The Borzoi and the American Pit bull terriers are some of the breeds that attract attention for their physical appearance. While they are significantly different in size their unique physique is one of the notable traits that catch people’s eyes. Despite the gigantic size of the Borzoi and the solid masculine body of the American Pit bull terrier, they are affectionate breeds that make wonderful pets.

In this article, we will delve into the key differences between the Borzoi and the American Pit Bull Terrier, shedding light on their origins, physical attributes, and temperaments. understanding these differences will help you choose the breed that best aligns with your lifestyle and preferences.

Key differences	Borzoi	Pitbull
Origin	Russia	United States
Height	26-32 inches	17-21 inches
Weight	60-105 pounds	30-60 pounds
Coat	Silky, wavy, medium length	Shiny, straight, short
Lifespan	9-14 years	8-15 years
Temperaments	Calm, affectionate	Affectionate, eager to please, stubborn
Energy level	Low energy	High energy

Borzoi

Origin and Purpose:

Borzois were originally bred for hunting purposes in ancient Russia. These giant dogs were used in the pursuit of the game, showcasing their impressive speed and agility. Despite their hunting background, Borzois have proven themselves to be wonderful companions known for their grace and gentleness.

Physical Characteristics:

Borzois possesses a distinctive appearance. They are characterized by a relatively narrow body, a long, narrow head with a strong neck and jaws, small ears, dark eyes, and a large black nose. Their chest is deep but narrow, with a tucked abdomen, leading to long yet powerful hindquarters. A hallmark feature of the Borzoi is its long tail.

The coat of a Borzoi is silky, wavy, and of medium length. While they are stunning dogs, they are also regular shedders, with heavy shedding occurring during the end of spring and winter. For this reason, their grooming can be demanding especially during these two seasons. 

Therefore, daily brushing is recommended to keep their coat in check and minimize shedding to avoid finding dog hair on the furniture. Giving them a bath two times a month is also necessary for their overall health and to keep off dog smell.

Temperament and Training:

Borzois are known for their affectionate, gentle, and calm nature. They can make excellent companions for those seeking a more relaxed and low-energy dog. While they may be a bit stubborn at times, with patience and positive reinforcement training, they can be quite trainable.

Exercise Needs:

Despite their gigantic physique, Borzois are surprisingly low-energy dogs. They are couch potatoes. Borzois have a penchant for lounging around, unless, of course, you engage them in play. Therefore, daily long walks and some playtime is enough to keep them content as they do not have much energy to rid of.

It’s important to take long walks in a fenced yard as borzois have the drive to chase anything that moves even cars without the fear of any danger that may result. Also since their speed is nothing you can keep up with, they can easily get lost in the streets if they are unable to trace their way back home.

Socialization and Prey Drive:

Borzois can do well in a multi-pet household with proper training and early socialization. However, due to their hunting background, they have a high prey drive, so caution should be exercised when introducing them to smaller pets. They shouldn’t be left alone for hours.

Health Considerations:

As with many breeds, Borzois can be prone to certain health issues, including Progressive Retinal Atrophy, elbow and hip dysplasia, osteochondritis dissecans, and heart issues. Regular veterinary check-ups and a healthy lifestyle can help mitigate these concerns. On average, Borzois have a lifespan of 9 to 14 years if well taken care of.

With their graceful appearance and calm demeanor, Borzois make great companions for those who appreciate their unique qualities and are prepared to provide the care and attention they deserve.

Height	26-32 inches
Weight	60-105 pounds
Lifespan	9-14 years
Temperaments	Calm, affectionate,
Health issues	Progressive retinal atrophy, elbow & hip dysplasia, osteochondritis dissecans, heart problem
Hypoallergenic	No
Coat	Silky, wavy, medium length

American Pitbull Terrier

The American Pit Bull Terrier, often referred to simply as the Pit Bull, originates from the United States. These remarkable dogs are the result of a mix between the Bulldog and various terrier breeds.

Originally bred for fighting, hunting, and herding, the American Pit Bull Terrier has come a long way from its historical roots. Some people abused these dogs by engaging them in illegal dog fights which turned them into aggressive dogs.

However, due to their affectionate nature, today, American pit bull terriers are bred for companionship and make great four-legged family members in most households.

