When considering a sighthound as a companion, the Silken Windhound and the Borzoi often emerge as two of the most elegant and athletic options. These breeds captivate dog lovers with their graceful builds, keen hunting instincts, and affectionate natures. While they share a common heritage in coursing and hunting, they differ significantly in size, temperament, and care needs. The Borzoi, with its regal stature and aristocratic demeanor, has long been associated with Russian nobility. In contrast, the Silken Windhound, a more recent breed, was developed for its manageable size and adaptable personality. Understanding the key distinctions between these two breeds is essential when choosing the right canine companion for your lifestyle. This article provides a side-by-side comparison, covering aspects such as appearance, temperament, exercise needs, grooming, and suitability for different households, to help you determine which breed best fits your home and daily routine.

Breed Overview

Trait	Silken Windhound	Borzoi
Size	Medium (18-24 inches tall, 20-55 lbs)	Large (26-32 inches tall, 55-105 kg)
Lifespan	12-16 years	9-14 years
Coat Type	Silky, medium to long, wavy	Long, flowing, thick
Shedding	Moderate	High
Temperament	Affectionate, playful, social	Dignified, reserved, independent
Exercise Needs	Moderate (daily walks & playtime)	High (long walks, sprinting opportunities)
Trainability	Highly trainable	Moderate, independent thinker
Good with Children?	Yes	Yes, but it is better with older children
Good with Pets?	Yes, if socialized early	Can have a strong prey drive
Apartment Friendly?	Yes	Can adapt but prefers space

Origins and History

Silken Windhound

It was developed in the late 20th century in the United States by crossing Borzoi with smaller whippet-like sighthounds. The goal was to create a medium-sized, long-haired sighthound with a friendly and trainable temperament. The breed quickly gained popularity for its affectionate nature and adaptability.

Borzoi

The Borzoi, also known as the Russian Wolfhound, originated in Russia for centuries. The Borzoi is known for its elegance, speed, and endurance and is bred by Russian nobility for hunting wolves and large game. Due to their aristocratic history, Borzois have a dignified and somewhat independent personality.

Appearance Differences

While both breeds share an elegant sighthound physique, their differences in size, coat, and overall structure make them distinct from one another.

Size & Build

• Silken Windhounds are classified as medium-sized sighthounds, typically standing between 18 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing around 20 to 45 pounds. Their lightweight, athletic build makes them highly agile and adaptable to various environments.
• Borzois, on the other hand, are large sighthounds, reaching 26 to 32 inches in height and weighing 60 to 105 pounds. Their larger frame gives them a commanding presence but also requires more space to move comfortably.

Coat & Grooming Needs

• Silken Windhounds have a silky, soft, and delicate coat, often wavy or slightly curled. This texture gives them a smooth, flowing appearance, but it also means their coat is less prone to matting than the Borzoi. They shed moderately and require occasional brushing to keep their coat healthy.
• Borzois have a thicker, more luxurious coat that can be straight, wavy, or curly. Due to its density, the coat requires more frequent grooming to prevent tangles and matting, especially behind the ears and along the feathered areas. Shedding is more noticeable, particularly during seasonal coat changes.

Head & Facial Features

Both breeds share the long, narrow head typical of sighthounds, but there are subtle distinctions:

• Silken Windhounds tend to have a slightly softer, more refined expression with large, dark eyes that give them an intelligent and expressive look. Their ears are set high and may be partially folded or entirely dropped.
• Borzois have a longer, more aristocratic head with a straighter or slightly convex profile. Their eyes are also dark but smaller in proportion, contributing to their regal and dignified expression. Their ears are typically small and lie flat against the head unless alert.

Legs & Movement

Both breeds have long, slender legs and deep chests, which enhance their speed and endurance. However, their larger size makes Borzois move with a slower, more elegant stride. At the same time, Silken Windhounds are more agile and quick on their feet, making them more versatile in activities like agility competitions.

