Why Do People Call the Borzoi Creepy? The Truth Behind the Meme
Is the Borzoi creepy or just misunderstood? We explore the viral meme, the breed's real temperament, care needs, and why this Russian sighthound surprises owners.
If you've spent any time on social media, you've likely encountered the "long snoot dog" — a Borzoi whose impossibly elongated muzzle has spawned thousands of memes, reaction images, and the recurring label: borzoi creepy. The internet can't decide whether these dogs are elegant aristocrats or unsettling aliens. But behind the viral photoshopped noses and absurdist humor lies one of the most fascinating, ancient, and genuinely unusual dog breeds in existence.
The Borzoi (formerly known as the Russian Wolfhound) is a large sighthound that originated in 17th-century Russia, bred by nobility to hunt wolves, foxes, and hares across vast open steppes. Today, they remain relatively rare — the American Kennel Club ranks them around 100th in popularity out of roughly 200 recognized breeds — which means most people's only exposure to the breed comes through memes rather than real-life encounters.
This article separates internet myth from breed reality. We'll cover exactly why the "borzoi creepy" label stuck, what living with one actually looks like, and whether this striking sighthound might be the right fit for your household.
Origin Story: From Russian Aristocracy to Internet Meme
The Borzoi's history reads like a novel — complete with czars, castles, and a near-extinction event.
- 1600s: Russian nobility begin crossing early sighthounds (likely descendants of Central Asian coursing dogs) with thick-coated Russian breeds to create a dog capable of chasing wolves in freezing temperatures.
- 1650: The first written standard for the breed appears, documented by Russian aristocrat Andrei Shishkov.
- 1700s–1800s: Borzoi kennels become status symbols among Russian nobility. Grand Duke Nicholas Nicolaievich maintains a famous kennel at Perchino, where hundreds of Borzoi are kept for organized wolf hunts called okhotas.
- 1889: The first Borzoi are imported to the United States. C. Stedman Hanks and later Thomas McLean bring dogs from Russian kennels.
- 1891: Recognized by the AKC under the name "Russian Wolfhound."
- 1917–1920s: The Russian Revolution decimates the breed in its homeland. Aristocratic kennels are destroyed; many Borzoi are killed as symbols of the old regime. The breed survives primarily through dogs already exported to Europe and America.
- 1936: The AKC officially changes the breed name from Russian Wolfhound to Borzoi (from the Russian word borzói, meaning "swift").
- 2020s: The "long snoot" meme goes viral, introducing the breed to millions who had never seen one in person.
The Borzoi is recognized by all major registries: the AKC (Hound Group, 1891), the UKC (Sighthound & Pariah Dog Group), and the FCI (Group 10, Section 1 — Long-haired or Fringed Sighthounds, Standard No. 193). Despite this broad recognition, the breed remains uncommon. In 2025, AKC registration data placed them well outside the top 80 breeds, and finding a Borzoi at a local shelter is exceptionally rare.
The "Borzoi Creepy" Phenomenon: What's Really Going On With That Snout?
Let's address the elephant — or rather, the snoot — in the room. The "borzoi creepy" label stems primarily from two things:
1. Photoshopped exaggeration. Many viral "borzoi creepy" images feature digitally extended muzzles that are 2–3 times longer than any real Borzoi's snout. Actual Borzoi heads are long, yes, but proportionally balanced. The meme version distorts them into something uncanny.
2. Genuine dolichocephalic anatomy. Borzoi are dolichocephalic — meaning they have a long, narrow skull shape. This is a real anatomical classification shared with other sighthounds like Greyhounds, Whippets, and Salukis. The Borzoi's skull is notably longer and more extreme than most, with a Roman-nosed profile and a head that can measure 11–14 inches (28–36 cm) from occiput to nose tip in adult males.
