Borzoi First Year Costs

Upfront Costs

What Does a Borzoi Cost to Acquire?

Puppy from a reputable breeder: $1,500–$3,000. Borzoi are relatively accessible compared to some rare breeds. The Borzoi Club of America maintains a breeder referral directory. Ask for OFA hip, CAER eye exam, and cardiac evaluation clearances. Responsible breeders invest in health testing and carefully evaluate prospective homes — the off-leash management requirements mean they screen for fenced property and sighthound experience.

Rescue adoption: $150–$400 through Borzoi or general sighthound rescue organizations. Adult rescues often come from owners who underestimated the sighthound temperament and the permanent off-leash management requirements.

Initial setup costs: $300–$550 (not including fencing)

• Large/XL crate (42–48 inches for adult Borzoi): $80–$150
• XL dog bed (Borzoi are long dogs — need adequate space): $70–$130
• Collar, harness, long leash: $60–$100
• Grooming tools (pin brush, wide-tooth comb, detangling spray): $50–$100
• Bowls: $30–$60

Fencing: $500–$3,000+ if not already in place. This is often the largest single infrastructure cost for a Borzoi owner. A minimum 6-foot solid fence is required — sighthounds should not be able to see prey animals through fence gaps. If your property does not have a suitable fence, budget for this before acquiring a Borzoi. This is non-negotiable infrastructure.

First Year Recurring

First Year Ongoing Expenses

Food: $600–$900 for the first year. Large breed dry food for a 60–105 lb dog. Budget $50–$80 per month. Feed twice daily (reduces bloat risk). High-quality large breed formulas support joint health for this athletic breed.

Veterinary care (first year): $500–$900

• Initial wellness exam and puppy vaccination series: $150–$350
• Spay or neuter: $200–$500 — discuss prophylactic gastropexy at this appointment. Borzoi are deep-chested and at bloat risk; gastropexy during the spay/neuter is a $200–$500 addition that eliminates the fatal stomach rotation risk
• Heartworm and parasite prevention: $150–$250/year for a large breed

Pet insurance: $600–$1,200/year. Particularly important for Borzoi for two reasons: anesthesia sensitivity (any emergency requiring sedation must be managed with sighthound protocols — mistakes can be fatal) and bloat/GDV risk. Enroll before the first vet visit. Verify the policy covers emergency GDV surgery.

Grooming: $0–$400/year. Home grooming with basic tools ($50–$100 one-time investment) is fully adequate for most Borzoi. Some owners opt for professional bathing every 6–8 weeks ($60–$120 per session). No clipping, hand-stripping, or specialized professional care is required.

Lure coursing/exercise: If participating in lure coursing or fast-CAT events, budget $50–$200/year for entry fees. These activities provide excellent breed-appropriate exercise in a safe, enclosed context.

Total & Ongoing

First Year Total and Long-Term Costs

First year total estimate: $4,000–$9,550 (including purchase price). The upper end reflects fencing investment plus the full range of vet and insurance costs. The lower end assumes existing suitable fencing and lower purchase price.

Annual ongoing costs after year one: $1,550–$2,700

• Food: $600–$900
• Routine vet care and preventives: $350–$600
• Pet insurance: $600–$1,200
• Grooming: minimal at home, or $400–$800 for professional bathing

Budget for potential additional costs:

• GDV emergency surgery (if gastropexy not done): $3,000–$8,000
• Osteosarcoma treatment if diagnosed: $5,000–$15,000+ depending on approach
• Cardiac condition management: variable
• Anesthesia-related emergency complications: pet insurance coverage is essential

Over a 9–14 year lifespan, total ownership cost excluding purchase price and fencing is typically $15,000–$35,000 depending on health outcomes. The gastropexy investment and early insurance enrollment are the two most impactful financial decisions for managing long-term risk.