This same prey drive necessitates careful introduction to smaller pets, as cats, rabbits, and other small animals may trigger the chase response despite extensive socialization efforts.

Russian Wolfhounds possess a sensitive nature that responds poorly to harsh training methods or raised voices. They are intelligent dogs capable of learning quickly, but they require patient, positive reinforcement-based training that respects their somewhat reserved personality. The breed tends to be somewhat aloof with strangers, not fearful but rather discerning in their affections, taking time to warm up to new people. This reserved quality makes early and extensive socialization important to ensure the dog develops appropriate confidence in various situations. Despite their large size, Russian Wolfhounds are generally gentle and quiet indoors, making them surprisingly adaptable to various living situations provided their exercise needs are adequately met.

American Kennel Club (AKC)

The AKC standard for the Russian Wolfhound emphasizes a large, graceful sighthound built for speed and endurance. The general appearance should convey an aristocratic elegance combined with strength and power. The head is long and narrow, refined in proportion to the body, with a barely perceptible stop. The skull is slightly domed, and the muzzle is long with a slight arch over the nose. The eyes are dark, positioned well set back, and obliquely placed. Ears are small, pointed, and carried back against the neck. The neck is slightly arched, powerful, and free from throatiness. The topline demonstrates a graceful arch over the loin, creating the characteristic curved back profile. The chest is narrow and deep, reaching to the elbows. The abdomen is well tucked up. Forelegs are straight and parallel when viewed from the front, with elbows neither in nor out. The feet are hare-shaped with well-arched toes. The hindquarters show well-developed muscle with a pronounced angulation at the stifle and hock. The tail is long, set low, and carried in a graceful curve. The coat is long, silky, flat, wavy, or curly. At the head, ears, and front legs, the coat is short and smooth; on the neck, the frill is profuse and curly; on the chest, hindquarters, and tail, there is long feathering. Any color or combination of colors is acceptable. Males should be decidedly masculine without coarseness, while females are decidedly feminine without being refined to the point of fragility. The minimum height at withers for males is 28 inches, for females 26 inches. Movement should be graceful, flowing, and seemingly effortless, with the ability to transition instantly to tremendous speed.

Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)

The FCI standard for the Russian Wolfhound describes the breed as a large, elegant sighthound of aristocratic appearance with a harmonious build, a long body, and a dry, lean musculature. The height at withers for males is 75-85 cm, for females 68-78 cm, with weight for males ranging from 35-48 kg and females 27-40 kg. The behavior and temperament should be quiet and balanced, with keen sight and quick reaction. The head is long, narrow, and aristocratic, with a barely perceptible stop. The skull is narrow, slightly rounded, and elongated. The muzzle is long, with a slight Roman nose. The jaws are powerful with a perfect scissor bite. The eyes are large, expressive, dark brown or hazel, with an oblique placement and close-fitting lids. The ears are small, thin, mobile, and set high, carried backwards along the neck in repose. The neck is long, muscular, slightly arched, and without dewlap. The body is slightly longer than the height at withers. The withers are not pronounced. The back forms a long, muscled arch, more pronounced in males. The croup is long, wide, and slightly sloping. The chest is deep, reaching to the elbows, moderately wide with rounded ribs. The underline shows a pronounced tuck-up. The tail is set low, long, with abundant feathering, carried in a sickle or saber curve. The forequarters have shoulders placed obliquely with muscular development. The legs are straight, lean, and parallel when viewed from front. The hindquarters show good muscular development with broad thighs. The hock joints are clean and well angulated. The feet are narrow, oval, with tightly knit arched toes. The coat consists of soft, silky, wavy or in large curls, sometimes forming feathering. On the head, ears, and front of legs, the hair is short and close-lying. On the neck, the coat is longer and forms a frill. Any color or combination of colors is permissible.