Their other distinctive features compound the unusual appearance:
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Weight (Male) | 75–105 lb / 34–48 kg |
| Weight (Female) | 60–85 lb / 27–39 kg |
| Height (Male) | 28+ inches / 71+ cm at shoulder |
| Height (Female) | 26+ inches / 66+ cm at shoulder |
| Lifespan | 9–14 years (median ~11 years) |
| Coat | Long, silky, wavy to curly; heavy feathering on chest, legs, tail |
| Colors | All colors accepted: white, cream, golden, red, black, brindle, spotted |
| Energy Level | Moderate (burst sprinter; couch potato indoors) |
| Grooming Needs | High — brushing 3–4x/week; professional grooming every 6–8 weeks |
| Family Fit | Good with respectful children; not ideal for toddlers (fragile build + prey drive) |
| AKC Group | Hound |
What truly sets the Borzoi apart from similar-looking breeds is the combination of extreme dolichocephaly with a long, flowing silky coat and an overall height that can rival a person's waist. A Greyhound is sleek and smooth-coated; an Afghan Hound is glamorous but shorter-muzzled. The Borzoi occupies its own visual category entirely — which is precisely why the internet fixated on it.
Temperament: What Surprises New Borzoi Owners
People who find a Borzoi "creepy" based on photos are often shocked by the dog's actual personality. Here's what catches first-time owners off guard:
They are profoundly quiet. Borzoi rarely bark. They don't alert-bark at the doorbell, they don't howl, and many owners report weeks passing without hearing a single vocalization. When they do vocalize, it's often a soft "roo" sound or a quiet huff. This silence can itself feel eerie to people expecting a large dog to be noisy.
They are cat-like in the home. Despite standing nearly three feet tall at the shoulder, Borzoi are famously low-key indoors. They curl up on furniture (often draping themselves dramatically over couches), sleep 16–18 hours a day, and move through the house with an almost ghostly quietness. Multiple owners have described the experience of turning around to find their Borzoi silently standing directly behind them — hence, again, the "creepy" reputation.
They are independent thinkers, not obedience machines. Bred to chase prey at distances of hundreds of yards from their handlers, Borzoi were selected for independent decision-making. This means they are intelligent but not biddable. They will evaluate whether a command is worth following. This is not stubbornness — it's a working-dog trait. If you want a dog that lives to please, look at a Golden Retriever. If you can appreciate a dog with opinions, the Borzoi will reward you.
Prey drive is non-negotiable. A Borzoi will chase anything that runs — squirrels, cats, small dogs, bicycles, plastic bags blowing in the wind. This instinct is hardwired and cannot be trained away. You must manage it with secure fencing and leash discipline. Off-leash time should only occur in fully enclosed areas.
Borzoi vs. Similar Breeds: A Reality Check
If you're drawn to the Borzoi's appearance but aren't sure it's the right fit, here's how it compares to breeds people often consider alongside it:
| Trait | Borzoi | Greyhound | Afghan Hound |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 60–105 lb | 60–70 lb | 50–60 lb |
| Coat Maintenance | High (long, silky) | Very Low (short, smooth) | Very High (long, fine) |
| Cold Tolerance | Excellent (thick undercoat) | Poor (thin coat, low body fat) | Moderate |
| Exercise Need | 30–60 min/day (sprint + walk) | 30–45 min/day | 45–60 min/day |
| Trainability | Moderate (independent) | Moderate (sensitive) | Low–Moderate (aloof) |
| Shedding | Seasonal heavy shed | Minimal | Low (but tangles badly) |
| Apartment Suitability | Possible (if exercised) | Good (famously good apartment dogs) | Difficult (space + grooming) |
| Typical Puppy Cost | $2,500–$5,000+ | $1,500–$2,500 (retired racers: $300–$500) | $2,000–$3,500 |
The Borzoi's key differentiator is cold-weather capability. Unlike the Greyhound, whose thin coat and low body fat make it miserable in temperatures below 50°F (10°C), the Borzoi was bred for Russian winters and can comfortably exercise in sub-zero conditions. If you live in a cold climate and want a sighthound, the Borzoi is practically the only option.
