Great Pyrenees vs Borzoi
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Great Pyrenees
Working Group
Borzoi
Hound Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Great Pyrenees Overview
Majestic and powerful, Great Pyrenees dogs possess a thick white double coat that protected them from harsh mountain elements. Their muscular build and imposing presence belie their gentle, patient nature. Distinguished by a wedge-shaped head, dark almond eyes, and weather-resistant coat, these dogs maintain a calm, dignified bearing that reflects their heritage as noble guardians.
Borzoi Overview
Graceful and aristocratic, the Borzoi exhibits a distinctive silhouette with its long, curved neck, deep chest, and flowing silky coat. Standing tall with elegant proportions, these sighthounds possess remarkable speed and agility. Their refined features include a narrow, elongated head, dark almond-shaped eyes, and small ears that lay back against their neck when relaxed.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Great Pyreneess are more energetic than Borzois, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Great Pyreneess require less grooming attention compared to Borzois.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Great Pyreneess tend to be more reserved with strangers than Borzois.
- Trainability: Borzois may be slightly easier to train due to their Borzoi's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Borzois adapt better to apartment living, while Great Pyreneess typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Great Pyrenees and Borzoi, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Great Pyrenees | Borzoi |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 10-12 years | 9-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Working Group | Hound Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Great Pyrenees | Borzoi |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 25-32 inches 64-81 cm | 26-28 inches 66-71 cm |
| Weight | 85-100 lbs 39-45 kg | 60-105 lbs 27-48 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Great Pyrenees | Borzoi |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Smart, Patient, Calm | Affectionate, Loyal, Regally Dignified |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Great Pyrenees | Borzoi |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Great Pyrenees Temperament
The Great Pyrenees is known for being smart, patient, calm, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
Borzoi Temperament
The Borzoi is characterized by being affectionate, loyal, regally dignified, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Great Pyrenees and Borzoi, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Great Pyrenees
Rating: 3/5
Borzoi
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Great Pyrenees
Rating: 3/5
Borzoi
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Great Pyrenees
Rating: 5/5
Borzoi
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Great Pyrenees
Rating: 2/5
Borzoi
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Great Pyrenees
Rating: 3/5
Borzoi
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Great Pyrenees Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Great Pyreneess require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Great Pyreneess require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Borzoi Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Borzois need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Borzois require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Great Pyrenees Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Bloat
- Patellar Luxation
- Eye Problems
- Heart Issues
Borzoi Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Bloat
- Hip Dysplasia
- Heart Issues
- Eye Problems
- Osteochondrosis
Pros & Cons
Great Pyrenees
Pros
- Excellent guardian
- Gentle with family
- Independent nature
- Good with children
- Weather-resistant coat
Cons
- Heavy shedding
- Stubborn streak
- Needs space
- Independent nature
- Barking tendency
Borzoi
Pros
- Elegant and graceful appearance
- Gentle and calm indoors
- Low barking tendency
- Good with other dogs
Cons
- Strong prey drive
- Independent nature
- Requires secure fencing
- Regular grooming needed
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Great Pyrenees and Borzoi, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.