United Kennel Club (UKC)

The UKC standard for the Russian Wolfhound presents the breed as a large, elegant, and powerful sighthound that demonstrates grace in motion and structure. The breed should present a picture of aristocratic nobility combined with strength and speed. The head is long and lean, creating a distinctive profile with a slight Roman nose. The skull is flat and narrow, with a barely noticeable stop. The muzzle is long, deep, and powerful. The teeth meet in a scissors or level bite. The eyes are dark, large, and almond-shaped with an intelligent, gentle expression. The ears are small and fine-textured, lying along the neck when relaxed. The neck is slightly arched, powerful, and well-muscled without excess skin. The body is slightly longer than tall when measured from point of shoulder to point of buttocks. The topline shows an arch over the loin, characteristic of the breed. The withers blend smoothly into the back. The chest is deep but not broad, extending to the elbows. The ribs are well-sprung. The abdomen shows considerable tuck-up. The tail is long, set on as a continuation of the croup, and carried low with a gentle curve. The forequarters feature shoulders laid back to allow for efficient stride. The forelegs are straight and parallel when viewed from any angle. The pasterns are strong and slightly sloping. The hindquarters are powerfully muscled with a well-bent stifle and strong hocks. The feet are hare-like, with tightly held arched toes and thick pads. The gait demonstrates the breed's coursing heritage with a powerful drive from the rear and smooth reach from the front, appearing effortless even at high speeds. The coat is long and silky, flat, wavy, or slightly curly. The hair is short on the head, ears, and front of legs, while longer hair forms a frill on the neck, feathering on the hindquarters, and full feathering on the tail. All colors and color combinations are acceptable and judged equally.

Other Organizations

The Kennel Club (UK) maintains a standard very similar to the FCI, as both organizations work in coordination for international breed standards. The breed is classified in the Hound Group and recognized for its distinctly aristocratic appearance. The Canadian Kennel Club follows standards closely aligned with the AKC, emphasizing the breed's elegant build and flowing movement. Various national kennel clubs throughout Europe follow the FCI standard with only minor variations in interpretation. The Russian Kynological Federation, representing the breed's country of origin, maintains detailed standards that emphasize traditional type and working ability alongside conformation. These standards place particular emphasis on the breed's silhouette, movement efficiency, and coat texture, considering these features essential to breed type. Historical preservation societies focused on traditional Russian hunting breeds also maintain documentation of original breed characteristics, though these organizations typically do not host competitive shows. Regardless of the specific organization, all standards agree on the fundamental characteristics that define the Russian Wolfhound: aristocratic elegance, tremendous speed capability, a distinctive silhouette featuring the arched loin, silky feathered coat, and gentle yet independent temperament.

The Russian Wolfhound traces its ancestry to medieval Russia, where coursing hounds were developed to hunt wolves, foxes, and hares across the vast Russian steppes. The exact origins of the breed remain somewhat obscured by history, though most canine historians believe the Russian Wolfhound descended from Arabian sighthounds crossed with longer-coated Russian breeds to create a dog capable of withstanding harsh Russian winters while maintaining the speed and hunting instinct necessary for pursuing game. Documentation from the 17th century describes coursing hounds used by Russian nobility that closely resemble the modern Russian Wolfhound in both appearance and function.

By the 18th and 19th centuries, wolf coursing had become the sport of Russian aristocracy, with grand hunting estates maintaining kennels of Russian Wolfhounds specifically for this purpose. These hunts were elaborate affairs involving dozens of dogs, horses, and hunting attendants. The typical hunt involved tracking wolves with scent hounds, then releasing pairs or trios of Russian Wolfhounds to pursue, overtake, and hold the wolf until hunters arrived. This method required dogs of exceptional courage, speed, and strength, as wolves are formidable opponents capable of inflicting serious injury. The Russian nobility took great pride in their kennels, with some estates housing over a hundred dogs. Breeding programs during this era focused on developing dogs with the perfect combination of speed, stamina, and hunting ability, while maintaining the elegant appearance that marked them as companions to the aristocracy.

The breed's fate became precarious following the Russian Revolution of 1917, as the dogs were associated with the aristocracy that had been overthrown. Many Russian Wolfhounds were killed during this period, and breeding programs within Russia were largely abandoned. The breed survived largely due to dogs that had been exported to Western Europe and America during the latter half of the 19th century, when Russian Wolfhounds became fashionable among European and American nobility. The Duchess of Newcastle in England maintained one of the first and most influential kennels outside of Russia, importing dogs directly from Russian breeding programs during the 1840s. These dogs formed the foundation stock for British breeding programs.

The Russian Wolfhound arrived in America during the late 19th century, with the first documented imports occurring in the 1880s. American fanciers were immediately captivated by the breed's aristocratic appearance and gentle nature. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed as the Russian Wolfhound in 1891, with the name later being changed simply to its Russian designation, though enthusiasts of the breed's history still use the traditional name. Early American breeding programs drew on both Russian and British stock, working to establish consistent type while maintaining the breed's working abilities. The breed gained popularity among wealthy Americans who appreciated both its aesthetic beauty and its connection to Russian imperial history.

