Is the Borzoi or the Saluki better for families with children?

Both the Borzoi and the Saluki are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Borzoi or the Saluki?

The Borzoi sheds more than the Saluki. If shedding is a concern, the Saluki is the lower-maintenance choice.

Which is easier to train, the Borzoi or the Saluki?

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

Is Borzoi or Saluki bigger?

Borzoi is the larger breed; Saluki is smaller and more compact.

Which barks more, Borzoi or Saluki?

Both bark a similar amount (very low).

Which is better for apartment living, Borzoi or Saluki?

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

Borzoi vs Saluki: Which Sheds Less?

Borzoi vs Saluki: full comparison

Trait	Borzoi	Saluki
Size	Giant	Large
Energy level	Medium	Medium
Trainability	Low	Low
Friendliness	Medium	Medium
Good with children	Medium	Medium
Grooming needs	High	Medium
Shedding	High	Low
Barking	Very Low	Very Low
Protectiveness	Low	Low
Adaptability	Low	Low
Typical lifespan	10 years	13 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Key differences at a glance

The Borzoi is a larger dog than the Saluki, which affects space, food and exercise needs.
The Borzoi has noticeably higher shedding than the Saluki.

Size and living space

The Borzoi is one of the true giant breeds that demands a large home, and everything about keeping it costs more. By comparison, the Saluki is a large and powerful breed that is happiest with space indoors and regular access to a yard. If space, transport or budget are tight, the smaller of the two is the more practical choice.

Exercise and energy needs

The Borzoi thrives on daily walks plus a bit of active play. The Saluki thrives on daily walks plus a bit of active play. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Borzoi requires frequent brushing and regular professional trims and sheds enough that regular cleaning becomes routine. The Saluki wants brushing on a regular schedule to stay tidy and sheds only lightly. 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, is very quiet and rarely barks and usually does well with children given socialization and supervision. The Saluki needs a bit of persistence but comes along with consistency, is very quiet and rarely barks and usually does well with children given socialization and supervision. On guarding instinct, Borzoi shows limited protectiveness and is friendly to callers, whereas Saluki shows limited protectiveness and is friendly to callers.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Saluki has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, Borzoi and Saluki are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Borzoi and Saluki are an even match — either can work well.
For being left alone during the workday, Saluki has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, Saluki has the edge, as it sheds less dander around the home.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Borzoi if you want a bigger, more substantial dog.

Choose the Saluki if you want a longer-lived breed, you want less shedding around the home, or you prefer lower grooming upkeep.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Borzoi or the Saluki better for families with children?: Both the Borzoi and the Saluki are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Borzoi or the Saluki?: The Borzoi sheds more than the Saluki. If shedding is a concern, the Saluki is the lower-maintenance choice.
Which is easier to train, the Borzoi or the Saluki?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Borzoi or Saluki bigger?: Borzoi is the larger breed; Saluki is smaller and more compact.
Which barks more, Borzoi or Saluki?: Both bark a similar amount (very low).
Which is better for apartment living, Borzoi or Saluki?: For apartment or apartment living, Saluki has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Borzoi vs Saluki