Borzoi health: what owners should know
Conditions the Borzoi is known to be prone to, breeder screening and everyday habits that help.
Known issues in the breed include bloat, some heart conditions such as cardiomyopathy, certain eye problems, and a sensitivity to some anesthetic drugs that is common among sighthounds. Responsible breeders screen parents with heart and eye examinations and may hip score as well.
Tell any new vet that your dog is a sighthound so anesthesia can be planned appropriately. Seek emergency help at once for signs of bloat such as a hard, swollen stomach, retching that brings nothing up or restlessness after eating. See a vet promptly for fainting, coughing or a noticeable drop in stamina.
Numbers worth knowing
Life expectancy
10 to 12 yrs
Senior care
Individual assessment
age alone does not define care needs
Typical breed weight
27 to 48 kg