Health Concerns: What Borzoi Owners Need to Monitor
Like all purebred dogs, the Borzoi carries predispositions to specific conditions. Understanding these helps you advocate for your dog at veterinary visits and budget for potential care.
Seek emergency veterinary care if your Borzoi shows any of these signs:
- Distended or bloated abdomen, especially after eating
- Unproductive retching (trying to vomit but nothing comes up)
- Sudden weakness, collapse, or pale gums
- Rapid, labored breathing at rest
- Inability to stand or sudden hind-limb weakness
These may indicate gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat), cardiac events, or cervical disc disease — all emergencies requiring immediate intervention.
Breed-Specific Health Risks
Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV / Bloat): This is the most critical health concern for Borzoi. Their deep, narrow chests place them among the highest-risk breeds. GDV occurs when the stomach fills with gas and twists on itself, cutting off blood supply. Without emergency surgery, it is fatal within hours. According to Merck Veterinary Manual, deep-chested breeds have a lifetime bloat risk estimated at 20–24%. Many Borzoi owners and breeders opt for a prophylactic gastropexy (surgically tacking the stomach to the abdominal wall) at the time of spay/neuter, which reduces recurrence risk by over 90%. Cost for prophylactic gastropexy: $300–$800 when combined with another procedure; emergency GDV surgery runs $3,000–$7,000+.
Degenerative Myelopathy (DM): A progressive spinal cord disease that causes hind-limb weakness and eventual paralysis. DM is painless but irreversible. A DNA test is available through the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) — responsible breeders test for this. Prevalence data specific to Borzoi is limited, but the carrier mutation has been identified in the breed.
Hypothyroidism: Autoimmune thyroiditis occurs in Borzoi at higher rates than the general dog population. Symptoms include weight gain, lethargy, hair thinning, and cold intolerance. Treatment is straightforward (daily levothyroxine, ~$15–$30/month), but diagnosis requires a full thyroid panel — not just a T4 test, which can miss autoimmune cases. Annual thyroid screening is recommended after age 4.
Cardiomyopathy: Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) has been reported in the breed, though at lower rates than in Dobermans or Irish Wolfhounds. Annual cardiac auscultation and periodic echocardiograms are prudent for breeding stock.
Cervical Disc Disease (Wobbler Syndrome): Borzoi are among the breeds predisposed to cervical spondylomyelopathy, a condition causing spinal cord compression in the neck. Symptoms include a wobbly gait, neck pain, and front-limb weakness. Treatment ranges from medical management ($500–$1,500) to surgical decompression ($3,000–$8,000).
Drug Sensitivity: Like many sighthounds, Borzoi have lower body fat percentages and metabolize certain anesthetic agents differently than mesocephalic breeds. Always ensure your veterinarian has sighthound experience. Specifically, thiopental and other barbiturate anesthetics should be avoided; propofol-based protocols are preferred. Mention this proactively before any surgical procedure.
Disclaimer: This health information is for educational purposes. Always consult your veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment decisions specific to your dog.
Care Requirements: The Real Work of Living With a Borzoi
The Borzoi's care needs are specific and non-negotiable. Here's what responsible ownership actually looks like:
- Exercise: 30–60 minutes daily, including at least one opportunity for a full-speed sprint in a securely fenced area (minimum 5-foot fence; 6-foot recommended). A tired Borzoi is a well-behaved Borzoi, but "tired" means mentally and physically stimulated, not just walked around the block.
- Fencing: Absolutely mandatory. A Borzoi that sees prey will scale or crash through inadequate fencing. Chain-link or privacy fencing at 5–6 feet minimum. Invisible/electronic fences are NOT sufficient — the prey drive override is stronger than the shock deterrent.
- Grooming: Brush 3–4 times per week with a pin brush and metal comb. Expect seasonal "blowing" of the undercoat (spring and fall) requiring daily brushing for 2–3 weeks. Professional grooming every 6–8 weeks: $70–$120 per session depending on coat condition and your region.
