Back to Borzoi
First-Time Owner Guide
Expert Guide
First-Time Owner Guide
for Borzois
Getting Started with Borzoi Grooming
Welcome to Borzoi ownership — grooming is one of the most important skills you'll develop, and starting correctly prevents years of coat problems. The Borzoi has a long, silky, flat or wavy coat with heavy feathering coat rated "Hard" for grooming difficulty, with a recommended schedule of every 4-6 weeks. This breed requires consistent effort — start building habits from day one rather than waiting until the coat becomes unmanageable. 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 first month sets the tone for every grooming session that follows.
Your Essential First Grooming Kit for a Borzoi
Don't buy everything at once — start with what this coat type actually needs. For the Borzoi's long, silky, flat or wavy coat with heavy feathering: a quality slicker brush, a wide-tooth comb, a greyhound comb, detangling spray, and a moisturizing shampoo/conditioner set (~$70–90). Add a non-slip mat, styptic powder, and high-value treats to every kit. 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.
Gear for Borzoi first-time owner guide
Coat-matched picks — buy once, use every groom.
Brush
Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush
The gold standard for poodles and doodles. Features long pins that penetrate deep into dense coats to remove tangles and fluff the hair.
Nail Care
Miller's Forge Quality Nail Clipper
Used by professional groomers worldwide. Made of high-quality Italian stainless steel with a heavy-duty spring for clean, sharp cuts.
Building a Grooming Routine for Your Borzoi
Consistency beats intensity. Schedule grooming on the same day each week — most Borzoi owners align with every 4-6 weeks professional appointments and fill gaps with home maintenance. A practical weekly routine: Day 1 — full brush-out (15–30 minutes depending on coat). Mid-week — quick mat check of ears, armpits, and collar zone (5 minutes). As needed — nail check, ear wipe, paw inspection. During shedding season or if your Borzoi swims, add an extra brush session — long, silky, flat or wavy coat with heavy feathering coats mat fast when wet. Keep a grooming log on your phone — track dates, what you did, and anything unusual (skin changes, sensitivity, mat locations). This log is invaluable when your groomer or vet asks about history.
Common First-Timer Mistakes with Borzois
Every new owner makes these — knowing them in advance saves your Borzoi's coat. Mistake 1: brushing only the top coat. Always line-brush from skin outward in sections. Mistake 2: bathing without brushing first — water sets tangles into mats. Mistake 3: skipping conditioner on long, silky, flat or wavy coat with heavy feathering coats — it dries out and mats faster. Mistake 4: waiting until nails click on the floor — by then the quick has extended and trimming is harder. Mistake 5: using human products on dog skin. Mistake 6: grooming only when the dog looks dirty — by then problems are established. 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. Mistake 7: giving up after one bad session — puppies improve with patience and treats.
When to Book Your First Professional Groom
Book the first professional appointment within the first 2–4 weeks of ownership — not because the puppy needs a full groom, but to establish the salon relationship early. Puppies who visit the groomer at 8–12 weeks for a bath, nail trim, and gentle handling session grow into adults who tolerate grooming calmly. Plan full professional grooms every every 4-6 weeks and use home sessions for maintenance between visits. Ask the groomer to walk you through what they're doing — good groomers welcome engaged owners and will teach you home maintenance specific to your Borzoi's long, silky, flat or wavy coat with heavy feathering.
Pro Tip from Groomas
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.
S
Sarah Jordan
Verified ExpertCertified Master Groomer
With over 15 years of competitive grooming experience, Sarah ensures every guide on Groomas meets the highest professional standards.
Certified Master Groomer (CMG)AKC Safety Certified
Recommended Gear for Borzois
Brush
Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush
The gold standard for poodles and doodles. Features long pins that penetrate deep into dense coats to remove tangles and fluff the hair.
Nail Care
Miller's Forge Quality Nail Clipper
Used by professional groomers worldwide. Made of high-quality Italian stainless steel with a heavy-duty spring for clean, sharp cuts.
Shampoo
TropiClean PerfectFur Whitening & Brightening Shampoo
Naturally whitens and brightens white coats without bleach or harsh chemicals.