Buying a Borzoi Puppy

It really isn't difficult to find a Borzoi puppy. Puppies can be obtained in a multitude of places on the internet and some websites always have puppies available – just ready for the impulse buyer. 

It is far more difficult to find a carefully bred puppy from a knowledgeable breeder whose first priority is the wellbeing of their dogs, not the money you have to spend. If you are considering buying a Borzoi puppy, the most important choice you will make is your choice of breeder. This is far more important than getting ‘pick of the litter’. The best pup in a poorly bred litter will not be anywhere near as good as a pup from a reputable, conscientious breeder.

The best place to start your search is by contacting the secretary of the Northern Borzoi Association or the secretary of The Borzoi Club. 

Secretary, Northern Borzoi Association: Yvonne Odell 

email  nbasecretary1975@gmail.com telephone:  07875 66612

Secretary, The Borzoi Club: Miss Pat Harris 

email theborzoiclub@ymail.com   telephone:  01922 682191  

Both secretaries will give you knowledgeable, unbiased advice and assistance. They will be able to supply you with the names and contact details of ethical breeders, and they may know of planned matings. 

It would also be beneficial to attend some dog shows where Borzoi are being shown. You will be able to meet breeders at the show, see their hounds and ask them for information. There is no charge for attending most dog shows (except for a car parking charge) and you don’t have to be a member of any clubs or associations, or to own a dog. Plenty of people just come along to watch. It doesn't matter if you have no intention of ever showing your Borzoi – the breeders will still give you sound, impartial advice if you are after a Borzoi as a pet.

Never buy a Borzoi directly through social media or from commercially based websites. Reputable breeders do not sell through these outlets. Facebook and other social media outlets sometimes have posts for litters available in Europe. It is best to seek advice and guidance from an experienced breeder before responding to these posts.

A fancy website is no guarantee that you will obtain a well-bred, healthy Borzoi. Be very cautious, and make further checks about the breeders credentials and how often they breed before making any decisions. The websites offering a marketplace for multiple breeds (eg Champdogs, Pets4Homes, UKPets, etc) usually come at the top of an internet search for ‘Borzoi pups UK’. Avoid these. 

Check if the website states which breed organisations they belong to. Does it mention that they abide by the Code of Ethics? If it does not, then it may be that they are not members and have not agreed to follow the Code of Ethics.  Check on this.

Reputable breeders will carry out all health tests that are required by the RKC and most will carry out non-mandatory health tests too, including testing for Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) which is a progressive disease of the spinal cord in older dogs. 

Do not make an impulsive decision to buy a Borzoi - be prepared to wait for the right puppy. 

There are fewer than 90 Borzoi registered in the UK each year, and reputable breeders will often have a waiting list. Be patient and be prepared to wait. Good quality, healthy Borzoi puppies are rarely something that is instantly available.

Many commercial puppy sellers come across as charming, caring, helpful people but have only one interest in mind, and that is to make as large a profit as possible for themselves. If your pup develops any health or behavioural issues, you are likely to receive no support.

When buying and Borzoi, price is no guarantee of quality. Breeders charging inflated prices are often the ones who are breeding for the money. Good breeders will not charge inflated prices, nor will they charge more for some ‘special’ pups in the litter.

Responsible breeders will not try to lure you in by advertising that the pups are ’going fast’ or offer a discount for the ‘last few available’. 

Be prepared to say no if you don’t like anything you see or hear. Some people are breeding Borzois purely for money, without carrying out adequate health checks or offering after-sale support.

It is very important that you visit the breeder so that you can see the puppies as well as their mother. When looking at the puppies, look at the health of the puppy and see how it interacts with its mother and siblings, rather than choosing on colour. Do not rely on photographs alone to make your decision. You should see the mother and pups at the breeder’s premises. If it is a long distance, you may be tempted to cut corners and omit this stage or rely on a phone call or email. Please don’t. 

Good breeders are members of the Northern Borzoi Association and/ or The Borzoi Club and abide by the breed Code of Ethics.

Breeders who adhere to the Code of Ethics will:

   Not breed from a bitch more than three times. 

   Not breed from a bitch who is less than 2 years of age.

   Not breed from a bitch in her first season. 

   Not breed from a bitch aged eight years old or over. 

   Not mislead you regarding the health or quality of a dog.

   Not misrepresent the characteristics of a Borzoi. 

   Abide by all aspects of The Animal Welfare Act.

   Will comply with their local authority dog breeding licence law and be able to

   show you their licence if one is required in their area. 

   Enquire as to your suitability as an owner. 

   Never let a puppy leave until it is at least 8 weeks old.

   Offer to take back the puppy should your circumstances change. 

   Ensure that all documents are provided to the you when the sale takes place.

   Give help and advice about diet and exercise.

   Be willing to help you with any other problems you may encounter.

   Be working hard to breed the best dogs that they can in terms of

   health, temperament and breed type.

   Make sure that any breeder you are considering buying from has signed up for 

   the Code of Ethics. If they are not members of one of the breed associations,

   they will not have signed up. You should ask them to explain why. 

Breeders who belong to the Northern Borzoi Association will:

1)   Always allow you to visit and see the pups and their mother.

2)   Give a written receipt for the puppy.

3)   Explain any conditions that are part of the sale.

4)   Have all the registration papers available for you when you pay for the pup.

5)   Provide you with health insurance to cover the first few weeks. 

6)   Provide you with a diet sheet and (usually) some food to see your new pup

      over the next few days.

7)   Provide you with their contact details and offer you support and advice.

8)   Have the relevant paperwork available for you to see.  

Here is a list of questions that might be helpful to ask a breeder you are considering buying a pup from:

• Are you a member of one of the Northern Borzoi Association and/or The Borzoi Club?
• Have you signed up for and do you adhere to the Code of Ethics? If not, why not?
• How long have you been breeding Borzois?
• Why do you breed?
• How often do you breed?
• Have you bred from the mother before? If so, how many times.
• Are Borzois affected by any health problems?
• Have you had any health problems in your own breeding?
• What after-sale support do you provide?
• Do you stay in contact with your puppy buyers?
• Do you provide written information on diet and exercise?
• Will the puppy be vaccinated when we get it?
• Do you provide any health insurance for the puppy?
• Are you keeping any pups for yourself?

Here is a list of questions that a breeder might ask you when you enquire about a puppy:

• Why do you want a Borzoi?
• Have you owned a Borzoi before? 
• Have you previously owned any other dogs?      
• Do you have any other pets at present?
• Would you prefer a dog or a bitch?
• Do you intend to breed from your Borzoi?
• If you work, how long will the dog be left alone each day?
• If you have children, how old are they?
• What type of property do you live in? 
• Do you have a garden? If so, is it well-fenced?
• What would you do if your circumstances changed, and you could no longer look after your Borzoi?

Remember If you are in any doubt regarding a breeder, contact the Secretary of the Northern Borzoi Association or The Borzoi Club.