Quick Links: Table of Contents
- How Long Borzois Live. Borzoi Life Expectancy
- Lifespan of the Borzoi Compared to Other Dog Breeds
- Common Causes of Death in Borzoi, and how to Prevent Them.
- How To Prevent Genetic Problems in Borzois
- How Old is Your Borzoi in Human Years
- How Long Do Borzois Live in Human Years?
- More Ways to Make Your Borzoi Live Long
- Conclusion on Borzoi Life Expectancy
How Long Borzois Live. Borzoi Life Expectancy
Generally, the lifespan of the Borzoi is from 10 to 12 years.
Moreover, a few years back, British Veterinarinan researchers performed a scientific study to determine the lifespan of the Borzoi. In this study, the scientists collected data on how long 87 pet Borzois lived.
From the study, it was found that Borzois have a average lifespan of 9.08 years. Furthermore, the study found that Borzois can live for as long as 14.2 years.
Furthermore, researchers from the University of Georgia conducted a study to find out what are the top causes of death in Borzois.
According to the study, the top 5 causes of death in Borzois are:
- Neoplastic Disease: Issues involving tumors
- Musculoskeletal Disease: Refers to any problems with bones or muscles
- Respiratory Disease: Problems with lungs and breathing
- Gastrointestinal Disease: Any problems that affect the mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, or rectum.
- Neurologic Disease: Refers to problems with the brain, nerves, and spinal cord.
In this article, we will explain each of these diseases and discuss how to prevent the early occurence of each in your Borzoi to make your Borzoi live a longer.
Also, in this article, we will discuss other things you can do to ensure that your Borzoi have a longer than average lifespan.
Do you want to know how old your Borzoi is in human years? Then, check out our Borzoi age to human years calculator
Lifespan of the Borzoi Compared to Other Dog Breeds
See in the table below how the lifespan of the Borzoi compares to the lifespan of other dog breeds.
| Dog Breed | Average Lifespan (Years) |
|---|---|
| Lakeland Terrier Lifespan | 15.40 |
| Bichon Frise Lifespan | 12.90 |
| Dachshund Lifespan | 12.60 |
| Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Lifespan | 12.50 |
| Pointer Lifespan | 12.40 |
| Border Collie Lifespan | 12.20 |
| Sealyham Terrier Lifespan | 12.20 |
| English Springer Spaniel Lifespan | 12.00 |
| Basset Hound Lifespan | 11.20 |
| Norfolk Terrier Lifespan | 11.00 |
| German Longhaired Pointer Lifespan | 10.50 |
| Glen of Imaal Terrier Lifespan | 10.40 |
| Chinese Crested Lifespan | 10.00 |
| Newfoundland Lifespan | 9.67 |
| Great Pyrenees Lifespan | 9.58 |
| Chow Chow Lifespan | 9.38 |
| Borzoi Lifespan | 9.08 |
| Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Lifespan | 8.00 |
| Dogue de Bordeaux Lifespan | 3.83 |
| Bracco Italiano Lifespan | 2.67 |
Common Causes of Death in Borzoi, and how to Prevent Them.
We will now discuss the common causes of death in Borzoi, according to scientific research. Also we will provide you advice on how to prevent these problems in your Borzoi.
Here are the causes of death, starting from the most common cause
-
Neoplastic Disease in Borzois
Neoplasms, or tumors, can be benign (like a lipoma), or malignant (cancer).
Neoplastic Disease is responsible for 33.7 percent of all deaths in Borzois.
Causes of Neoplastic Disease in Borzoi
Neoplasms in dogs, just like in people, are caused by either a genetic predisposition (like some breast cancers), an environmental factor (like smoking in humans), or a combination of both.
How to Prevent Neoplastic Disease in Borzois
Just like in humans, there is little you can do to prevent cancers that are caused by genetic factors. You can, however, reduce the environmental risks that are associated with cancer. The `environmental` causes of neoplasia are chemical agents, infectious agents, and physical agents. An example of a chemical agent that could cause cancer in Borzois (and humans) is asbestos. An example of an infectious agent that could cause cancer in Borzois is the virus called canine adenovirus. An example of a physical agent that can cause cancer in Borzois is UV radiation from the sun, just like in humans.