Throughout the 20th century, the Russian Wolfhound transitioned from a working hunting dog to primarily a companion and show dog, though some enthusiasts continued to maintain the breed's coursing abilities through lure coursing competitions and other performance events. The breed has never achieved mass popularity, remaining somewhat rare compared to many other breeds, which has helped preserve breed type and temperament. Dedicated breeders have worked to maintain the breed's health, structure, and gentle temperament while continuing to honor its heritage as a coursing hound. Modern Russian Wolfhounds can be found competing in conformation shows, lure coursing, and other performance events, while also serving as elegant companions in homes around the world. The breed's history as a companion to Russian nobility continues to influence its dignified demeanor and aristocratic bearing, reminding owners of its distinguished heritage every time they observe their dog moving with characteristic grace and elegance.

The Russian Wolfhound was originally developed as a coursing hound, specifically bred to pursue, overtake, and hold large game such as wolves and foxes across the open Russian terrain. Unlike scent hounds that track prey by following ground scent trails, Russian Wolfhounds hunt primarily by sight, using their exceptional vision to detect movement from great distances before launching into pursuit. This method of hunting, called coursing, relies on the dog's incredible speed and ability to close the distance rapidly while following the prey's turns and evasive maneuvers. The Russian Wolfhound's physical structure perfectly suits this function, with long legs providing stride length, a deep chest offering lung capacity for sustained running, and flexible spine allowing the characteristic double-suspension gallop that maximizes speed.

In traditional Russian wolf hunts, Russian Wolfhounds worked in pairs or trios, approaching from different angles to trap and confuse their quarry. Once the wolf was overtaken, the dogs would seize and hold it without killing, waiting for the mounted hunters to arrive and dispatch the wolf. This required not only courage and physical strength but also intelligence and self-control, as the dogs needed to be aggressive enough to hold a dangerous predator while being tractable enough to work cooperatively and respond to their handlers. The breed's combination of independent decision-making during the chase and willingness to work with human direction made them uniquely suited to this demanding task.

While wolf coursing is now primarily a historical pursuit, the Russian Wolfhound's functional abilities continue to be demonstrated through modern lure coursing competitions. In these events, dogs chase an artificial lure across a field, following a predetermined course designed to test their speed, agility, and enthusiasm for pursuit. Russian Wolfhounds often excel in these competitions, demonstrating the same coursing instincts that made them effective hunting dogs centuries ago. The breed's movement in full pursuit remains breathtaking to observe, with the powerful rear drive propelling the dog forward while the neck extends to track the quarry, creating the characteristic sighthound profile.

In the modern era, the Russian Wolfhound's function has largely transitioned to that of companion animal, though many owners maintain their dogs' physical conditioning and mental stimulation through various performance activities. The breed can participate successfully in obedience, though their independent nature and sensitive temperament require training approaches that differ from methods effective with more biddable breeds. Some Russian Wolfhounds have found success as therapy dogs, as their calm, gentle nature and striking appearance can provide comfort and interest to people in hospitals, nursing homes, and similar facilities. The breed's quiet demeanor and moderate exercise requirements make them surprisingly well-suited to this work, provided they receive appropriate socialization and conditioning to various environments.

The Russian Wolfhound can also serve effectively as a companion for runners and cyclists, enjoying the opportunity to stretch their legs and move at higher speeds while accompanying an active owner. However, this must be approached carefully, as the breed's prey drive means they require secure containment and cannot be trusted off-leash in unfenced areas where they might spot something to chase. The breed's size and strength also mean that proper leash training is essential before attempting to exercise them alongside human activities. When their need for speed and physical activity is appropriately met through safe outlets, Russian Wolfhounds demonstrate the full range of their functional heritage while adapting successfully to contemporary lifestyles, proving that ancient working abilities can coexist harmoniously with modern companion roles.

The Russian Wolfhound exhibits a behavioral profile that reflects its heritage as both a working hunter and aristocratic companion. At home, these dogs typically display a calm, quiet demeanor that surprises many people who expect a more energetic temperament from such a large dog. Russian Wolfhounds often spend much of their indoor time lounging on comfortable surfaces, observing household activities with an air of dignified interest rather than active participation. This cat-like quality extends to their choice of resting spots, as Russian Wolfhounds frequently seek out elevated perches such as sofas or beds where they can survey their territory from a comfortable vantage point. Despite their substantial size, they move through the house with surprising grace and awareness of their body, rarely knocking over objects or bumping into furniture.

