Husky and Borzoi

Borzoi Husky Mix – Speed and Endurance

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The Borzoi Husky mix is a seldom-seen breed combination that takes two thick-coated breeds with quite different personalities! As with any mixed breed, these pups may have any mix of their parent breeds’ genetics.

Borzoi Running at full speed directly at camera
Borzoi Running. Borzois can run at full speed for short bursts.

Borzois and Huskies are both headstrong working dogs. They aren’t for the inexperienced dog owner, as training and handling can be a handful! Both have the strong bodies of a working dog, and Borzois can weigh up to 100 pounds.

Positive training methods and some decent upper arm strength to handle these dogs on a leash will get you far and allow you to see past their stubborn exteriors to the sweet and loving dogs underneath.

Husky Sled Team running at directly towards camera.
Huskies running. They have endurance to run for a long period of time.

Borzoi Husky mixes are sure to be family-loving dogs, ready to be wherever their people are at!

In this article, we’ll talk more about the characteristics you can expect in this mixed breed.

Borzoi Husky Mix

Borzois and Huskies are quite different in size, shape, and personality. This can make for a variety of pups even within the same litter.

Some may be medium in size, others giant. Coat colors and patterns will vary considerably, though their fur is bound to be thick and medium in length.

Borzois and Huskies both tend to have stubborn streaks. As working dogs, they have strong instincts guiding their way.

It’s best to work with these instincts rather than against them; for instance, don’t expect reliable recall in these dogs, but instead keep them on a leash or in an enclosed space at all times.

Huskies do tend to be more stranger-friendly than Borzois, but regardless of your dog’s attitude, they should be socialized to many types of people and dogs so that they can thrive in any social situation.

Summary of Characteristics of the Breed

Lifespan 9-14 years
EnergyHigh
GroomingMedium-High
TrainabilityIntermediate
SizeMedium-Giant

Borzoi Husky Mix Appearance

A Borzoi Husky mix will look like a combination of the parent dogs. They might look more like a Borzoi, more like a Husky, or an even mix of both.

As a mixed breed, there aren’t specific standards and physical traits are more unpredictable than you’d find in purebred pups.

The few pups I’ve seen in my research seem to have the classic Borzoi shape with Husky coloration, though you shouldn’t expect all dogs to end up this way. This being a rare breed combination, there isn’t much data out there yet.

A Borzoi Husky mix will be a medium to giant dog standing between 20-30 inches tall and weighing 35-100 pounds. Of course, this is quite a range, but that’s due to the vast difference in the size of these two breeds.

They can be any color or combination of colors attributed to the parent breeds, the most common of which are cream, brown, grey, black, and white. Their double coats will be medium in length.

Borzoi in Alert Pose on grass
Borzoi. Note the narrow head, long nose, floppy ears, wide set alert eyes, and muscular lean body.

They may have the droopy triangular ears of a Borzoi or ears that stand up like that of a Husky.

A Borzoi Husky mix will be deep-chested just like their parent breeds and may take on either the slim frame of a Borzoi or the bulkier shape of the Siberian Husky.

They will be long-snouted, though their particular face shapes can differ depending on the breed they take after most.

Husky Alert Pose on beach
Husky. Note the stocky muscular body, perky ears, blue eyes, wide face, thick neck.

Borzoi Husky Mix Cost

I was unable to find a breeder selling this rare breed combination, therefore it’s difficult to say what a Borzoi Husky mix will cost. Because they are an uncommon mixed breed, they may cost less than a purebred—but you’ll also have a trickier time finding one.

The best thing to do is to keep your eye on Husky and Borzoi rescue groups in your area. You might also consider looking into similar breeds or another Husky or Borzoi mixed breed.

This will open up more possibilities for you when it comes to adopting a new dog.

Adopting from a Rescue or Shelter

The best places to look for a Borzoi Husky mix are in sighthound or Husky rescue groups. You may even find a very similar breed mix that you fall in love with!

Browsing your local dog rescues and shelters in your area are both great ideas as well, but you’ll see a lot of breeds that aren’t Huskies or Borzoi in these groups as well. This can make finding a specific breed a little more difficult.

Again, remember that Borzoi Husky mixes are rare and you might be better able to find a similar breed—or, you might get lucky and come across one!

Finding a Breeder

If you do happen to find a Borzoi Husky mix breeder, it’s crucial that you do your research. It can be tempting to jump right in and purchase a puppy right away, but this is an extremely poor decision.

There are two reasons for this: puppy mills and backyard breeders.

Unfortunately, there isn’t much legislation when it comes to dog breeding or animal abuse. Puppy mills, or large-scale breeding facilities where dogs are neglected in favor of profits, are not outlawed in the United States—though some areas do ban sales of dogs in pet stores, which makes it more difficult for puppy mills to operate.

Small-scale breeders often do not need licensing or to prove they know anything about the dogs which they are breeding. Even licensed breeders only need to meet very low standards of care.