Another way to prevent neoplasms in Borzois is to vaccinate them against harmful viruses, such as canine adenovirus (DHPP vaccine at 8 and 12 weeks and then once a year, every year). As in humans, early diagnosis is the key to supporting Borzois with neoplasms, so talk to your veterinarian if you find any new lumps, bumps, or discoloration on your Borzoi. You should also talk to your veterinarian if your Borzoi`s gums look pale.
-
Musculoskeletal Disease in Borzois
Musculoskeletal diseases are the common problems associated with bones and muscles. These include arthritis, vertebral issues, loss of skeletal muscle mass, hip dysplasia, trauma and breakages, and more.
Musculoskeletal Disease is responsible for 16.3 percent of all deaths in Borzois.
Causes of Musculoskeletal Disease in Borzoi
The causes of many musculoskeletal issues have to do with age, breed, and weight. Older Borzois are more prone to musculoskeletal issues, as are large breed dogs, and overweight dogs. Just like people, Borzois can get arthritis and other joint-related issues as they get older. Large-breed dogs tend to be prone to a condition called hip dysplasia, which essentially means that their hip joints degrade and get very painful. Overweight dogs tend to put more pressure on their joints, which can cause unnecessary wear and tear as well as serious damage to tendons and ligaments.
How to Prevent Musculoskeletal Disease in Borzois
One way that you can help improve your Borzoi`s musculoskeletal health (especially if they are old is by giving your Borzoi joint supplements like this one. You can also help prevent hip dysplasia and slipped discs by not allowing your Borzoi to jump too much, even if they are a puppy. Consider buying young Borzois a box or stool like this to help them get on the couch or bed, instead of letting them jump all the way from the ground. The most important way that you can keep your Borzoi`s muscles and bones healthy is by not letting them get overweight. You should avoid letting your Borzoi eat table scraps and make sure that they get plenty of exercise. If your Borzoi is overweight and you know that you are strict with their diet and exercise, you should talk to your vet; they might have hypothyroidism, which is very common. If your Borzoi is overweight and you think you should try managing their diet a little more closely, you can start your Borzoi on a weight-management diet like this to help them get back to a healthier body condition.
-
Respiratory Disease in Borzois
Respiratory diseases includes asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, and other conditions. May also be related to left-sided heart failure and other cardiovascular issues.
Respiratory Disease is responsible for 16.3 percent of all deaths in Borzois.
Causes of Respiratory Disease in Borzoi
Some lung conditions can be caused by bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Other lung conditions, such as asthma, can be related to allergies and genetic conditions. Some breeds (called brachycephalic breeds) are more susceptible to breathing problems. These breeds appear to have their noses and snouts kind of squished into their faces. Although they are very cute, these breeds can have serious breathing problems throughout their lives which may require surgery. Additionally, dogs and cats can often get colds and other upper respiratory infections because of stress. Common causes of stress in dogs include separation anxiety, thunderstorms and other loud noises, the introduction of other animals into the home, and more.
How to Prevent Respiratory Disease in Borzois
Respiratory diseases can be prevented by supporting the immune health of your Borzoi, by making sure you feed your Borzoi a good, nutritious dog food brand, give them plenty of exercises, and help them live in a stress-free environment. There are several options for supplements and therapies that can help reduce stress in your Borzoi. Some Borzoi do really well with thundershirts, which are snug shirts that swaddle the dogs and help them calm down during thunderstorms and other stressful events. Furthermore, Borzois that are anxious with loud sounds might also benefit from calming supplements, such as Anxiety TFLN. For general anxiety, the supplement Composure or Composure Pro might help calm your Borzoi`s nervousness. Some Borzois do really well with supplements, but just like with people, supplements do not work for everyone. If you are not seeing results after a few weeks of putting your Borzoi on a supplement to calm anxiety, you should talk to your veterinarian about behavioral therapy and stronger medications.
