Are you Ready for a Borzoi?

Borzoi are a unique and amazing breed. They are not for everyone and everyone is not for them. Let's talk about what their needs are, and how you might prepare for adding one to your life. Here is a CHECK-LIST to assess your readiness.

Fencing?

YES. Your fencing needs to be 5-6' tall, with openings that are no more than 2x4" (a puppy will squeeze through a 4x4"), and no areas that can be squeezed through or under that are more than 2" wide. Watch the bottom - can it be dug under?

Make sure the gate is secure with a dog proof latch, and that the yard is free of hazards (tools, sharp edges, an unfenced pool).

Check your yard for plants that are toxic to dogs as well: azaleas, rhododendrons, tulips and daffodils are some to watch for.

All About You

Are you aware of the Borzoi's independent nature and high prey drive?

Can you provide access to a safe off leash running, beyond just leash walking? Puppies especially need to have access to play at free will.

Other pets and children? They need to be taken into careful consideration when adding a Borzoi to your life.

Cha-CHING: are you in the financial position to provide for the health and well-being of a large breed?

Time after Time...Can you make time in your daily routine to care for a dog?

Inside the Home

Remove clutter that could impact safety, allowing room for a large dog to move comfortably. Examine your home for exposed electrical cords, sharp edges, and slippery stairs. Lever doorknobs are easily opened by a Borzoi, so don't have lever handles on doors you don't want them to go through. Have a look at your houseplants to see if they are safe: Sago palm, lilies, oleander, philodendron, deiffenbachia are some of the ones known to be dangerous if ingested by dogs.

Is that Toxic?

All toxic/cleaning chemicals and medications should be stored securely out of reach, and keep in mind that certain foods are toxic to dogs. Borzoi are counter height, so don't leave anything on the counter tops that they shouldn't be getting into. Watch for items such as anything with Xylitol, graps/raisins/chocolate, garlic/onion, macadamia nuts, corn-on-the-cob, tobacco, alcohol and vape products Rawhide chews can also get caught in a dog's throat, so avoid them, as well as large bones that have marrow openings - the long narrow Borzoi jaw can get stuck inside them.