- Nutrition: Feed a high-quality, AAFCO-certified large-breed formula. Adult males typically eat 4–7 cups of dry food daily; females 3–5 cups. To reduce bloat risk: feed 2–3 smaller meals rather than one large meal, avoid vigorous exercise 1 hour before and 2 hours after eating, and use a slow-feeder bowl if your dog eats rapidly. Annual food cost: $900–$1,500 for premium kibble.
- Leash walking: Use a well-fitted harness (not a collar, which puts pressure on the trachea during pulling). A front-clip harness like the Ruffwear Front Range ($40–$50) gives better control for strong dogs. Always use a 4–6 foot fixed leash — retractable leashes give a Borzoi enough runway to hit full speed and injure themselves or you.
- Training: Use only positive reinforcement methods — treats, praise, play. Borzoi shut down under harsh correction and will simply disengage. Keep sessions short (5–10 minutes) and varied. Focus on a reliable recall (difficult but critical) and loose-leash walking. Enroll in a force-free puppy class early.
- Socialization: Expose puppies to diverse people, surfaces, sounds, and other dogs between 8–16 weeks. Borzoi can be reserved with strangers naturally; without early socialization, this reserve can tip into fearful avoidance.
First-Year Cost Estimate
| Expense | Low Estimate | High Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy purchase (responsible breeder) | $2,500 | $5,000+ |
| Initial veterinary (vaccines, spay/neuter, microchip) | $800 | $1,800 |
| Prophylactic gastropexy (optional, recommended) | $300 | $800 |
| Food (12 months) | $900 | $1,500 |
| Grooming (6–8 sessions) | $420 | $960 |
| Supplies (crate, bed, harness, leash, bowls) | $300 | $600 |
| Pet insurance (annual premium) | $600 | $1,200 |
| Training classes | $200 | $600 |
| Total First Year | $6,020 | $12,460+ |
Ongoing annual costs after the first year typically range from $3,000–$5,500, assuming no major health events.
Finding a Borzoi: Breeders, Rescues, and Red Flags
The Borzoi's rarity means you will likely need to travel for a puppy and may spend 6–18 months on a waitlist. Here's how to navigate the search:
Where to look:
- Borzoi Club of America (BCA): The AKC-affiliated parent club maintains a breeder referral network. Start here.
- Borzoi rescue organizations: The Borzoi Club of America also operates a rescue network. Adult Borzoi occasionally become available through owner surrenders (typically due to lifestyle changes, not behavioral issues). Adoption fees: $300–$600.
- AKC Marketplace: Lists litters from registered breeders, but registration alone does not guarantee responsible breeding — always verify health testing independently.
What a responsible Borzoi breeder provides:
- OFA or PennHIP hip evaluations on both parents
- OFA cardiac evaluation
- OFA thyroid panel
- Degenerative Myelopathy DNA test results
- Written contract with health guarantee and mandatory return clause (the breeder takes the dog back at any point in its life if you cannot keep it)
- Proof of early neurological stimulation (ENS) and early scent introduction (ESI) protocols
- Willingness to answer questions for the dog's entire lifetime
Red flags to walk away from:
- Breeder has multiple litters available simultaneously or always has puppies
- No health testing documentation — "vet checked" is NOT the same as genetic health testing
- Puppies available before 10–12 weeks of age (Borzoi puppies benefit from extended litter time)
- Breeder cannot discuss breed-specific health concerns knowledgeably
- Price significantly below $2,000 — this often indicates a backyard breeder or puppy mill broker
- Breeder sells through pet stores or third-party websites
Is the Borzoi Right for You? Honest Lifestyle Fit Assessment
The Borzoi is not a universally easy breed. Here's a realistic framework for deciding:
The Borzoi is a strong fit if you:
- Have secure, tall fencing (or access to a securely fenced area for daily sprinting)
- Appreciate a quiet, independent companion over an eager-to-please worker
- Can commit to regular grooming (or budget for professional grooming)
- Live in a climate with cold winters (the Borzoi thrives where Greyhounds shiver)
- Have experience with sighthounds or at least independent breeds