-
Gastrointestinal Disease in Borzois
Gastrointestinal diseases includes vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, stomach upset, blockages, toothache, constipation, and more.
Gastrointestinal Disease is responsible for 14.4 percent of all deaths in Borzois.
Causes of Gastrointestinal Disease in Borzoi
GI problems can be caused by a lot of different things. Often, GI problems like vomiting and diarrhea are caused by things that were eaten. It is best not to let your Borzoi eat human food or anything it finds outside, including garbage, plants and berries, fecal matter from other animals, and more. Vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach upset can also be caused by bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections. Another important sign of GI problems is when your Borzoi stops eating or eats less than usual. This can be caused by many things; sometimes it could be that your Borzoi is feeling nauseous, sometimes it could be that your Borzoi has mouth pain, and more. In these cases, it is best to see a veterinarian to get to the root of the problem.
How to Prevent Gastrointestinal Disease in Borzois
An easy way to protect your dog from gastrointestinal problems is to make sure they are on heartworm, flea, and tick medicine all year long (no matter where you live). Many heartworm medications can also de-worm your dog every time you give a dose. This can prevent nasty parasites from settling into your dog`s intestines and causing pain, anemia, and other serious issues. Another way you can keep your dog feeling good is by taking good care of their teeth! This is especially an issue in small dogs. The best way to care for dog teeth is by cleaning them a few times a week. Here is a great brush for cleaning your Borzoi`s teeth. However, if your dog will not allow you to do that, dental treats like these are a good second option.
-
Neurologic Disease in Borzois
These problems include canine cognitive disfunction, dementia, stroke, Lyme disease, and more.
Neurologic Disease is responsible for 13.5 percent of all deaths in Borzois.
Causes of Neurologic Disease in Borzoi
Neurological issues can be caused by vascular disease, inflammatory disease, infectious disease, metabolic disease, cancer, and developmental disorders.
How to Prevent Neurologic Disease in Borzois
Some neurological problems can be caused by infectious agents, like Lyme disease. You should always get your dog vaccinated with the course recommended by your veterinarian.
How To Prevent Genetic Problems in Borzois
Every dog breed has a set of genetic problems to which it is predisposed, and the Borzoi is not an exception.
These disease will reduce your Borzoi`s qualilty of life. Also, these diseases can shorten your Borzoi`s lifespan.
The good news is that these diseases can be prevented in Borzoi offsprings by only breeding Borzoi that have been screened and cleared of genetic defects.
The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is one the organizations that keep records of which disease to which a dog breed is genetically prone.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Borzoi puppy that will grow up to be healthy and live long, make sure that your Borzoi breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
If you do not know if your Borzoi has been screened for genetic health problems, then your can use an at-home genetic screening kit like this one to check your Borzoi for genetic health problems at home. This might help you in deciding whether to get your Borzoi a pet health insurance.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Borzois for:
How Old is Your Borzoi in Human Years
The table below shows your human years equivalent age of your Borzoi. This table is based on a dog-to-human age study conducted by researchers from Purdue University.
Learn more about how old your Borzoi is in human years here.
In 1997, researchers from Purdue University developed a method for converting a dog`s age to its human age. Their method was based on the 1953 work of the French Veterinarian, A. Lebeau that we discussed above.
Researchers from Purdue University took Lebeau`s work further by taking into account two important factors to develop a more accurate method for converting a dog`s age into its human equivalent age:
- The size of the dog: Smaller dog breeds live longer than larger breed dogs
- The lifespan of the dog: Dog breeds that live longer lives will age slower than dog breeds that live shorter lives
The average lifespan of the Borzoi is 9.08 years.
Borzois are giant-sized dogs. Borzois weigh 55 to 105 pounds.
The method developed by the Purdue University veterinarian researchers took into account the lifespan and size of Borzoi in converting Borzoi age to human age.
