Borzoi Puppy Breeder Guide
Find a responsible borzoi puppy breeder and raise your sighthound right. Age-specific milestones, feeding, potty training, vaccines, and first-year costs.
Finding a Responsible Borzoi Puppy Breeder: What to Expect
The Borzoi — the Russian Wolfhound — is a sighthound built for speed, grace, and quiet independence. Standing 26-31 inches tall and weighing 60-105 pounds as adults, these dogs require breeders who understand their unique developmental needs. A responsible borzoi puppy breeder will health-test both parents for conditions like degenerative myelopathy, hip dysplasia, and cardiac issues, and will typically raise puppies in a home environment with early neurological stimulation (ENS) protocols.
Expect to pay $2,000-$4,500 for a well-bred Borzoi puppy from an AKC-registered breeder who performs OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) health clearances. Waitlists often run 6-18 months. Reputable breeders will ask you as many questions as you ask them, require a contract with a take-back clause, and will not release puppies before 8-10 weeks of age.
Age-Specific Borzoi Puppy Milestones
Borzoi puppies grow rapidly — a 10-week-old may weigh 15-20 pounds and reach 60+ pounds by 6 months. Their sighthound temperament (sensitive, independent, prey-driven) shapes every developmental stage.
| Age Range | Weight Range | Key Milestones | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weeks 4-8 | 5-12 lb / 2-5 kg | Weaning, litter socialization, first deworming | Still with breeder; learning bite inhibition from siblings. Eyes fully open, baby teeth erupting. Borzoi pups begin showing sighthound traits — staring at movement, early chase instinct. |
| Weeks 8-12 | 12-22 lb / 5-10 kg | Home transition, bonding, first vet visit, DHPP vaccine #1 | Peak fear period (8-11 weeks). Sensitive Borzoi pups may startle easily. Begin crate training, name recognition, and gentle handling exercises. Short 5-10 minute training sessions. |
| Weeks 12-16 | 22-35 lb / 10-16 kg | DHPP boosters, expanded socialization, leash introduction | Confidence builds. Prey drive becomes more obvious — chasing leaves, shadows. Begin structured recall training in enclosed areas. Potty training consistency pays off. |
| Weeks 16-24 | 35-55 lb / 16-25 kg | Rabies vaccine, spay/neuter discussion, teething begins | Adolescent awkwardness — legs seem too long, coordination dips. Test boundaries on recall. Increase mental enrichment (snuffle mats, frozen Kongs). Growth plates still open — avoid forced running or jumping. |
| 6-12 Months | 55-85 lb / 25-39 kg | Adult teeth fully in, growth slows, advanced training | Borzoi adolescents are typically calm indoors but need daily sprints in safe areas. Recall reliability is the #1 training priority. Males may reach near-adult size by 10 months; females slightly earlier. |
Borzoi Puppy Feeding Schedule: Portions by Age and Weight
Borzoi puppies need large-breed puppy formula to support controlled growth and protect developing joints. Look for an AAFCO-approved large-breed puppy food with calcium levels between 1.0-1.5% on a dry matter basis. Overfeeding accelerates growth and increases hip dysplasia risk.
| Age | Estimated Weight | Daily Amount (Large-Breed Puppy Kibble) | Meals Per Day | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8-12 weeks | 12-22 lb / 5-10 kg | 2-3 cups/day | 3 meals | Soften kibble with warm water for first week home. Feed at 7am, 12pm, 5pm. |
| 12-16 weeks | 22-35 lb / 10-16 kg | 3-4 cups/day | 3 meals | Transition to dry kibble. Monitor body condition score (BCS) — ribs should be easily felt. |
| 4-6 months | 35-55 lb / 16-25 kg | 4-5.5 cups/day | 2 meals | Drop midday meal. Feed at 7am and 6pm. Adjust based on BCS, not package guidelines. |
| 6-9 months | 55-75 lb / 25-34 kg | 5-6.5 cups/day | 2 meals | Growth rate slows. Do not increase portions just because puppy seems hungry — Borzoi are naturally lean. |
| 9-12 months | 65-85 lb / 29-39 kg | 5-7 cups/day | 2 meals | Begin transitioning to adult large-breed formula over 7-10 days. Males eat more than females. |
Key feeding rule: A healthy Borzoi puppy should look lean — you should see a defined waist from above and easily feel the last two ribs. This is normal for sighthounds and differs from stockier breeds. Consult your veterinarian if unsure about body condition.