- Don't have small pets (cats, rabbits, small dogs) unless you're prepared for careful, supervised introductions with no guarantees
- Want a large dog that is gentle and calm indoors
The Borzoi is a poor fit if you:
- Want a highly obedient, off-leash reliable dog
- Have toddlers who may grab at the dog's long coat or tail (Borzoi are gentle but fragile-boned and can be injured by rough handling)
- Cannot tolerate dog hair on furniture and clothing (they shed significantly)
- Want a jogging partner — Borzoi are sprinters, not endurance runners; long-distance running can damage their joints
- Live in an apartment with no access to a fenced run area
- Want a guard dog — Borzoi may alert to strangers with their presence but will not protect; they are more likely to greet an intruder with indifference than aggression
For first-time owners: the Borzoi is possible but not ideal. If you're committed to the breed, invest heavily in puppy socialization classes, work with a force-free trainer experienced with sighthounds, and connect with the Borzoi Club of America's mentorship resources. Many experienced Borzoi owners are happy to advise newcomers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Borzoi actually creepy-looking in person?
Not at all. The "borzoi creepy" meme relies on digitally distorted images. In person, Borzoi are strikingly elegant — think less "alien" and more "living art deco sculpture." Most people who meet a Borzoi in real life describe them as beautiful, not unsettling. Their quiet demeanor and soulful dark eyes tend to win people over immediately.
How rare is the Borzoi today?
Genuinely rare. The AKC registers roughly 500–800 Borzoi per year in the United States (compared to over 60,000 Labrador Retrievers). Globally, the population is estimated in the low thousands. You are unlikely to encounter one at a dog park unless you live in an area with an active Borzoi community.
Can Borzoi live with cats?
Some can, but it's never guaranteed. Borzoi raised with cats from puppyhood may coexist peacefully indoors, but the prey drive may still trigger if the cat runs outdoors. Many Borzoi rescues and breeders will not place dogs in homes with cats. If you attempt introductions, always supervise and provide the cat with escape routes and high perches.
Do Borzoi need a lot of exercise?
Less than you'd expect. They need one good sprint session daily (10–15 minutes of full-speed running in a fenced area) plus a 20–30 minute leash walk. The rest of the day, they are famously sedentary. They are often described as "45 mph couch potatoes."
Are Borzoi good with children?
They are gentle and non-aggressive, making them good with calm, respectful children over age 6–7. They are not recommended for homes with toddlers, primarily because their long legs and slender build make them vulnerable to accidental injury from clumsy small children. They tend to walk away from annoyance rather than react aggressively.
Why is my Borzoi so quiet? Is something wrong?
Almost certainly not. Extreme quietness is a breed hallmark. Many Borzoi owners report their dog barking fewer than 10 times per year. As long as your dog is otherwise healthy, eating well, and behaving normally, the silence is a feature, not a bug.
What's the best way to handle a Borzoi's grooming at home?
Invest in a quality pin brush (Chris Christensen or Artero brand, $25–$45), a metal greyhound comb ($10–$20), and a detangling spray for the feathering on the legs and ears. Work through the coat in sections, starting from the ends. Pay special attention behind the ears and the "pants" area on the hindquarters, which mat easily. During shedding season, an undercoat rake helps remove dead undercoat efficiently.
The "borzoi creepy" meme may have introduced this breed to the internet, but the real Borzoi is far more interesting than any photoshop. They are living relics of Russian imperial history, engineered by centuries of selective breeding into something genuinely unique — a dog that can outrun a wolf, then curl up silently on your sofa and sleep for twelve hours. If that combination appeals to you, and you can meet their specific care needs, the Borzoi is one of the most rewarding breeds a dedicated owner can experience.
Beth Carrasco
All our authors care for dogs every day — read more of their work on the authors page.
