Otterhound vs Borzoi
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Otterhound
Hound Group
Borzoi
Hound Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Otterhound Overview
Majestic and powerful, the Otterhound stands out with its rough double coat and impressive webbed feet. Their large, athletic build features a broad head, substantial bone structure, and loose-hanging skin that creates distinctive facial expressions. Possessing keen swimming abilities and an exceptional nose, these hounds combine strength with agility, while their waterproof coat protects them in various weather conditions.
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: Otterhounds are less energetic than Borzois, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Otterhounds require less grooming attention compared to Borzois.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Otterhounds tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Borzois.
- Trainability: Otterhounds may be slightly easier to train due to their Otterhound's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Borzois adapt better to apartment living, while Otterhounds typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Otterhound and Borzoi, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Otterhound | Borzoi |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 10-13 years | 9-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Hound Group | Hound Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Otterhound | Borzoi |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 24-27 inches 61-69 cm | 26-28 inches 66-71 cm |
| Weight | 80-115 lbs 36-52 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 | Otterhound | Borzoi |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Even-Tempered, Amiable, Boisterous | Affectionate, Loyal, Regally Dignified |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Otterhound | Borzoi |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Otterhound Temperament
The Otterhound is known for being even-tempered, amiable, boisterous, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
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 Otterhound 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
Otterhound
Rating: 3/5
Borzoi
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Otterhound
Rating: 3/5
Borzoi
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Otterhound
Rating: 3/5
Borzoi
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Otterhound
Rating: 3/5
Borzoi
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Otterhound
Rating: 3/5
Borzoi
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Otterhound Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Otterhounds require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Otterhounds 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
Otterhound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Epilepsy
- Bloat
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Glaucoma
Borzoi Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Bloat
- Hip Dysplasia
- Heart Issues
- Eye Problems
- Osteochondrosis
Pros & Cons
Otterhound
Pros
- Excellent swimming ability
- Friendly temperament
- Good with families
- Strong tracking abilities
Cons
- High grooming needs
- Requires lots of exercise
- Can be stubborn
- Rare and expensive
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 Otterhound and Borzoi, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.