Borzoi - Health Characteristics
Dog Breeds
Life expectancy of Borzoi is 9 to 12 years, females usually living longer than males. Generally speaking, Borzoi that are physically fit and vigorous in their youth through middle age are more vigorous and healthy as elderly dogs. In most parts of the world bloat and road accidents seem to be the most frequent causes of premature death in Borzoi.
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Lifespan
Life expectancy of Borzoi is 9 to 12 years, females usually living longer than males. Exceptional individuals have lived to be more than 16 years of age. Dogs that are physically fit and vigorous in their youth through middle age are more vigorous and healthy as elderly dogs, all other factors being equal. In most parts of the world bloat and road accidents seem to be the most frequent causes of premature death.
Common Health Problems
Like its native relative, the Hortaya Borzaya, the Borzoi is basically a very healthy breed. Osteochondritis dissecans, hip and elbow dysplasia have remained almost unknown, and until the 1970s, congenital eye and heart disease were as well. However, in some countries modern breeding practices have unfortunately introduced a few problems.
As with other very deep-chested breeds, gastric torsion is the most common serious health problem in the Borzoi. Also known as bloat, this life-threatening condition is believed to be anatomical rather than strictly genetic in origin. Many Borzoi owners recommend feeding the dog from a raised platform instead of placing the food-dish on the ground, and making sure that the dog rests quietly for several hours after eating.
Other Issues
Less common are cardiac problems including cardiomyopathy and cardiac arrhythmia disorders.
A condition identified as Borzoi Retinopathy is seen in some individuals, usually active dogs, which differs from progressive retinal atrophy in several ways. First, it is unilateral, and rarely seen in animals less than three years of age. Second, a clear cut pattern of inheritance has not been demonstrated. Finally, most affected individuals do not go blind.
Nutrition
Correct nutrition for Borzoi puppies is also debatable. These dogs naturally experience enormous growth surges in the first year or two of their lives. It is now widely accepted that forcing even faster growth by feeding a highly concentrated, high-energy diet is dangerous for skeletal development, causing unsoundness and increased tendency to joint problems and injury.
Being built primarily for speed, Borzoi do not carry large amounts of body fat or muscle, and therefore have a rather different physiology to other dogs of similar size. Laboratory-formulated diets designed for a generic "large" or "giant" breed are unlikely to take the needs of the big sighthounds into account.
It is interesting to note that the Hortaya Borzaya, undoubtedly a very close relative, is traditionally raised on a meager diet of oats and table scraps. The Hortaya is also said to be intolerant of highly concentrated kibble feeds. A lean body weight in itself is nothing to be concerned about, and force-feeding of healthy young Borzoi is not recommended.