The breed's independent nature manifests in various ways throughout daily life. Russian Wolfhounds form deep attachments to their families but express affection differently than many breeds. Rather than constant demands for attention, they prefer to be near their people while maintaining a degree of physical independence. A Russian Wolfhound might choose to lie across the room from family members rather than directly at their feet, maintaining visual contact while respecting personal space. This should not be interpreted as aloofness or lack of affection; rather, it represents the breed's characteristic self-possession and confidence. When Russian Wolfhounds do seek physical contact, they can be surprisingly gentle and tender, leaning against their people or placing their elegant head in a lap for stroking.

The hunting instinct remains powerful in Russian Wolfhounds, and owners must remain constantly aware of the breed's potential to chase. The sight of a small animal moving quickly can trigger an immediate pursuit response, with the dog going from calm to full-speed chase in seconds. This instinct is not aggression but rather an hardwired predatory sequence that the dog may be unable to control once triggered. The breed's incredible speed and strong prey drive make off-leash exercise dangerous except in securely fenced areas specifically designed for running dogs. Even well-trained Russian Wolfhounds may ignore recall commands when in pursuit, as the hunting instinct overrides learned behaviors. This characteristic makes careful management essential, particularly in households with smaller pets such as cats, rabbits, or small dogs.

Russian Wolfhounds typically display reserved behavior toward strangers, taking time to assess new people before deciding whether to interact. This reserve should not be confused with fearfulness or aggression; rather, it represents a discerning nature and preference for familiar companions. Once a Russian Wolfhound accepts someone into their social circle, they may show warmth and affection, though typically in the breed's characteristic subtle manner rather than through exuberant greetings. This reserved quality makes early socialization important to ensure dogs develop appropriate confidence in various situations without becoming fearful or overly suspicious.

The breed demonstrates a sensitive nature that influences how they respond to training and household dynamics. Russian Wolfhounds do not respond well to harsh corrections, raised voices, or punitive training methods. Such approaches typically result in a dog that becomes more reluctant and withdrawn rather than more compliant. Instead, the breed responds best to patient, consistent training using positive reinforcement and gentle guidance. They are intelligent dogs capable of learning quickly, but they may not see the point of repetitive exercises or endless drilling. Training sessions should be kept relatively short and varied to maintain the dog's interest and cooperation. The Russian Wolfhound's sensitivity also extends to household stress and conflict. These dogs tend to absorb tension in their environment and may become anxious or withdrawn when faced with ongoing conflict or instability in their home.

Around other dogs, Russian Wolfhounds usually display good social skills, particularly toward large dogs. Many Russian Wolfhounds enjoy the company of other dogs and will engage in play, though their play style tends to be more chase-oriented than wrestling or roughhousing. The breed's size and strength mean that play should be supervised when involving smaller dogs, as even well-intentioned play can result in accidental injury. The aforementioned prey drive can complicate relationships with very small dogs, as rapid movement may trigger a chase response even toward canine companions. Russian Wolfhounds raised with other dogs from puppyhood typically develop better canine social skills and learn to moderate their behavior appropriately.

The breed generally displays low levels of territorial or protective aggression. While Russian Wolfhounds may alert to unusual activity around their home, they rarely demonstrate the intense guarding behaviors seen in protection breeds. Their response to perceived threats tends to be avoidance or mild warning rather than confrontation. This makes them poor choices for those seeking guard dog qualities but excellent for families wanting a gentle, non-aggressive companion. The breed's quiet nature extends to vocalization, as Russian Wolfhounds rarely engage in nuisance barking. They may bark to announce visitors or when excited, but chronic, excessive barking is atypical for the breed.

Understanding and working with the Russian Wolfhound's behavioral characteristics rather than against them leads to the most successful relationships. Owners who appreciate the breed's independent yet affectionate nature, who can provide appropriate outlets for their coursing instincts, and who approach training with patience and respect find the Russian Wolfhound to be a rewarding companion that brings elegance and grace to daily life while maintaining the fascinating behavioral heritage of its hunting ancestry.