Four Husky Puppies posed on a scrub grass lakeshore in autumn. Moutains on far shore.
Choose a reputable breeder.

Puppy mill dogs often live shorter lifespans, which is bad for both the dogs and those of us who fall in love with them. It’s easy to think that puppy mill puppies should have loving homes—and they should!

Those passionate about the issue can adopt puppies rescued from puppy mills from their local shelter or rescue.

However, giving money directly to a puppy mill only funds the next litter, therefore furthering the abuse.

Puppy mills often sell puppies online or at pet stores, which is why I strongly advise against buying a puppy in this way.

Instead, always insist on seeing the environment where the puppy has been raised. This should be a home setting that is clean and provides everything the dogs need such as water, shelter, and enrichment.

Ask to see the parent dogs as well as the other puppies, as well as veterinary paperwork for the dogs. Your breeder should vet every dog and be willing to prove this to you.

Ask them which health problems are common in the breed, if they’ve screened for genetic health conditions, and what to watch for in your own pup. Also ask for vaccination certificates.

Any breeder who says their breed has no common health conditions is lying—even relatively healthy breeds have their issues.

During this process, be ready to walk away if your breeder refuses to answer your questions honestly or doesn’t know the answers to common questions about the breeds.

A breeder who isn’t knowledgeable about breeding dogs or the breeds their raising is called a backyard breeder.

The reason backyard breeders are dangerous is because even a well-intentioned breeder can breed dogs with poor health. They might also hurt their own dogs by overbreeding due to lack of knowledge about breeding, or because they’re more concerned about profits than their dog’s welfare.

Reputable breeders know their breed inside and out, and actively strive to better the breed’s health and wellbeing.

They also know when to stop breeding a dog for health reasons and won’t be cranking out litter after litter from the same mother.

Lifetime Expenses

In addition to adoption costs, keep in mind that your dog will have many more expenses throughout their lifetime. These costs are what really add up!

Your Borzoi Husky mix will be a large to giant sized dog, meaning they’ll have high food costs. They’ll also need veterinary care and you might consider regular trips to the groomer to deal with their thick double coats.

Your dog will also need leashes, collars, toys, and beds. Most people end up replacing these items at least a few times throughout their dog’s life.

Borzoi Husky Mix Temperament

Like many working and hunting dogs, Borzoi Husky mixes can be quite independent. They have their own ideas and instincts that can make training difficult, especially for inexperienced dog owners.

Punishments and harsh training methods don’t work and might only serve to crush a dog’s spirits or make them prone to fear and aggression.

Instead, use positive reinforcement methods while training. Keep sessions short and fun, ending before you or your dog get frustrated.

Two Huskies playing in clover field
Huskies love to play. Your new dog will need to learn to be social with other dogs and your family.

Borzois can be reserved and timid around strangers, while Huskies tend to be more friendly and outgoing. Your mixed breed might take on either of these traits or fall somewhere in the middle.

Regardless, socialization is important for all dogs. Introduce them to many experiences while they’re young, including a wide range of places, people, and other pets.

Dogs not raised with pets and young children might not be best suited to households with them. Always be cautious during introductions and teach good manners to both your Borzoi Husky and the pet or child they’re interacting with.

Though these are big dogs, they can be hurt by children unintentionally if they climb on top of them or treat them roughly. Children should also be taught not to tease, rile the dog up, or get too close to their face.

If possible, keep both pets on a leash during animal introductions and while establishing boundaries between the two.

Another part of socialization that sometimes gets overlooked is teaching your dog to be alone. These breeds love their families sometimes to a fault, feeling distressed or even developing separation anxiety when they’re apart.

Having good experiences alone at a young age helps with this, but even older dogs can be taught through slow conditioning.

Borzoi Husky mixes need plenty of exercise

, as both parent breeds are incredibly active.

These are also strong dogs with tendencies to roam, so it’s vital to keep them on a leash or in an enclosed space at all times. Leash training is vital so that your dog doesn’t pull you off your feet or rip the leash from your hands and run off!

Borzois may seem lazy, as they’re content to lounge around the house for much of the day. However, they need lots of exercise to stay fit. At least one long walk or run is recommended daily, in addition to playtime.

Borzoi Husky Mix Exercise

Borzois should also have a large, enclosed space to sprint. These dogs can run up to 40 miles per hour, so simply running with them isn’t enough—you won’t be able to keep up with them at top speed!

Two Borzoi Running at Full Speed in Lure Coursing
Borzoi were bred to run fast to chase foxes. They need plenty of exercise, and are content to lay around the house the rest of the time.

Huskies are even more active. They tend to be more hyper than Borzois and need more activity throughout the day to keep them happy and healthy.

Keep in mind that they were built to pull sleds for long periods of time, so it takes a lot to tire them out!

These dogs are incredibly intelligent and benefit from mental stimulation in addition to physical exercise.

How much exercise your mixed breed needs will likely depend on their body shape and personality. They might be like a Borzoi, sprinting around the yard then napping for hours. Or they might be like a Husky, always ready to go!

