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Borzoi Photo: Taru T Torpström · CC BY-SA 3.0

dog breed · 927 on Animalso

Borzoi: Russian Hunting Sighthound

Russia
Animal
Dog
Origin
Russia
Height
68 cm
Weight
100 kg

Read from Wikipedia and Wikidata on 2 Oct 2026.

Read on Wikipedia Breeds like it

The Borzoi, also called the Russian Hunting Sighthound, is a dog breed from Russia. It belongs to the sighthound type and was formerly used for wolf hunting. The breed was known as the Russian Wolfhound until 1936. Its recorded height is 68 and its recorded weight is 100.

What the Borzoi is

The Borzoi, or Russian Hunting Sighthound, is a dog breed from Russia. It is a sighthound, a type bred around hunting work.

The breed was formerly used for wolf hunting.

Origin and name

A new owner meets a breed with Russian roots and a hunting background. Until 1936, the Borzoi was known as the Russian Wolfhound.

Its country of origin is Russia.

What stands out

The Borzoi has a clear identity as a Russian sighthound. Its recorded historical purpose was hunting, including wolf hunting.

The breed’s former name preserves that history and helps explain its place among Russian dog breeds.

Points to weigh

The Borzoi’s documented background centers on hunting rather than another working role. That history may not fit someone seeking a breed with a different purpose.

The name changed from Russian Wolfhound to Borzoi in 1936, so older references may use the former name.

Pricing

This breed profile does not list a purchase price or any plan costs.

Who should look elsewhere

Skip the Borzoi if you are looking specifically for a breed without a hunting background or not of the sighthound type.

For other origins or working histories, compare dog breeds from Russia and the wider dog breed list.

Verdict

Choose the Borzoi if a Russian origin, sighthound identity, and wolf-hunting history match what you want to learn about in a dog. Its profile is especially relevant to readers tracing breeds by country and former purpose. Look beyond this breed if those defining details do not suit your search, and use the broader breed lists to compare other dogs.

What stands out

  • Russian origin gives the breed a clear country history.
  • Sighthound type identifies its traditional form.
  • Former wolf-hunting role gives it a defined purpose.
  • Earlier name, Russian Wolfhound, adds historical context.

Worth knowing

  • Its recorded history centers on hunting wolves.
  • The breed belongs specifically to the sighthound type.
  • Older references may use the name Russian Wolfhound.
  • Its documented origin is Russia, which may not fit every search.

Suits

  • Readers tracing Russian dog breeds
  • People interested in sighthound history
  • Those studying former wolf-hunting dogs

Think twice if

  • You want a breed with a non-hunting background.
  • You are looking outside Russian or sighthound breeds.

In short

The Borzoi is a Russian dog with a recorded sighthound type and a past role in wolf hunting. That makes it a clear choice for someone drawn to breeds with a documented hunting history and a strong connection to Russia. Its earlier name, Russian Wolfhound, adds useful historical context. Readers seeking a different origin, type, or working background should continue their search among other dog breeds rather than treating this profile as a match.

Questions

What is a Borzoi?

The Borzoi, also called the Russian Hunting Sighthound, is a Russian dog breed of the sighthound type.

Where did the Borzoi originate?

The Borzoi originated in Russia.

What was the Borzoi bred for?

It was formerly used for wolf hunting.

What was the Borzoi called before 1936?

Until 1936, the breed was known as the Russian Wolfhound.

How tall is a Borzoi?

Its recorded height is 68.

How much does a Borzoi weigh?

Its recorded weight is 100.

What type of dog is a Borzoi?

It is a sighthound.

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Photo credits9 photographs on this page

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