Borzoi vs Greyhound
Compare two breeds
Pick two breeds to see them compared side by side.
Borzoi
The Borzoi, also known as the Russian Wolfhound, served Russian nobility for centuries as a hunting companion, coursing wolves in large packs alongside mounted riders. The long, silky, wavy or curly coat gives the breed its striking look but needs regular brushing to prevent matting. A male can reach 48 kilograms, yet the frame stays lean and muscular, built for explosive speed over short distances rather than endurance. Many Russian kennels were destroyed during the Bolshevik Revolution, and the breed survived largely thanks to dogs already exported to the West beforehand. In temperament it is a calm, dignified housedog with a strong chase drive toward anything that moves quickly. Life expectancy runs 9 to 11 years.
Greyhound
Bred in Britain for centuries to chase game by sight rather than scent, the Greyhound remains the fastest dog breed recorded, capable of short bursts near 70 kilometers per hour from a standing start. That speed comes from an unusually efficient double-suspension gallop, where all four feet leave the ground twice per stride, once fully extended and once fully bunched. An adult male can reach 32 kilograms, but the build carries almost no body fat, so the ribs and spine are visible even on a healthy dog, which often worries new owners unfamiliar with the breed. Despite the racing reputation, Greyhounds are famously low-energy at home and commonly nicknamed "45mph couch potatoes" for how much of the day they spend asleep. Thin skin and a low body-fat percentage mean they feel cold quickly and often need a coat in winter weather that other breeds shrug off. Thousands of retired racing Greyhounds are rehomed each year once their track careers end around age four or five, and most adapt to a sofa within days. Many retain a strong prey drive toward small, fast-moving animals, a legacy of their original job, so recall around cats or rabbits needs real caution. Life expectancy runs 10 to 13 years, reasonable for a dog this size.
At a glance
| Borzoi | Greyhound | |
|---|---|---|
| Height (male) | 75.0–85.0 cm | 71.0–76.0 cm |
| Weight (male) | 34.0–48.0 kg | 29.0–32.0 kg |
| Life expectancy | 9–11 yrs | 10–13 yrs |
| Coat | long, silky, wavy or curly | short, fine, close |
Temperament & Family Life
| Borzoi | Greyhound | |
|---|---|---|
| Family friendly | ||
| Good with children | ||
| Good with other dogs | ||
| Friendly with strangers | ||
| Intelligence | ||
| Trainability |
Exercise, Energy & Space
| Borzoi | Greyhound | |
|---|---|---|
| Energy level | ||
| Exercise need | ||
| Apartment friendly | ||
| Prey drive | ||
| Hunting instinct |
Guarding & Alertness
| Borzoi | Greyhound | |
|---|---|---|
| Guarding instinct | ||
| Watchfulness | ||
| Barking level |
Grooming & Care
| Borzoi | Greyhound | |
|---|---|---|
| Shedding | ||
| Drooling | ||
| Grooming need |
Temperament and care scores (1-5) are a general guide based on the breed standard — every individual dog is different.