Borzoi and Greyhound are two very similar breeds. They’re both sighthounds with long legs, deep chests, and long snouts. They also behave very similarly!
So, how do you know which one is for you?
Borzois and Greyhounds were both bred to hunt using their sense of sight. They’re family-friendly dogs that need plenty of exercise and a large, enclosed space to get out their energy. The main difference is that the long, double coat of the Borzoi requires more maintenance than the short hair of a Greyhound.
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In this article, we’ll discuss the similarities and differences between the Borzoi and the Greyhound in depth. Our hope is for you to learn which, if either, of these dogs is right for you and your family.
Greyhound vs Borzoi
These breeds are incredibly similar, with the primary differences being their weights and grooming requirements.
Greyhounds weigh less than Borzois. Borzois have long double coats that require much more maintenance than short-haired Greyhounds.
Which breed is best for you will depend on your lifestyle and preferences.
Neither of them are recommended for inexperienced dog owners.
Here is a quick rundown of each breed’s key features:
| Borzoi | Greyhound | |
| Lifespan | 9-14 years | 10-13 years |
| Energy | High | High |
| Grooming | High | Low |
| Trainability | Intermediate | Intermediate |
| Size | Giant | Giant |
Borzio vs Greyhound Appearance
Both of these breeds have very similar builds, with long snouts and legs that can run at top speeds. They also have thin waistlines and deep chests.
Borzois are considered a giant breed, standing at 26-32 inches tall and weighing 60-105 pounds. Greyhounds aren’t far behind at 27-30 inches tall and 60-70 pounds.
The thick double coat of the Borzoi comes in a range of colors. They can be black, white, brown, or a combination of these colors.
Greyhounds have short fur that may be black, white, fawn, red, brindle, or a combination of these colors.
Borzoi vs Greyhound Cost
The cost to purchase a Borzoi from a breeder ranges from $1000-$5000, while Greyhound prices range from $1000-$4000.
It’s much cheaper to adopt these dogs from a shelter or breed-specific rescue. The cost to adopt is typically under $500, and varies depending on the organization.
Finding a Rescue or Shelter Dog
Research breed-specific rescues in your area if you’d like to adopt a Greyhound or Borzoi. These rescues are the most likely to have the breeds.
Rescuing a dog is saving a life. It often saves you money and time as well. Adoption fees are thousands of dollars lower than purchasing from a breeder, and adult dogs often come to you pre-trained.
They’ll still need time and training to adjust to your home, but chances are you’ll skip over the tedious potty training days. Your new dog will probably even know some basic commands!
Finding a Breeder
If you prefer to purchase a dog, make sure you’re dealing with a reputable breeder.
Never adopt from a pet store or online. These puppies typically come from puppy mills, where dogs are bred only for profit with no regards to their health or wellbeing.
Puppy mill puppies are often unhealthy and live shortened lives due to poor breeding practices. Purchasing one of these dogs provides the mill with funds to continue their abuse in the future.
A reputable breeder will allow you into their home to see where the puppies and parent dogs are kept. They will also show you veterinary paperwork for the parents and puppies, and answer any questions you may have.
Ask about health problems that run in the breed and what the breeder does to screen for them. Do not purchase from a breeder who denies that health problems exist—every breed has them.
You can also ask questions about the puppies’ temperaments and which they think is best suited to you. However, keep in mind that personality can change as your pup grows. The best way to get a dog with a specific, fixed personality is to adopt a grown dog.
Walk away if the breeder lies, refuses to answer your questions, won’t provide veterinary paperwork, doesn’t provide veterinary care for their puppies, or houses puppies or parent dogs in suitable conditions.
Lack of knowledge about the breed is another red flag that should be avoided. While these breeders may care about their dogs, good breeders know the breed in and out. It’s how they ensure they’re breeding healthy puppies.
Lifetime Expenses
Of course, the cost to bring your puppy home is just the beginning. Some lifelong costs to consider include:
- Feeding
- Veterinary care
- Grooming, which is often more expensive for Borzois than Greyhounds
Greyhound vs Borzoi Temperament
These are energetic breeds that need plenty of exercise. In their downtime, though, they can be couch potatoes and love having a comfy place to rest.
