Is the Borzoi or the Kangal Shepherd Dog better for families with children?

Both the Borzoi and the Kangal Shepherd Dog are considered good with children when properly socialised and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Borzoi or the Kangal Shepherd Dog?

The Borzoi and Kangal Shepherd Dog shed a similar amount (high).

Which is easier to train, the Borzoi or the Kangal Shepherd Dog?

Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.

Is Borzoi or Kangal Shepherd Dog bigger?

Borzoi and Kangal Shepherd Dog are a similar size (Giant).

Which barks more, Borzoi or Kangal Shepherd Dog?

Kangal Shepherd Dog tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Borzoi is the quieter choice.

Which is better for apartment living, Borzoi or Kangal Shepherd Dog?

For apartment or flat living, Borzoi has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Borzoi vs Kangal Shepherd Dog: Which Guards Better?

Borzoi vs Kangal Shepherd Dog: full comparison

Trait	Borzoi	Kangal Shepherd Dog
Size	Giant	Giant
Energy level	Medium	Medium
Trainability	Low	Low
Friendliness	Medium	Low
Good with children	Medium	Medium
Grooming needs	High	Medium
Shedding	High	High
Barking	Very Low	Medium
Protectiveness	Low	Very High
Adaptability	Low	Low
Typical lifespan	10 years	12 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Key differences at a glance

The Kangal Shepherd Dog has noticeably higher protectiveness than the Borzoi.
The Kangal Shepherd Dog has noticeably higher barking than the Borzoi.

Size and living space

The Borzoi is a giant breed that demands a large home, and everything about keeping it costs more. By comparison, the Kangal Shepherd Dog is a giant breed that demands a large home, and everything about keeping it costs more. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The Borzoi wants a decent walk or two each day and some playtime. The Kangal Shepherd Dog wants a decent walk or two each day and some playtime. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Borzoi needs frequent grooming and benefits from professional trims and sheds enough that regular cleaning becomes routine. The Kangal Shepherd Dog needs regular brushing to stay in good condition and sheds enough that regular cleaning becomes routine. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The Borzoi needs a bit of persistence but comes along with consistency, almost never barks and gets on with children when raised around them. The Kangal Shepherd Dog needs a bit of persistence but comes along with consistency, barks a fair amount, usually for a reason and gets on with children when raised around them. On guarding instinct, Borzoi shows limited protectiveness and is friendly to callers, whereas Kangal Shepherd Dog carries a powerful guarding instinct.

Which is better for…

For apartment or flat living, Borzoi has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, Borzoi has the edge, being the more naturally child-friendly and sociable of the two.
For first-time dog owners, Borzoi has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, Borzoi and Kangal Shepherd Dog are an even match — either can work well.
For allergy sufferers, Borzoi and Kangal Shepherd Dog are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Borzoi if you prefer a quieter dog or you want a more outgoing, sociable dog.

Choose the Kangal Shepherd Dog if you want a more protective, watchful guardian, you want a longer-lived breed, or you prefer lower grooming upkeep.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Borzoi or the Kangal Shepherd Dog better for families with children?: Both the Borzoi and the Kangal Shepherd Dog are considered good with children when properly socialised and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Borzoi or the Kangal Shepherd Dog?: The Borzoi and Kangal Shepherd Dog shed a similar amount (high).
Which is easier to train, the Borzoi or the Kangal Shepherd Dog?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Borzoi or Kangal Shepherd Dog bigger?: Borzoi and Kangal Shepherd Dog are a similar size (Giant).
Which barks more, Borzoi or Kangal Shepherd Dog?: Kangal Shepherd Dog tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Borzoi is the quieter choice.
Which is better for apartment living, Borzoi or Kangal Shepherd Dog?: For apartment or flat living, Borzoi has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Borzoi vs Kangal Shepherd Dog