Potty Training Your Borzoi Puppy: Timeline and Troubleshooting
Borzoi puppies are generally clean dogs and pick up house-training faster than many breeds, but their thin coats and sensitivity to cold can complicate winter potty breaks. Set realistic expectations: most Borzoi puppies are reliably house-trained by 4-6 months, with occasional accidents possible until 8-9 months.
- 8-12 weeks: Take outside every 1-2 hours, plus immediately after eating, waking, and playing. Expect 8-12 outdoor trips daily.
- 12-16 weeks: Every 2-3 hours. Bladder capacity increases — roughly 1 hour per month of age plus one (a 3-month-old holds ~4 hours max).
- 4-6 months: Every 3-4 hours during the day. Most can sleep 6-8 hours overnight without a break.
- 6+ months: Every 4-6 hours. Full bladder control typically achieved.
When will my puppy be fully potty trained? For most Borzoi puppies, reliable house-training happens between 4-6 months with consistent scheduling. "Reliable" means fewer than one accident per month. Some individuals, particularly timid pups who hesitate to go outside in rain or cold, may take until 8-9 months. Never punish accidents — Borzoi are sensitive and shut down under harsh correction. Use enzymatic cleaner (Nature's Miracle or Rocco & Roxie) on any indoor accidents to eliminate scent markers.
Cold-weather troubleshooting: Borzoi have very little body fat and single coats. In temperatures below 40°F (4°C), use a fleece puppy jacket for potty breaks. Consider a covered porch area or puppy pad station in a garage for extreme cold snaps.
Socialization Window: Weeks 3-14 Exposure Checklist
The critical socialization period for all puppies closes around 14 weeks, according to the AVMA. For Borzoi — a breed naturally reserved with strangers and prone to high prey drive — this window is especially important. Under-socialized Borzoi can become fearful or reactive, which is dangerous in a 70-pound sighthound.
Prey drive note: Borzoi were bred to chase wolves. Socialization will not eliminate prey drive — it is hardwired. However, early exposure to cats (with careful management) and consistent "leave it" training can build impulse control. Never trust a Borzoi off-leash in an unfenced area regardless of training level.
Vaccination Schedule for Borzoi Puppies
Your veterinarian will customize a vaccine protocol based on local disease prevalence and your puppy's risk factors. The following follows AKC-recommended core vaccine guidelines:
| Age | Vaccine | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6-8 weeks | DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis/Adenovirus, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus) #1 | Core | Often administered by breeder before pickup. Verify documentation. |
| 10-12 weeks | DHPP #2 | Core | Boosts immunity as maternal antibodies wane. Your puppy is NOT fully protected yet. |
| 10-12 weeks | Bordetella (Kennel Cough) | Non-core (recommended) | Required by most puppy classes. Intranasal or injectable. |
| 14-16 weeks | DHPP #3 | Core | Final puppy DHPP. Full protection achieved approximately 2 weeks after this dose. |
| 14-16 weeks | Rabies | Core (legally required) | Timing varies by state law — some require 12 weeks minimum. |
| 12-16 months | DHPP booster + Rabies booster | Core | First annual boosters. After this, DHPP may move to 3-year intervals per AAHA guidelines. |
When can my puppy go outside and meet other dogs? After the second DHPP vaccine (10-12 weeks), your puppy can safely walk on low-traffic surfaces and meet known, fully vaccinated dogs. Avoid dog parks, pet store floors, and high-traffic areas until 2 weeks after the final DHPP at 14-16 weeks (approximately 16-18 weeks of age). Parvovirus can survive in soil for months and is lethal to unvaccinated puppies.