Borzoi Husky Mix Grooming

These dogs have thick, double coats with medium-length fur. Your Borzoi Husky pup will shed fairly frequently, but you can reduce mess by brushing them regularly.

Depending on the coat your pup inherits, they will need to be combed either once a day, once weekly, or somewhere in between.

If you’re unsure, it’s best to err on the side of caution and brush your dog daily. This will prevent painful mats from developing in their coats.

Due to their double coats, these dogs should not be shaved. If you need help with maintenance, a dog groomer can de-shed their undercoat or brush out any mats that develop in their fur.

Other grooming requirements include brushing your dog’s teeth, trimming their nails, and cleaning their ears regularly.

Borzoi Husky Mix Environmental Needs

Borzoi Husky mixes must live in homes with large, enclosed yards. Fencing should be tall so that they cannot jump over.

Both Huskies and Borzois were bred for running. Huskies were initially bred to pull sleds, while Borzois were used to hunt prey as big as wolves.

Borzoi Resting Head on Wooden Floor
When Borzois are not actively running, they tend to like to lay around.

These dogs will run if allowed, and thus should never be let off-leash in an unenclosed area. Don’t expect reliable recall from these pups; once they take off it’ll be impossible to keep up and you might not find them again.

When it comes to barking or howling tendencies, your dog might be very quiet or very loud! Borzois rarely bark, but can sometimes make good watchdogs. Huskies, on the other hand, are incredibly vocal.

If you’re unaware of this, I suggest watching some videos of Huskies vocalizing. They’re super entertaining, but you should get an idea of what they sound like so that you aren’t caught off guard—it definitely isn’t for everybody!

Husky Borzoi mixes can be great with children and pets if socialized at a young age. When adopting an older dog, look for one who’s lived in a similar household to yours. For instance, a dog who formerly lived with a toddler or a cat.

Dogs who weren’t socialized properly may be prone to chasing young kids or small pets. Remember that Borzois were bred to chase prey, and thus they must learn from an early age that little ones and other pets aren’t okay to chase!

Husky Resting Head on Floor
A Husky Resting. Part of socialization is teaching your dog be be ok with being alone.

Similarly, children and other pets should be taught how to interact with your Borzoi Husky mix. Never leave any dog alone with a small child, as they could hurt one another. Newly introduced pets should also be supervised for the same reason.

Teach children to be gentle with dogs, to keep their hands and face away from your dog’s mouth, and to stay away from a dog’s food.

Proper boundaries are crucial for both parties, else a child gets bit while reaching for a dog’s food or a dog is injured by a rambunctious kid.

Borzoi Husky Mix Health

Borzoi Husky mixes can have health problems common to both Borzois and Huskies. That said, mixed breeds do tend to be healthier than purebred dogs.

Husky being examined by vet
Ensure your dog gets regular vet checkups.

If purchasing a dog from a breeder, always ask for veterinary paperwork as well as proof of health screenings for the parent dogs and puppies.

Breeders who care about the welfare of their puppies and the breed will screen for genetic conditions before breeding.

However, there is never a guarantee of health. Like people, dogs develop unforeseen health problems. The best thing we can do is know what to watch for so that, in the case of illness, we catch it early.

This is why it’s important to bring your dog to the veterinarian anytime you notice sudden changes in behavior, as this can be a good early warning sign.

Below are some common health concerns to watch for broken down by parent breed.

Borzoi Health

Some health problems to watch for in Borzois are:

  • Bloat
  • Sensitivity to anesthesia
  • Elbow and hip dysplasia
  • Heart problems
  • Eye problems

One of the more troubling health concerns in deep-chested dogs is bloat. This is when a dog’s stomach fills with air and flips. It’s emergent and life-threatening.

Symptoms of bloat include:

  • Enlarged abdomen
  • Retching
  • Drooling
  • Restlessness
  • Pain in the stomach area, especially when touched

To reduce the chances of bloat, it’s important not to overfeed your dog and to keep their stress levels as low as possible.

Slow their eating using a bowl with grooves at the bottom, and don’t exercise them too soon before or after meal times.

Also consider feeding your dog alone. Other pets or children, especially, may stress your dog or make them feel that they need to eat faster.

Of course, this comes down to the individual dog—some feel more secure when with the family, while others prefer to eat alone. I advise choosing whichever causes your dog the least amount of stress.

Husky Health

Among the health concerns Huskies might face are:

  • Eye problems
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Bloat

Borzoi Husky Mix History

Borzois were first bred in 1600s Russia for hunting wolves. They were bred to have thick coats to protect them from the cold, long muzzles for a strong bite, and a strong sprinter’s body that allows them to run up to 40 miles per hour.

Huskies originated thousands of years ago in northeast Asia. They were bred for companionship and pulling sleds.

To achieve this goal, Huskies had to be friendly and active with high endurance levels. They also needed thick coats to protect them from the cold.

The Husky Borzoi mix has very little history, as even today this mixed breed is quite rare to see.


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