7 Things to Know Before Owning a Russian Wolfhound

The Russian Wolfhound, also known as Borzoi, was developed as a hunting dog capable of following the scent of foxes, rabbits, and wolves with incredible speed and keen vision. It was developed in Russia and was considered a prized possession by Russian aristocrat hunters. They are known for their exceptional speed and strength, which they use to track and kill foxes, hares, and wolves. Russian Wolfhounds are one-of-a-kind canines with a typical lifespan of 10 to 12 years. If you are interested in getting this pup as an addition to your family, here are the things you need to know to ensure your dogs are in the right home!

They are considered a large breed and are very graceful in their movements.

The Russian Wolfhound is a picture of sophistication and elegance with his slender build, long, narrow head, and a luxurious coat. The long, lean legs, trim physique, deep chest, tucked tummy, arched loin, and long tail are all hallmarks of the greyhound breed. His skull is unusually long and thin, but his every action shows the elegance of a Russian Wolfhound.

The Russian Wolfhound is considered to be a status symbol of aristocracy.

The Russian Wolfhound is a dog once reserved for Russia's aristocracy. But it has gained a new fan base in the United States thanks to its status as a fashion icon and member of the nobility. However, those familiar with the breed recognize its primary value as an excellent companion.

Despite their relative rarity in the United States, these dogs are readily identifiable thanks to their long, elegant lines and silky coat. The Russian Wolfhound's soft fur, Roman nose, and beautifully curved tail contributed to the breed's popularity.

The Russian Wolfhound is gentle and calm.

The regal Russian Wolfhound, often considered one of the most stunning canine breeds, is also highly prized for its pleasant demeanor. There is an underlying court jester in every Russian Wolfhound. They have easygoing personalities and seem to enjoy the company of everybody except for strangers.

Aside from being gentle and calm, a Russian Wolfhound is also a sensitive breed that has to be handled with much care. Since they are a quiet and noble breed, they should not be subjected to harsh treatment or forceful training. They are intelligent and responsive large dogs that need to be treated gently.

They greet newcomers with friendliness but not extroversion. They'll fulfill their job as watchdogs and bark if necessary, but they won't do much more than that and won't do an excellent job protecting you and keeping you safe.

It enjoys both indoor and outdoor activities.

Russian Wolfhounds have a high drive for exercise and are delighted to run and play, but they also appreciate the quiet time spent on a couch, bed, or in your backyard.

They'd love to take a short burst of running rather than a long run, and afterward, they're content to go back inside and unwind. The Russian Wolfhound will gladly join you for a lazy day.

The Russian Wolfhound needs early training and socialization.

They make mild, polite pets, but early exposure to various people, places, and activities promotes the puppy's healthy social and emotional development. Because Russian Wolfhounds are naturally reserved around new people and animals, early and consistent socialization is essential if you want your pup to mature into a confident, friendly adult.

The Russian Wolfhound can be a bit stubborn during training.

While they make great family pets, training the Russian Wolfhounds can be challenging because they can be stubborn, independent, and willful. It takes time, patience, and perseverance to train a Russian Wolfhound.

Russian Wolfhounds, like other dogs, thrive on routine and benefit significantly from being fed, trained, socialized, and exercised at the exact times every day. To unlock your Russian Wolfhound's full potential, you must be consistent in your training.

They can live with other pets in the household as long as they are appropriately socialized.

Russian Wolfhounds can coexist peacefully with other pets at home if they are properly socialized as puppies. Remember that Russian Wolfhounds were initially raised to hunt; thus, their instinct is to pursue and catch any tiny animal that runs.

One must take precautions when walking or playing with a Russian Wolfhound around cats or other small animals because the breed was initially developed to pursue moving prey, especially cats.

They are small eaters but still need a high-quality and balanced diet.

Compared to other large dogs, Russian Wolfhounds have a reasonably modest appetite. Your Russian Wolfhound should thrive on premium dog food, whether purchased from a pet store or homemade, with recommendations from your veterinarian.

All dog food should be age, weight, and activity level -appropriate. Strenuous activity should be avoided before or after a meal because of the possibility of bloat.

Your dog may be one of the many breeds that quickly gain weight, so keep an eye on their food intake and overall body mass. Treats have their place in training, but too many can lead to weight gain and health problems. Fresh, clean water should be accessible at all times.

The Russian Wolfhound is surprisingly easy to maintain and groom.