Teething, Crate Training, and Common Puppy Problems
Teething Timeline (3-6 Months)
Borzoi puppies begin losing baby teeth around 12-16 weeks. Adult teeth are fully in by 6-7 months. During this period, expect increased chewing, drooling, and occasional blood on toys.
Safe chew recommendations:
- Benebone Wishbone (puppy formula, size appropriate for 30-60 lb dogs) — durable nylon, ergonomic shape
- Frozen Kong Classic stuffed with plain yogurt and banana — soothes inflamed gums
- Bully sticks (6-inch, supervised only) — fully digestible, high-value
- Wet washcloth twisted and frozen — cheap, effective, replace frequently
Avoid: Rawhide (choking and blockage risk), antlers (tooth fracture risk in powerful chewers), and any toy small enough to swallow. Borzoi have long snouts and can fit surprisingly large objects in their mouths.
Crate Training Progression
Borzoi are den-oriented and generally accept crate training well, but their size requires planning. Purchase a 48-inch crate with a divider panel — your puppy will eventually need the full space (adults typically use 48-54 inch crates).
| Age | Maximum Crate Time (Day) | Overnight | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8-10 weeks | 1-2 hours | 3-4 hours (expect 1-2 nighttime potty breaks) | Crate in bedroom for reassurance during transition. |
| 10-14 weeks | 2-3 hours | 5-6 hours | Begin moving crate to permanent location if desired. |
| 4-6 months | 3-4 hours | 7-8 hours | Add a raised cot-style bed — Borzoi develop pressure sores on hard surfaces. |
| 6+ months | 4-5 hours max | 8-10 hours | Never crate a Borzoi more than 5 hours during the day. They need movement to prevent joint stiffness. |
Common Borzoi Puppy Problems and Solutions
Puppy biting/nipping: How do I stop puppy biting? Borzoi puppies use their mouths during play, but their long jaws and needle teeth require early bite inhibition training. When teeth touch skin, let out a calm "ouch" and withdraw attention for 10-15 seconds. Redirect to an appropriate chew toy. Never hold the mouth shut, alpha-roll, or use physical punishment — Borzoi are sensitive and will become hand-shy or fearful. If biting escalates during overstimulation, the puppy likely needs a nap (enforced crate rest).
Whining in the crate: Borzoi are vocal dogs. Distinguish between needs-based whining (potty, pain) and protest whining. Take the puppy out to potty, return to crate immediately if no elimination, then ignore protest whining. Covering the crate with a light blanket reduces visual stimulation. A Snuggle Puppy heartbeat toy helps during the first 2-3 nights.
Destructive chewing: Borzoi puppies are moderate chewers, but their size means damage happens fast. Puppy-proof at Borzoi height — they can reach counters by 4 months. Provide 5-7 approved chew options rotated daily to maintain novelty. Increase daily exercise and mental enrichment if chewing escalates.
Recall failures: This is a breed trait, not a training failure. A Borzoi that spots a rabbit at 200 yards will run — no amount of training overrides centuries of selective breeding for chase. Management (secure fencing minimum 6 feet tall, double-door entry systems, GPS collars like the Whistle Go or Tractive) is your primary safety net. Train recall with high-value rewards (real chicken, cheese) in low-distraction environments and gradually increase difficulty over months, not weeks.