The Russian Wolfhound can integrate successfully into family life when matched with the right household, though prospective owners should carefully consider whether this breed's characteristics align with their family's lifestyle and expectations. These dogs form strong bonds with all family members, though they may show subtle preferences for individuals who respect their space and interact with them on their terms. The breed's gentle, calm nature makes them generally appropriate for families, though their large size and exercise requirements mean they may not be the ideal choice for every household.

In homes with children, Russian Wolfhounds typically display patience and tolerance, though they are not always as enthusiastically engaged with children as some more overtly playful breeds. The breed tends to do best with older children who understand how to interact respectfully with a large, somewhat reserved dog. Very young children may find the Russian Wolfhound uninteresting, as these dogs do not typically seek out play or respond to the high-energy, sometimes chaotic activity that young children generate. Additionally, the breed's large size means that even unintentional contact can result in a small child being knocked over. Russian Wolfhounds should never be left unsupervised with young children, not due to aggression concerns but simply because of the potential for accidental injury resulting from the dog's size and the unpredictability of young children's behavior.

The Russian Wolfhound's interactions with children benefit from teaching both the dog and the children appropriate boundaries and behaviors. Children should learn to approach the dog calmly, to respect the dog's resting spaces, and to recognize signals that the dog would prefer to be left alone. In return, the Russian Wolfhound should be socialized from puppyhood to tolerate normal household activity, including the sounds and movements associated with children. When these mutual understandings are established, Russian Wolfhounds can develop affectionate relationships with the children in their household, serving as gentle companions who accept attention and petting while maintaining their characteristic dignity.

The breed's exercise requirements and living space needs affect their suitability for different family situations. Russian Wolfhounds need regular opportunities to run at full speed in a safely enclosed area, which means families must have access to appropriate exercise space or be willing to travel to suitable locations. A small yard is insufficient for this breed's exercise needs, as they require room to really stretch their legs and move at the speeds for which they were bred. Families living in apartments or urban environments without access to securely fenced running areas may struggle to meet the breed's physical needs, potentially leading to behavior problems or health issues resulting from inadequate exercise. Despite their size, Russian Wolfhounds can adapt to various living situations provided their exercise requirements are met, as they are relatively quiet and inactive indoors.

The breed's relationship with other family pets requires careful consideration and management. Russian Wolfhounds raised with other dogs from puppyhood typically develop good canine social skills and enjoy the companionship of other dogs in the household. Many Russian Wolfhound owners find that their dogs appreciate having another large dog companion with whom they can interact and play. However, the introduction of new dogs should be handled carefully, with proper introductions and supervision until relationships are established. The breed's prey drive makes them potentially problematic with small pets such as cats, rabbits, ferrets, or small dogs. While some Russian Wolfhounds can learn to coexist peacefully with small animals they have been raised with from puppyhood, this cannot be guaranteed, and the risk of predatory behavior remains. Families with existing small pets should carefully evaluate whether the Russian Wolfhound is an appropriate choice, and those who proceed should maintain vigilant supervision and be prepared to permanently separate animals if necessary.

Russian Wolfhounds often thrive in multi-dog households where they can observe and learn from confident, well-adjusted dogs. The presence of other dogs can help with socialization and provide companionship when human family members are absent. However, same-sex aggression can occur in some Russian Wolfhounds, particularly between males or between females, so careful attention to individual personalities and proper introductions become important when adding dogs to the household. The breed generally displays good manners around other dogs when properly socialized, though their large size and sometimes intense play style mean that interactions with small dogs should be supervised.

The Russian Wolfhound's sensitivity to household dynamics means that they may struggle in homes with frequent conflict, high stress levels, or unstable routines. These dogs do best in calm, predictable environments where they can relax and feel secure. Families experiencing significant transitions such as divorce, frequent moves, or other major disruptions may find that their Russian Wolfhound becomes anxious or develops behavior problems in response to the environmental stress. This breed rewards stability with loyal companionship and settles most comfortably into homes where life proceeds at a relatively predictable pace.

Time commitment represents another important consideration for families considering a Russian Wolfhound. While the breed does not require constant interaction or entertainment, they do need regular grooming to maintain their coat, consistent exercise to meet their physical needs, and ongoing training and socialization to develop into well-adjusted companions. Families should honestly assess whether they can commit to these requirements over the dog's lifetime, which may span more than a decade. The Russian Wolfhound is not a breed that tolerates neglect well; they need involved owners who will provide for their physical, mental, and emotional needs consistently throughout their lives. Families able to make this commitment often find the Russian Wolfhound to be a rewarding companion that brings elegance, grace, and gentle affection to their household.

