Health and Grooming of your Borzoï
Health and Grooming
The Borzoi has a life expectancy of about 9 to 13 years.
As a rule the Borzoi is a very healthy breed and not usually prone to diseases that are commonly found in other breeds. Nonetheless, some health problems have been noted namely: Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), which is the gradual deterioration of the retina, and Osteocondritis Dissecans (OCD), which is the degeneration of bone underlying the cartilage layer of joints. Other areas of concern are the use of anaesthetics, because like most sighthounds, the Borzoi is sensitive to certain anaesthetics. It is important to visit a veterinarian that is familiar with these issues before you agree to treatment for you dog. Bloat is another condition that is very important to know and get familiar with, because recognizing the symptoms will help save your dog. Deep-chested dogs are especially at risk of Gastric Torsion and/or bloat, which is a condition caused by a twisting of the stomach, which traps the gazes resulting in a rapid swelling of the abdomen accompanied by pain and if not treated immediately will likely result in death.
The Borzoi should be well groomed with a clean, brushed coat and skin, trimmed nails, and clean teeth. Some scissoring may be used to accentuate the Borzoi's natural good looks, but the Borzoi should always maintain a natural look.
Parasites
Freedom from external and internal parasites are essential to a good, healthy coat and a healthy, happy Borzoi.
Bathing
Borzoi should be brushed before bathing to avoid the occurrence of mats. Bathing the borzoi is not as onerous as it might seem, they usually learn to accept bathing quickly, and even like it in the summer months. Use a dog shampoo, as it is pH balanced for a canine coat. A canine cream rinse or conditioner may also be used, especially for Borzoi that are bathed frequently for dog shows or other events. Whether shampoos, conditioners, or cream rinses are used, it is essential that the Borzoi be rinsed completely.
Drying
After bathing, you can towel and blow-dry the coat of the Borzoi to fluff the hair.
Brushing
About once a week, and after bathing and drying, the Borzoi's hair should be brushed. When a Borzoi is blowing coat (shedding) you will need to brush more often to keep up with the falling hair. Pin brushes work well for a Borzoi's coat, but when you encounter a mat in the coat, separate the hairs with your fingers, rather than trying to brush it out. Make sure to brush the coat all the way through, because if you avoid the underside of the coat it will eventually mat.
Brush the feathering on the legs toward the rear of the dog. Brush the chest hair and underside hair forward and down. Brush the coat on the rest of the body toward the head.
Nails
Long nails on the Borzoi are unsightly and unhealthy. Nails should be clipped regularly with canine nail clippers, or ground down with a special grinder.
Teeth
Dirty teeth can mar the elegance of the Borzoi's good looks, and cause health problems for your Borzoi. Tartar should be scraped carefully from the teeth with a scaler. If the tarter has built up it may be necessary to have a veterinarian remove it.
Ears
Ear wax can be softened with a mineral oil before cleaning. Insert a few drops of oil and gently massage the ear, then swab with cotton tipped applicators.
Scissoring
Trimming is not necessary, but may be used in moderation to give the Borzoi a finished look. Trimming should only be performed after bathing, because trimming a dirty coat will result in inconsistent results.
Maintaining the coat on the feet is most important to the health of a Borzoi. If the hair on the feet gets too long it can pick up snow, ice, and mud, and can mat uncomfortably. This can cause lameness and splayed feet if allowed to continue. You should use blunt edged scissors on the feet to ensure that you don't cut the pads or the feet. Trim the hairs between the bottom of the pads and the sides of the feet. Comb the hair up from between the toes and trim it, then comb back for a smooth look.
Grooming is not only for show dogs. Regular brushing; with coat, foot and nail, ear, and tooth care can ensure that your Borzoi continues to be healthy and happy, and is a credit to the breed both at home and while enjoying activities away from home.
Reference for the grooming: Borzoi Canada from http://www.borzoicanada.ca/id25.html