Is the Borzoi or the Scottish Deerhound better for families with children?

The Scottish Deerhound tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialization.

Which sheds more, the Borzoi or the Scottish Deerhound?

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

Which is easier to train, the Borzoi or the Scottish Deerhound?

The Scottish Deerhound is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.

Is Borzoi or Scottish Deerhound bigger?

Borzoi and Scottish Deerhound are a similar size (Giant).

Which barks more, Borzoi or Scottish Deerhound?

Both bark a similar amount (very low).

Which is better for apartment living, Borzoi or Scottish Deerhound?

For apartment or apartment living, Borzoi and Scottish Deerhound are an even match — either can work well.

Borzoi vs Scottish Deerhound: Which Sheds Less?

Borzoi vs Scottish Deerhound: full comparison

Trait	Borzoi	Scottish Deerhound
Size	Giant	Giant
Energy level	Medium	Medium
Trainability	Low	Medium
Friendliness	Medium	High
Good with children	Medium	High
Grooming needs	High	Medium
Shedding	High	Medium
Barking	Very Low	Very Low
Protectiveness	Low	Low
Adaptability	Low	Low
Typical lifespan	10 years	9 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Size and living space

The Borzoi is a giant breed that requires real space: bigger rooms, a bigger car and a bigger food budget. By comparison, the Scottish Deerhound is a giant breed that requires real space: bigger rooms, a bigger car and a bigger food budget. 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 thrives on daily walks plus a bit of active play. The Scottish Deerhound 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 needs plenty of coat work, including trips to a groomer and leaves a noticeable amount of hair on furniture and clothing. The Scottish Deerhound needs consistent brushing to keep the coat healthy and sheds moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. 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 learns steadily provided you stay consistent, is very quiet and rarely barks and is generally good with children when socialized and supervised. The Scottish Deerhound picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, is very quiet and rarely barks and is very good with children and makes a dependable family dog. On guarding instinct, Borzoi is not a natural guard and greets visitors warmly, whereas Scottish Deerhound is not a natural guard and greets visitors warmly.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Borzoi and Scottish Deerhound are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, Scottish Deerhound has the edge, being the more naturally child-friendly and sociable of the two.
For first-time dog owners, Scottish Deerhound has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, Borzoi has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, Scottish Deerhound has the edge, as it sheds less dander around the home.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Borzoi if you want a longer-lived breed.

Choose the Scottish Deerhound if you want the more child-friendly companion, you want an easier dog to train, or you want a more outgoing, sociable dog.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Borzoi or the Scottish Deerhound better for families with children?: The Scottish Deerhound tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialization.
Which sheds more, the Borzoi or the Scottish Deerhound?: The Borzoi sheds more than the Scottish Deerhound. If shedding is a concern, the Scottish Deerhound is the lower-maintenance choice.
Which is easier to train, the Borzoi or the Scottish Deerhound?: The Scottish Deerhound is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.
Is Borzoi or Scottish Deerhound bigger?: Borzoi and Scottish Deerhound are a similar size (Giant).
Which barks more, Borzoi or Scottish Deerhound?: Both bark a similar amount (very low).
Which is better for apartment living, Borzoi or Scottish Deerhound?: For apartment or apartment living, Borzoi and Scottish Deerhound are an even match — either can work well.

Borzoi vs Scottish Deerhound