Welcoming a Borzoi puppy—the elegant long nose dog puppy famed for its aristocratic profile and gentle soul—can feel both exhilarating and overwhelming. This step‑by‑step guide arms Texan dog lovers with everything they need to know, from identifying ethical Borzoi breeders or rescues in Texas to hitting every crucial first‑year milestone. Grab a coffee, bookmark this page, and let’s set your future Borzoi puppies up for lifelong success!
1. Borzoi Breed Snapshot
- Height: 26–32 in. (females on the lower end)
- Weight: 60–105 lb., with most Texas‑bred males averaging ~90 lb.
- Life Span: 10–12 years
- Energy Level: Moderate bursts; true “couch sprinters”
- Key Traits: Graceful, sensitive, cat‑like cleanliness, prey‑driven outdoors
Because Borzoi were designed to course wolves across Russian plains, they blend athletic speed with laid‑back indoor manners—making them a surprisingly calm apartment companion if given daily gallops in a fenced yard or lure‑coursing field.
2. How to Find Ethical Borzoi Breeders in Texas
Red flags to avoid:
- Multiple litters per year, no wait‑list
- No OFA health certifications (cardiac, thyroid, eyes, degenerative myelopathy)
- Refusal to let you meet the dam and sire or see their living quarters
Where to start:
| Resource | What You’ll Find | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Bluebonnet Borzoi Club of Texas (AKC‑affiliate) | Upcoming litters, specialty shows | Club members adhere to a code of ethics and mentor new owners. |
| Gryffyn’s Aeyrie Borzoi, Satara Borzoi & Rose Hill Borzoi | Small‑scale, health‑tested programs | Provide lifetime take‑back contracts and early socialization. |
| AKC Marketplace (filter “Borzoi” + “TX”) | Breeder contact info, health testing badges | AKC requires pedigree validation and inspection. |
Pro Tip
Ask each breeder for a copy of OFA certificates and the puppy’s socialization log. A responsible breeder will happily provide both before you place a deposit.
3. Rescue Options: Giving a Home to a Borzoi in Need
- National Borzoi Rescue Foundation (NBRF) – Coordinates foster homes statewide, often listing adolescents and seniors.
- Rescue Me! Borzoi Texas – Real‑time map of adoptable sighthounds across the state.
- Local sighthound rescues – Greyhound Adoption League of Texas (GALT) occasionally takes in Borzoi mixes.
Rescued adults can be calmer than Borzoi puppies, yet still need structured socialization to unlearn previous neglect. Adoption fees typically range $250–$650 and include shots, microchipping, and spay/neuter.
4. Preparing Your Home for a Borzoi Puppy
- Secure fencing 6 ft. or higher. Their leap is Olympic.
- Remove chew‑temptations (power cords, remote controls).
- Elevate trash cans—Borzoi noses find everything.
- Create a “safe zone” with a 48‑in. crate, non‑slip mat, and white‑noise machine.
5. Day‑One Checklist & Vet‑Backed Health Essentials
| Task | Recommended Timing | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Wellness exam & baseline bloodwork | 24–72 hrs post‑arrival | Confirms breeder’s health guarantee. |
| DHPP vaccine | 8, 12, 16 weeks | Core protection. |
| Heartworm & flea prevention | Monthly year‑round in Texas | Mosquito season never ends here. |
| First grooming session | Before week 12 | Desensitizes the pup to brushes and dryers. |
6. Nutrition & Growth Guide
Feed a large‑breed puppy formula (1.2–1.4 % calcium, 0.8–1.0 % phosphorus). Split daily intake into 3 meals until 6 months, then taper to 2 meals.
Calorie rule of thumb:
Age in months × 10 = approx. kcal per lb. per day during rapid growth. Adjust weekly to keep ribs palpable without a thick fat layer.
Avoid rapid‑growth diets that push weight gain faster than bone development; it’s the easiest way to prevent pano and early joint issues.
7. Early Socialization & Training Roadmap
| Age | Social Goal | Training Focus |
|---|---|---|
| 8–12 wks | New textures (grass, gravel, vet tables) | Name recognition, gentle leash intro |
| 12–16 wks | Meeting 50 people, 10 friendly dogs | “Sit,” “Down,” “Leave it” |
| 4–6 mos | Safe car rides, busy city sounds | Polite door manners, recall games |
| 6–12 mos | AKC STAR Puppy class or lure‑coursing fun‑runs | Loose‑leash walking, impulse control |
Borzoi respond best to positive‑reinforcement methods—think soft praise and high‑value treats. Harsh corrections can cause shutdown.
8. First‑Year Milestones
- 4 months: Baby coat starts to feather; schedule first professional bath.
- 6 months: Growth plates still open—limit hard agility jumps.
- 9 months: Adolescence hits; re‑visit recall training daily.
- 12 months: Transition to adult large‑breed formula; consider OFA prelim X‑rays.
9. FAQs on Raising a Borzoi Puppy
A: Surprisingly little until the adult coat blows around 9–12 months.
A: Yes, provided kids are taught not to pull on that iconic long nose. Early exposure to respectful toddlers is key.
A: Two 20‑minute sprints in a fenced area + enrichment toys indoors meet most needs.
10. Final Thoughts
Raising a Borzoi puppy is a marathon of gentle guidance, thoughtful nutrition, and consistent socialization. Whether you partner with an ethical Borzoi breeder or open your heart to a rescue, the reward is a graceful companion who will lounge regally on your sofa and sprint joyfully across Texas bluebonnet fields. Follow the tips above, stay in touch with your vet and local Borzoi club, and you’ll enjoy every elegant stage of this long‑nosed journey.
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