Like all large dog breeds, the Russian Wolfhound faces certain health challenges that potential owners should understand before committing to the breed. While many Russian Wolfhounds live long, healthy lives, awareness of potential health issues allows owners to make informed decisions about preventive care and early intervention when problems arise. Responsible breeders conduct health testing on breeding stock to reduce the incidence of genetic health problems, and potential owners should seek breeders who prioritize health alongside other breeding goals.

The Russian Wolfhound's deep chest and large size make them susceptible to gastric dilatation-volvulus, commonly known as bloat, a life-threatening condition where the stomach fills with gas and potentially twists on itself. This emergency requires immediate veterinary intervention, as the twisted stomach cuts off blood flow and can lead to death within hours. Symptoms include restlessness, attempted vomiting without producing anything, distended abdomen, and signs of pain. Risk factors include eating one large meal per day, eating rapidly, drinking large amounts of water quickly, and vigorous exercise immediately before or after eating. Owners can reduce risk by feeding two or three smaller meals per day rather than one large meal, using slow-feed bowls to prevent rapid eating, limiting water intake immediately after meals, and avoiding exercise for at least an hour before and after eating. Some owners choose prophylactic gastropexy, a surgical procedure that attaches the stomach to the body wall to prevent twisting, which can be performed during spaying or neutering.

Heart disease represents another significant health concern in Russian Wolfhounds, with the breed having a higher than average incidence of dilated cardiomyopathy and other cardiac conditions. Regular cardiac evaluations by a veterinary cardiologist help detect heart problems early, when intervention may be more effective. Some breeders conduct cardiac testing on breeding animals to identify those carrying genetic factors for heart disease, working to reduce incidence in future generations. Owners should watch for symptoms such as exercise intolerance, coughing, difficulty breathing, or sudden collapse, all of which warrant immediate veterinary attention.

The Russian Wolfhound's size and active lifestyle put stress on joints and bones, making orthopedic issues another area of concern. Hip dysplasia, where the hip joint develops abnormally and leads to arthritis and pain, occurs in Russian Wolfhounds though perhaps less frequently than in some other large breeds. Responsible breeders have breeding stock evaluated through organizations like the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals to ensure they are not passing on severe hip problems to their offspring. Elbow dysplasia can also occur, though it is less common than hip dysplasia in this breed. Maintaining appropriate body condition throughout a dog's life helps reduce stress on joints, as excess weight exacerbates orthopedic problems. Appropriate exercise that builds muscle without causing joint trauma, combined with joint supplements as recommended by a veterinarian, can help support joint health throughout the dog's life.

Russian Wolfhounds also show sensitivity to anesthesia, a characteristic they share with other sighthound breeds. Their low body fat percentage and different metabolic processing of certain drugs means that standard anesthetic protocols designed for other breeds may not be appropriate. Veterinarians should be informed that they are treating a sighthound and should adjust anesthetic protocols accordingly. This sensitivity extends to some other medications as well, so owners should always ensure their veterinarian understands the breed-specific considerations when prescribing medications.

The breed's life expectancy typically ranges from nine to fourteen years, with many Russian Wolfhounds living well into their teens when provided with excellent care. Longevity seems influenced by genetics, body condition, exercise, and preventive veterinary care throughout life. Selecting a puppy from health-tested parents from lines with documented longevity gives a dog the best chance of a long, healthy life, though genetics represent only one factor among many that influence individual health outcomes.

Preventive care including regular veterinary examinations, appropriate vaccinations, parasite control, dental care, and proper nutrition forms the foundation of keeping Russian Wolfhounds healthy throughout their lives. Owners should establish a relationship with a veterinarian familiar with large breed dogs and ideally with sighthounds specifically. Being observant of changes in behavior, appetite, energy level, or other aspects of the dog's condition allows for early detection of problems when intervention is most effective. While health concerns exist, many Russian Wolfhounds live long, active lives when provided with knowledgeable, attentive care from owners committed to their wellbeing.

If you're looking to adopt a Borzoi, consider contacting these breed-specific rescue organizations:

"Don't Shop... Please Adopt" - There are many wonderful Russian Wolfhounds waiting for their forever homes.

Due to the changing nature of rescue organizations, please verify website functionality before contacting.