The Barsoi dog breed is not only one of the oldest breeds but also one of the most fascinating. On one hand, they are lightning-fast and energetic hunters, and on the other hand, they are calm and gentle family dogs. Surely, the Russian Greyhound will captivate you as well.

History of the Barsoi

What are Russian Greyhounds called? Russkaya Psovaya Borzaya, from which the name Barsoi is derived. A genetic analysis led by Heidi Parker in 2017 revealed new insights. It showed a relationship between the Barsoi dog and the Irish Wolfhound and Greyhound. Consequently, the history of the breed, recognized by the FCI in 1956, dates back a long time, as the Celts also bred these Greyhounds. Barsois remain rather rare dogs in the United States to this day. The AKC records 100 to 170 Barsoi puppies born each year.

Nature and Character

A glance at their nature and character traits clearly shows that these gifted sprinters and hunters are also affectionate and cuddly couch potatoes. They are gentle and friendly dogs that form a close bond with their humans. These sensitive, warm-hearted, and easily trainable animals are extremely affectionate. If the Greyhound can satisfy its need for movement, it will enrich your life as a lovable companion and family dog. As balanced and calm as these Russian beauties are, their hunting instinct is also easily awakened.

Affection Level	High
Friendliness	High
Kid-Friendly	High
Pet-Friendly	Medium
Exercise Needs	High
Playfulness	Medium
Energy Level	Medium
Trainability	High
Intelligence	Medium
Tendency to Bark	High
Amount of Shedding	High

Acquisition of a Barsoi

If you are considering getting a hunting Greyhound, you should be aware that they are not widespread in the United States. Nevertheless, there are some excellent breeders that you can inquire about through the AKC. How much does a Barsoi cost? Reputable breeders ask for $1,500 to $2,000 and more for a Barsoi puppy. In addition to the acquisition costs, you must also consider the costs for basic equipment and, of course, ongoing expenses such as food, insurance, and veterinary costs.

How much does a Greyhound cost? On average, a Greyhound costs $1,000 to $1,700. As you can see, the prices for puppies of the Russian breed are indeed higher. Besides the costs, you should also carefully consider whether you have enough time and opportunities to properly exercise the Barsoi dog. Only when the animals are well-exercised and can live closely with their humans do these charming dogs feel completely comfortable.

What should I consider when purchasing?

If you decide on one of these passionate hunting dogs, only a registered breeder is the right contact person. They should not only allow you to inspect the puppies but also get to know the parent animals better. In the first step, get an impression of the animals and the environment in which they live. The puppies should leave a fit and healthy impression. The parent animals should be friendly and sociable.

In the second step, you should ask to see the documentation, including veterinary records and pedigrees. Make sure the dogs are integrated into the family so that they are well-socialized. Additionally, a good breeder, especially with a sensitive and time-consuming dog like the Barsoi, will have some questions for you. Reputable breeders make sure to only place their animals in good hands. Furthermore, a good Greyhound breeder will thoroughly explain what to expect and how to properly care for the breed.

Development and Training of the Puppy

Fundamentally, Russian Greyhounds are eager to learn. Accordingly, training the puppies is easily achievable. However, you should already have experience with sensitive dogs. Training these breed dogs is a balancing act because they react extremely sensitively yet are very spirited.

Patience and empathy are therefore the keys to a well-trained dog. Of course, consistent action is also necessary, so you should never slack off in training but rather stay committed. If you desire an absolutely obedient dog, then the Barsoi is not the right dog for you. If you need help with training, you should rely on a trainer experienced with sighthounds. Additionally, the breed is late bloomers, which applies to both their physical development and their training. Thus, the dogs are only considered adults at the age of three.

How to Keep a Barsoi?

The sensitive Russian is a large and active dog. Ideally, you should have a house with a large garden. It must be clear that these people-oriented animals always need contact with “their” humans, so keeping them in a kennel is an absolute no-go.

Exercise is essential for a balanced Greyhound. Since members of the breed have very diverse needs, it is rather difficult for an individual to meet all these needs. Retirees should also consider whether they can meet the needs of a dog of this breed. Barsois feel most comfortable in families with older children, although they also interact affectionately with younger children.

Activities with the Barsoi

How much exercise does a Barsoi need? Just going for walks is not enough; rather, the dogs need the opportunity to really burn off energy every day. It is perfect if you have a large secured area of your own so that the Borsoi can truly let loose. If this is not the case, you should contact a sighthound club, as they usually maintain suitable terrain, coursing, and dog racing tracks that you can use with your dog. The sighthound racing track is almost a must for adult Greyhounds, as they are true speed champions. However, agility is also excellent for the energetic four-legged friend.

Grooming a Barsoi

With its silky coat, the breed dog is considered easy to care for. Nevertheless, it is important to regularly brush and comb the coat. Therefore, brushing once or twice a week is a must. Especially during shedding seasons, it is advisable to brush more rather than less. If a bath becomes necessary, please use a gentle dog shampoo to avoid irritating the skin.

During grooming, make it a routine to also check the ears, teeth, and paws directly.

Health and Hereditary Diseases

How old does a Barsoi get? On average, a Barsoi dog lives to be 12 years old. This is due in no small part to the fact that the dogs of the breed have robust health. Of course, the best basis is that the breeder carefully proceeds with breeding. The weakness of the noble Greyhounds lies in the stomach area, as the animals are prone to bloating and stomach problems. There is also an increased risk of gastric torsion.

Despite their robust health, you should not skip regular check-ups with the veterinarian. Vaccinations and deworming can be perfectly combined with a check-up.

Interesting and Worth Knowing

In the early 1900s, the Barsoi was briefly a kind of fashion dog in the United States. Due to their extraordinary appearance, the dogs of the breed matched the aesthetics of Art Deco, and thus silent film stars, entrepreneurs, and nobles adorned themselves with these graceful dogs. Barsois can reach speeds of up to 58 km/h.