Grooming is essential to taking care of a Russian Wolfhound, and they can benefit significantly from regular grooming sessions. You don't have to worry because the coat of a Russian Wolfhound is low-maintenance.

Maintaining a clean coat and warding off fleas can be achieved through regular brushing and bathing. It is also essential to frequently cut the hair that grows between their paw pads. Unlike some other breeds of dog, the Russian Wolfhound will not produce a strong doggie odor and so doesn't need to be bathed very often.

Like all dog breeds, their nails need regular trimming, the teeth need regular brushing, and the ears need to be checked for dirt that can cause infection.

They need to be exercised daily.

Exercise is a crucial aspect of the Russian Wolfhound's daily care. The best way to exercise these dogs is to take them to a place where they can run free without being restrained by a leash, like in an enclosed dog park or your securely fenced backyard. This breed requires consistent activity for their mental and physical health.

If you have a Russian Wolfhound, you should never let it run free. Russian Wolfhounds also excel in canine sports like agility and lure coursing, and they enjoy it more when they spend time with their owners. The Russian Wolfhound is a sighthound that will follow any moving object, so never let your Russian Wolfhound run uncontrolled, especially near traffic.

The most excellent environment for Russian Wolfhounds is one with a lot of room to run and play in, but if you don't have one, regular lengthy walks would be the next best thing. People who live in apartments with Russian Wolfhounds should be committed to taking the dog for long walks and other forms of exercise like jogging and supervised playtime in a fenced yard.

The Russian Wolfhound enjoys the cold weather and sheds its coat yearly.

The Russian Wolfhounds survived the harshest of Russian winters thanks to the protection of their coats. In hot climates, outdoor exercise should be limited to the early morning or late evening, indoor dog parks should be sought, and water fun should be considered during summer. It needs constant access to water, shade, and air conditioning to prevent heat exhaustion.

They have an annual shedding of their coat. Loose hair and debris can be easily brushed out of the coat with a brush and during which time it requires more regular brushing than usual.

These dogs are quite a healthy breed.

Russian Wolfhounds, as a breed, are known for their exceptional health. The Russian Wolfhound has flaws, but that's also the case with many other giant species.

They are prone to problems including hip and elbow dysplasia, osteochondritis dissecans, and progressive retinal atrophy. They are susceptible to gastric torsion and bloating. It is when the stomach twists and spins in on itself, and the stomach swells due to gas, fluid, or both.

A common behavioral issue in certain Russian Wolfhounds is excessive panting, which can make some individuals uncomfortable.

They can be excellent companions for children but still needs supervision.

While most Russian Wolfhounds can be wonderful family pets with the proper upbringing, they are not suited to very young kids. You must remember the massive stature of the Russian Wolfhound, and if they were to knock down a young child accidentally, the child could be seriously hurt. Teaching kids how to act around and take care of a Russian Wolfhound is essential.

When children roughhouse with young dogs, the dogs may return the aggression. This is why adults need to watch young kids when they're near a Russian Wolfhound.

A less active senior can enjoy the company of a Russian Wolfhound, as these dogs tend not to display the same frantic excitement when meeting new people as more hyper breeds.

They can exhibit destructive behavior when left alone for long periods.

As with any huge puppy, the destructive behaviors associated with Russian Wolfhound puppies can last for quite some time. Lack of exercise and mental stimulation might lead to negative actions.

In many cases, the issue can be solved by just giving the Russian Wolfhound more attention and taking it for regular walks, but if the dog is left alone for lengthy periods, a kennel run or crate should be provided.

These dogs can be sensitive to drugs.

Due to their low body fat, Russian Wolfhounds can experience adverse medication reactions. Consult your veterinarian on what drugs are not appropriate for your Russian Wolfhound. You should also keep them off lawns recently treated with pesticides, herbicides, or other chemicals.

Overall, this dog makes an excellent family pet. Its personality can be anywhere from solemn and regal to goofy. When it comes to being a pet, the Russian Wolfhound is gentle, mature, and bright. He gets anxious when left alone for too long, and it might be either distant or warm toward strangers. In general, he is open and friendly. Despite its laid-back demeanor, the Russian Wolfhound isn't always a breeze to train. Lastly, the Russian Wolfhound needs reassurance that he is beloved and protected from harm at all times. If you are up for its care, training, and physical requirements, the Russian Wolfhound could be your next best friend. Enjoy!