The researchers used data on the lifespan and weight of 5,608 mixed breed dogs and 17,927 purebred dogs to develop their method for converting the ages of dogs (of different breed sizes and lifespans ) to their equivalent human ages.
The calculator below lets you convert your Borzoi`s age to its human age based on the Purdue University method. Just enter your Borzoi`s age in the calculator and it will compute your Borzoi`s human age. If you do not know your Borzoi`s exact age, enter an approximate age in the calculator.
Also, the table below shows how old your Borzoi is in human years based on the method developed by the researchers.
Note that your Borzoi`s human age changes day by day. Therefore, always check back to use the calculator to find your Borzoi`s up-to-date human age.
Borzoi Age to Human Age Calculator (Purdue Uni. Method)
Below is a Borzoi age to human age calculator that is based on the methods developed by researchers from Purdue University.
The calculator will tell your Borzoi`s human age based on your Borzoi`s dog birthday. Also, the calculator will tell you which day is your Borzoi`s human birthday! Try it out!
| Borzoi Age (Years) | Human Age (Years) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 20 |
| 2 | 26 |
| 3 | 31 |
| 4 | 37 |
| 5 | 42 |
| 6 | 47 |
| 7 | 51 |
| 8 | 56 |
| 9 | 61 |
| 10 | 66 |
| 11 | 71 |
| 12 | 77 |
| 13 | 83 |
| 14 | 89 |
| 15 | 96 |
| 16 | 103 |
How Long Do Borzois Live in Human Years?
The average lifespan of the Borzoi is 9.08 years. In human years, the Borzoi lives for 61 years.
How Old is 1-year-old Borzoi in Human Years?
A 1-year old Borzoi is 20 years old in human years.
How Old is 2-year-old Borzoi in Human Years?
A 2-year old Borzoi is 26 years old in human years.
How Old is 4-year-old Borzoi in Human Years?
A 4-year old Borzoi is 37 years old in human years.
How Old is 8-year-old Borzoi in Human Years?
A 8-year old Borzoi is 56 years old in human years.
More Ways to Make Your Borzoi Live Long
Here are more things your can do to make sure your Borzoi live a long life:
-
Regular Exercise: Research studies have shown that one of the very effective ways to make a dog live long is to ensure that a dog is in good shape. Adequate exercise will make your Borzoi fit and make it live longer.
-
Good Diet: A poorly-fed, underweight Borzoi does not have a good chance of living a long life. Similarly, an overweight Borzoi will have a shorter lifespan than a Borzoi that is of normal weight. Therefore, it is important that your feed your Borzoi high-quality dog food without overfeeding your Borzoi. Check out our Borzoi feeding guide here. Learn how you can prevent your Borzoi from being overweight here.
-
Proper Hydration: Water is essential for your Borzoi existence. Therefore, you should make sure your Borzoi has access to clean water whenever your Borzoi needs water. However, too much water is bad for your Borzoi. See our Borzoi water drinking guide to learn more on how to properly hydrate your Borzoi.
-
Spaying/Neutering: Sterilizing your Borzoi might prolong its life. Check out this guideline to know when it is the best time to spay/neuter your Borzoi.
-
Routine Vet Care: Regular preventative visits to the vet can help catch diseases early.
-
Vaccinations: Always make sure your Borzoi is up to date on its vaccination.
-
Dental Hygiene: Your Borzoi’s teeth can get infected, and if the infection goes unnoticed, that infection can spread to other parts of the body and become systemic. This could lead to a shortened lifespan. You must have your Borzoi teeth cleaned professionally at your vet’s office a couple of times in its lifetime. Talk with your vet about the best ages to have these cleanings done.
Conclusion on Borzoi Life Expectancy
We hope the information we have provided will help your in increasing your Borzoi`s life expectancy.
Tate Ackerman contributed to this article. Tate is a second-year veterinary student at Kansas State University. Tate is also a concurrent Ph.D. student. She has a lot of experience reading scientific literature and communicating that information to a non-veterinary audience. Tate was a veterinary technician for a companion animal practice before she applied to veterinary school.