Pit Bulls are known for their masculine appearance, featuring large and broad heads with wide jaws, tight lips, and small, deep-set eyes. They sport a wide and well-built chest, exhibiting strength and athleticism. 

Despite their muscular appearance and historical associations, Pit Bulls are loving and loyal companions when raised in a caring and responsible environment.

Their coat is smooth, short, and glossy, and only require minimal grooming. However, they may not be suitable for people with allergies as they tend to shed more often. Brushing their coat (with a soft bristle brush) once a week is important to loosen dead hair and stimulate the production of natural oils to keep the coat radiant and minimize shedding.

Bathing them once a month helps keep them fresh and eliminates any doggy odor.

These dogs are affectionate and loyal, forming strong bonds with their families. With proper training and socialization from a puppy, pit bulls are able to tolerate children and even protect them from any danger. They are often considered kid-friendly, and many Pit Bulls thrive in family environments.

Pit Bulls are known for their high energy levels and eagerness to please their owners. Therefore, it may require lots of exercise to burn excess energy which may cause them to become destructive. Pent-up energy can make your dog start chewing furniture in the house, whining, and becoming clingy.

Long walks and other activities like running and agility tests lasting 1-2 hours daily are enough to keep them happy and healthy. They are generally easy to train, although their stubborn streak may surface at times. 

Like many breeds, American Pit Bull Terriers are prone to certain health issues, including hip dysplasia, hyperthyroidism, and heart problems. Responsible breeding and regular veterinary check-ups can help mitigate these concerns. On average, Pit Bulls have a lifespan of 8 to 15 years, but this can vary based on individual health and care.

Height	17-21 inches
Weight	30-60 pounds
Lifespan	8-15 years
Temperaments	Eager to please, affectionate, stubborn
coat	Short, shiny, single coat
Health issues	Hip dysplasia, thyroid, heart issues
Hypoallergenic	No

Key Differences between the Borzoi and the American Pitbull Terrier

1. Origin:

Borzoi originates from Russia and was originally bred for hunting.

American Pit Bull Terrier on the other hand originates from the United States and was initially bred for fighting, hunting, and herding.

2. Physical Characteristics

Borzoi possess a Tall and slender body, with a long and narrow head, small ears, dark eyes, and a silky, wavy coat while  American Pit Bull Terrier are Stocky and muscular, with a broad head, wide jaws, and a short, smooth coat.

3. Size:

Borzoi are giant breeds that stand 26 to 32 inches tall and weigh between 60-105 pounds. Although American Pit Bull terriers are masculine dogs, they are way smaller in size compared to the Borzoi, standing at 17-21 inches tall and weighing between 30 to 60 pounds.

4. Coat and Grooming:

Borzois have a silky, wavy, and medium-length double coat. They are regular shedders, with heavy shedding during seasonal changes and require daily brushing. 

American Pit Bull Terriers on the other hand have a Short, smooth, and glossy coat, which is relatively low-maintenance. While they also do shed, it’s not as heavy as Borzois. However, they’re still not suitable for people with allergies.

5. Temperament and Energy Level:

Borzoi are Calm, and gentle, and enjoy lounging most of the time. They are relatively low-energy dogs but still require daily exercise and mental stimulation though their exercise is not as demanding as for the Pit bull terriers. American Pit Bull Terrier are affectionate, eager to please, and energetic. They are active dogs that need regular exercise and play to get rid of the excess energy and remain healthy.

6. Trainability:

While American Pit Bull terriers are generally easy to train, especially with consistency, Borzoi can be stubborn. However, they are trainable with patience and positive reinforcement like treats and petting.

7. Prey Drive:

Borzoi have a high prey drive due to their hunting background, and therefore may not be suitable for households with small pets. While American Pit Bull Terrier also has a prey drive, they can co-exist well with other pets if socialization and training is done at their puppy stage.

8. Lifespan and Health Concerns:

With proper care, Borzois’s lifespan ranges from 9-14 years. They tend to suffer common health issues like Progressive Retinal Atrophy, elbow and hip dysplasia, osteochondritis dissecans, and heart problems at some point in their life.

American Pit Bull terriers on the other hand live up to 8-15 years and are prone to health issues like hip dysplasia, hyperthyroidism, and heart issues.

In summary, the Borzoi and the American Pit Bull Terrier are distinct breeds with different traits. Therefore, choosing between them should depend on your lifestyle and preferences as a dog owner.