Hard
Borzoi
The Borzoi is a Russian aristocratic sighthound of exceptional grace and beauty, with a long, silky coat that can be flat, wavy, or slightly curly. The coat has heavy feathering on the neck, chest, hindquarters, and tail. Despite its dramatic length and volume, the Borzoi's single-layer coat (or very light undercoat) is less prone to matting than many long-coated breeds, but still requires consistent attention.
Coat Type
Long, Silky, Flat or Wavy Coat with Heavy Feathering
Groom Every
Every 4-6 weeks
Styles Available
4 cuts
Cuts & Styles
Grooming Styles
1
Natural Show Coat
The full natural coat brushed to a silky, flowing finish with the feathering on the neck, chest, tail, and hindquarters displayed at maximum volume. Minor neatening of paws only.
2
Pet Tidy
The coat maintained at natural length with the most problematic feathering areas — armpits, neck, and hindquarters — thinned slightly for easier home management.
3
Feathering Trim
Focused tidying of the neck ruff, chest fringe, tail plume, and leg feathering to a slightly shorter, neater length, while the body coat is left at full natural length.
4
Summer Coat
Light thinning of the neck ruff and chest feathering to improve ventilation in warm weather. The body coat is left at full length as the Borzoi's coat is not as heat-trapping as a double-coated breed.
Expert Advice
Care Tips
- The neck ruff is the highest-maintenance area on a Borzoi — it forms the densest tangles due to constant friction from collar wear and head movement. Remove the collar for grooming and thoroughly comb through the ruff weekly, not just at bath time.
- The Borzoi's long legs and hindquarter feathering collect debris rapidly during coursing, running, or field exercise. Brush and inspect these areas after every outdoor session to prevent burrs and plant material from felting into the silky coat.
- Use a conditioning spray when brushing the dry coat between baths — the silky coat breaks and splits easily when brushed dry, dulling the natural sheen that is one of the breed's hallmarks.
- Unlike many large breeds, the Borzoi is relatively odor-free and the coat tends to stay clean due to its silky texture. Bathing every four to six weeks is appropriate; over-bathing strips the natural oils that give the coat its silkiness.
- Inspect the paws carefully after coursing or running — the feathering between the toes on this large, fast-running breed can trap grit and debris that causes skin irritation or infection between the paw pads.
Recommended Tools
What you'll need
Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush
BrushThe gold standard for poodles and doodles. Features long pins that penetrate deep into dense coats to remove tangles and fluff the hair.
$60 - $75
Miller's Forge Quality Nail Clipper
Nail CareUsed by professional groomers worldwide. Made of high-quality Italian stainless steel with a heavy-duty spring for clean, sharp cuts.
$10 - $15
TropiClean PerfectFur Whitening & Brightening Shampoo
ShampooNaturally whitens and brightens white coats without bleach or harsh chemicals.
$12 - $18
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Deep Dives
Borzoi Grooming Guides
Summer Grooming
Heat management, coat care, and seasonal tips.
Read guide
Winter Coat Care
Cold-weather protection and moisture balance.
Read guide
Shedding Season
Survive the seasonal blowout without losing your mind.
Read guide
Prevent Matting
Detangle, prevent, and protect their coat year-round.
Read guide
Best Brushes
The right tools for this specific coat type.
Read guide
Nail Trimming
Safe nail care frequency and technique.
Read guide
Ear Cleaning
Prevent infections with proper ear care.
Read guide
Bathing Guide
How often to bathe and which products to use.
Read guide
Grooming Cost
What professional grooming should cost for this breed.
Read guide
Hypoallergenic
Shedding, dander, and allergy-friendly coat care.
Read guide
First-Time Owner
Grooming basics for new owners of this breed.
Read guide
Skin & Allergies
Itchy skin, hot spots, and coat-sensitive care.
Read guide
Dental Care
Oral hygiene tied to coat and skin health.
Read guide
Flea & Tick
Parasite prevention without damaging the coat.
Read guide
Pro vs DIY
When to groom at home and when to hire a pro.
Read guide
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