First-Year Cost Breakdown for a Borzoi Puppy
Budgeting realistically prevents financial stress. These are 2026 estimates for US-based owners:
| Category | Low Estimate | Mid Estimate | High Estimate | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Puppy purchase (from responsible breeder) | $2,000 | $3,000 | $4,500 | Includes health testing, early socialization, AKC registration |
| Veterinary care (first year) | $800 | $1,200 | $2,000 | Vaccines, spay/neuter ($400-$800 for large breed), fecal tests, heartworm prevention |
| Food (large-breed puppy formula) | $600 | $900 | $1,400 | Premium brands like Purina Pro Plan Large Breed, Royal Canin Giant Puppy, or Orijen Puppy Large |
| Supplies | $500 | $800 | $1,500 | 48" crate ($80-$150), raised bed ($60-$120), martingale collar, 6-ft leash, harness, grooming tools, chew toys, gates |
| Training | $200 | $500 | $1,200 | Puppy kindergarten ($150-$250/6-week session), optional private sessions ($80-$150/hour) |
| Pet insurance (optional but recommended) | $600 | $900 | $1,400 | $50-$120/month for large breed puppy. Covers accidents, illness. Recommended for breeds prone to bloat and orthopedic issues. |
| Total first year | $4,700 | $7,300 | $12,000 |
Hidden costs to budget for: Emergency vet visits ($500-$3,000 per incident — Borzoi are at elevated risk for gastric dilatation-volvulus/bloat, which requires $3,000-$7,000 emergency surgery), fencing upgrades (existing fences under 6 feet may need extensions), and professional grooming if you choose to maintain a show coat ($50-$80 per session, though most pet Borzoi are maintained at home with weekly brushing).
Frequently Asked Questions About Borzoi Puppies
When should I bring my Borzoi puppy home?
The ideal age is 8-10 weeks. Responsible borzoi puppy breeders rarely release puppies before 8 weeks because the final weeks with littermates teach critical bite inhibition and canine social skills. Some breeders of giant breeds prefer holding until 10 weeks for additional socialization. Never accept a puppy younger than 7 weeks — this significantly increases behavioral problems later in life.
How often should I feed my Borzoi puppy at each age?
Feed 3 meals per day from 8 weeks to 4 months, then transition to 2 meals per day from 4 months onward. Borzoi are deep-chested dogs, and feeding multiple smaller meals (rather than one large meal) reduces bloat risk throughout life. Never feed immediately before or after vigorous exercise — wait at least 1 hour on each side.
How do I stop my Borzoi puppy from biting and nipping?
Use the redirect-and-withdraw method consistently: when teeth contact skin, say "ouch" calmly, stand up, and leave for 10-15 seconds. Return with an appropriate chew toy. All family members must follow the same protocol. Most Borzoi puppies significantly reduce mouthing by 5-6 months once adult teeth erupt. If biting seems aggressive (growling, stiffening, guarding resources), consult a certified professional dog trainer (CPDT-KA) or veterinary behaviorist immediately.
What vaccines does my Borzoi puppy need and when?
Core vaccines include DHPP at 6-8, 10-12, and 14-16 weeks, plus Rabies at 14-16 weeks. Non-core vaccines your vet may recommend include Bordetella (for puppy class attendance), Leptospirosis (if you live in areas with wildlife exposure), and Lyme disease (tick-endemic regions). Always consult your veterinarian to tailor the protocol to your area and lifestyle.
When can my Borzoi puppy go outside and meet other dogs?
After the second DHPP vaccine (10-12 weeks), your puppy can walk on private, low-traffic surfaces and meet fully vaccinated dogs in controlled settings. Full protection comes approximately 2 weeks after the final DHPP at 14-16 weeks (around 16-18 weeks of age). Dog parks should be avoided until at least 18 weeks, and even then, Borzoi are not ideal dog park candidates due to their prey drive and thin skin — they can be injured by rougher-playing breeds.
How much exercise does a Borzoi puppy need?
Follow the 5-minute-per-month-of-age rule for structured walks: a 4-month-old gets roughly 20 minutes of leash walking per day, split into two sessions. Free play in a secure yard can be longer. Avoid forced running, jogging on pavement, or repetitive jumping until growth plates close (typically 14-18 months for large breeds). Borzoi puppies need mental stimulation as much as physical — scent work, puzzle feeders, and short training sessions tire them effectively.
Anouk Beaumont
All our authors care for dogs every day — read more of their work on the authors page.