They also love spending time with family, and will want to be where you are. As with any clingy breed, it’s important to teach them that it’s okay to be alone.
This will help to prevent separation anxiety, which can be incredibly challenging for both you and your pup.
It’s also important to socialize these breeds well. Untrained dogs may be wary around strangers, but this is much less likely if they have positive experiences with a variety of people, environments, and other dogs early on.
Greyhounds are the fastest breed in the world, and Borzoi aren’t far behind. They were bred to chase and hunt prey, and once they’re on the run it can be difficult to get their attention. Recall can be incredibly difficult, and sometimes impossible, to train.
Don’t try to train out their instincts, but instead keep them leashed or in an enclosed environment at all times.
Borzoi vs Greyhound Exercise
Borzois and Greyhounds may seem lazy when they’re lounging around the house, but don’t be fooled! These pups still need plenty of exercise to stay healthy and happy.
At least one long daily walk is required, and they benefit from regular jogs or runs as well. In addition to this exercise with you, your dog will need a well-enclosed space to run around on their own and release any extra energy.
Borzoi vs Greyhound Grooming
Borzois have long double coats. Their fur should not be shaved, but instead combed thoroughly every 1-2 days. Regular bathing can help to keep the coat healthy and tangle-free.
Greyhounds are short-haired, and thus require less grooming. Brush them weekly and bathe them as needed, such as when they get dirty or begin to smell.
Both breeds should have their teeth brushed and nails trimmed regularly.
Borzoi vs Greyhound Environmental Needs
Both Borzois and Greyhounds need a large, enclosed yard to get their zoomies out! These dogs sprint fast, and aren’t the right breeds for you if you don’t have a fenced-in back yard.
Fencing needs to be tall so that your pup doesn’t jump right over it to run after a squirrel or anything else that captures their eyes and their hunting instincts.
These dogs can be great with children when both the dog and the child are taught how to interact properly. Never leave a young child alone with a dog or allow rough play. This could result in injuries to the child, dog, or both.
Puppies can be trained to interact nicely with other pets. However, be aware that both breeds have an instinct to chase things that run.
They may interact nicely with a cat, for instance, until the cat runs off—and then the chase is on.
Some Greyhounds and Borzois are great with smaller pets, while others aren’t. If you have other pets in the household, ask your breeder or rescue group for a dog that’s been socialized with other animals.
See also: Borzoi Greyhound Mix
Borzoi vs Greyhound Health
Borzois and Greyhounds can both experience bloat, which is often deadly.
It’s important to know the signs so that you can rush your dog to the veterinarian if bloat occurs. If left untreated, a dog with bloat will die.
Symptoms include:
- Enlarged abdomen
- Retching
- Drooling
- Restlessness
- Pain in the stomach area, especially when touched
Factors that increase a dog’s chances of bloat include eating too much or too fast, anxiety, genetics, and gender. Male dogs are more prone to bloat than females.
Bloat isn’t the only health problem these breeds may face.
Other health problems to watch for in Borzoi include:
- Sensitivity to Anesthesia
- Elbow and Hip Dysplasia
- Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD)
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
Other health problems to watch for in Greyhounds include:
- Sensitivity to Anesthesia
- Heart and Eye Conditions
- Greyhound Neuropathy
Breeders should always screen for common conditions in order to breed the healthiest puppies possible. Even in this case, however, some health problems are unavoidable.
Greyhound vs Borzoi History
The Borzoi and the Greyhound were bred for the same purpose: to hunt with their sense of sight and chase quickly after prey.
Borzoi were used to hunt wolves, while Greyhounds have been used to hunt hare, foxes, deer, and coyotes.
These hunts were done independent of humans, who couldn’t keep up with their speed. For this reason, Borzois and Greyhounds are quite independent.
Borzois were first bred in the 1600s as a cross between the Arabian greyhound and a thick-coated Russian breed.
Greyhounds originated in Egypt over 5,000 years ago, where they were kept primarily by nobles. They are one of the oldest dog breeds in the world.
Greyhounds have also been bred for dog racing. This inhumane sport unfortunately still takes place today, though Greyhound racing is now illegal in over 40 states in the USA.
