The complete, practical guide to Borzoi grooming, shedding seasons, and coat care
Why Borzoi Grooming Is Unique
With feather‑light guard hairs and a fine undercoat, the Borzoi’s “silk pajamas” repel dirt better than many double‑coated breeds—but they still need consistent, breed‑specific maintenance. Mastering Borzoi grooming protects skin health, keeps shedding under control, and preserves that signature flowing outline that turns heads at the dog park.
1. Brushing Borzoi: Frequency, Tools & Technique
| Goal | Tool | Frequency | Pro Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Remove surface tangles | Long‑pin slicker or pin brush (27–35 mm pins) | 2–3× per week | Mist coat with a 50/50 water‑conditioner spray to reduce static and breakage. |
| Prevent mats in feathering | Greyhound ‑style metal comb (medium + fine teeth) | Weekly line‑combing | Work in one‑inch strips from skin outward—“line brushing” prevents hidden knots. |
| Loosen undercoat during shed | Undercoat rake with rotating pins | Daily for 2 weeks in spring & fall | Follow coat growth direction to lift dead fluff without cutting guard hairs. |
2. Tackling Borzoi Shedding Seasons
Borzois “blow coat” twice a year. You’ll notice fur bunnies under furniture and fine fluff on black leggings.
Action Plan
- Daily five‑minute rakes lift loosened undercoat before it scatters.
- Warm bath pre‑shed opens hair follicles, accelerating the process.
- High‑velocity dryer (on cool) blows out dead fur—game‑changer for indoor allergies.
3. Bathing: Less Is More
- Schedule: Every 6–8 weeks, or after muddy adventures.
- Shampoo: Use a mild, protein‑rich sighthound formula; avoid whitening agents that strip natural oils.
- Conditioner: Light, rinse‑out silk protein spray prevents static and makes future brushing easier.
- Drying: Blot with microfiber towels, then low‑heat dryer while line brushing to prevent tangles.
4. Nails, Ears & Teeth—The Overlooked Trio
| Task | Tool | Frequency | Why It Matters for Borzois |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nail trimming | Dremel or scissor‑style clippers | Every 10–14 days | Long “click‑clack” nails alter the Borzoi’s elegant gait and strain pasterns. |
| Ear cleaning | Cotton‑round + vet‑approved solution | Weekly | Silky ear leather traps heat; routine checks prevent yeast buildup. |
| Dental care | Enzymatic toothpaste + soft brush | Daily (minimum 3× week) | Narrow sighthound muzzles crowd molars—tartar forms quickly, risking periodontal disease. |
5. Turning Grooming Into a Positive Ritual
- Start young: Handle paws, ears, and mouth for 30 seconds during puppy naps.
- Use high‑value treats (freeze‑dried liver) after each tool is introduced.
- Keep sessions short: 10‑minute “mini‑grooms” beat marathon detangling that sours the experience.
- Cue words: A calm “Brush time” paired with rewards conditions cooperation.
- Desensitize dryers: Run the blower across your hand first, then hips, then neck—gradual exposure curbs sighthound sensitivity.
6. Grooming Calendar at a Glance
| Week of the Month | Core Tasks |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Full brush‑out, ear clean, nail trim |
| Week 2 | Quick pin‑brush, teeth brush daily, paw pad check |
| Week 3 | Bath + blowout (or dry shampoo spritz), line‑comb feathering |
| Week 4 | Undercoat rake (if in shedding season), nail & ear maintenance |
Print or sync this cycle to your phone—consistency beats occasional marathon sessions.
Key Takeaways (TL;DR)
- Borzoi grooming hinges on regular pin brushing, strategic undercoat raking during sheds, and minimal yet effective bathing.
- Keep nails short, ears dry, and teeth clean to support overall sighthound health.
- Positive reinforcement transforms grooming from chore to bonding ritual—your Borzoi will float across the lounge, coat shimmering and stress‑free.
Got questions about sighthound grooming tools or troubleshooting mats? Drop them in the comments and share photos of your freshly fluffed Borzoi!
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