Temperament and Personality

Silken Windhound

Unlike many sighthounds, they tend to be more trainable and obedient, responding well to positive reinforcement techniques. This makes them a good option for first-time sighthound owners or those who appreciate a dog that listens well.

Silken Windhounds thrive on companionship and enjoy being part of the family. They form strong bonds with their owners and can be affectionate, often following their humans around the house. They are known for their playful nature, which makes them well-suited for families with children. However, as with any breed, early socialization ensures they interact well with kids and other pets.

Another advantage of the Silken Windhound’s temperament is its adaptability. While they enjoy a good outdoor sprint, they are equally content lounging around the house, making them well-suited for active and moderately active households.

Borzoi

In contrast, the Borzoi is a more reserved and independent breed, often described as cat-like in their demeanor. While they form deep bonds with their owners, they tend to be less overtly affectionate than the Silken Windhound. Borzois are very gentle and loving with their families. Still, they may be aloof or indifferent toward strangers, making them appear more distant than the friendly and sociable Silken Windhound.

One of the defining traits of the Borzoi is their strong prey drive. Originally bred to hunt wolves, Borzois instinctively chase small, fast-moving animals. Because of this, they are less reliable off-leash and require a secure, fenced-in area if allowed to run freely. Their independent nature also means they can be more stubborn when training, often choosing when to obey commands rather than responding immediately.

Borzois prefer a quiet and peaceful environment, making them well-suited for homes without chaos. They are not as naturally playful as the Silken Windhound and often enjoy more relaxed interactions rather than engaging in high-energy play. While they enjoy running, they are generally less active indoors, preferring to spend their time lounging in a comfortable spot.

In summary, the Silken Windhound is the more affectionate, trainable, and playful of the two, making it an excellent choice for families or active households. On the other hand, the Borzoi are more independent and reserved, requiring a more patient owner who appreciates their unique, dignified temperament.

Exercise and Training Needs

Silken Windhound

• Requires moderate exercise, such as daily walks and play sessions.
• Has a lower prey drive than a Borzoi, making off-leash training more feasible.
• Enjoys activities like agility and lure coursing.
• Responds well to positive reinforcement training.

Borzoi

• Needs regular, vigorous exercise, including running in a secure area.
• Strong prey drive can make off-leash play risky.
• Less eager to please, requiring patient and consistent training.
• More independent and stubborn than a Silken Windhound.

Grooming and Maintenance

Both breeds have long coats that require regular grooming:

• Silken Windhound coats are easier to manage, needing weekly brushing to prevent tangles.
• Borzois have thicker, denser coats that require more frequent grooming (2-3 times per week) to prevent matting and excessive shedding.

Both breeds shed, but Borzois tend to shed more heavily, especially during seasonal coat changes.

Health Considerations

Silken Windhound

• Generally healthy with a longer lifespan (12-16 years).
• Some may be prone to bloat (gastric torsion), heart, or joint problems.

Borzoi

• More prone to bloat, which can be life-threatening.
• Hip dysplasia and heart disease are concerns due to their large size.
• Slightly shorter lifespan (9-14 years).

Both breeds benefit from high-quality diets, regular vet checkups, and appropriate exercise to maintain joint and heart health.

Which Breed is Right for You?

Choose a Silken Windhound if you:

• Want a medium-sized dog with a friendly, trainable personality.
• Live in an apartment or smaller home.
• Prefer a sighthound that is more social and playful.
• Want a dog that gets along well with children and other pets.

Choose a Borzoi if you:

• Have space for a large, elegant sighthound.
• Prefer a dog with a quiet, dignified, and independent nature.
• Can provide safe running areas and regular exercise.
• Don’t mind spending extra time on grooming and training.

Final Thoughts

The Silken Windhound and the Borzoi are graceful, affectionate sighthounds that make excellent companions. The Silken Windhound is a better choice for first-time owners, while the Borzoi is better suited for experienced dog owners who understand the needs of large, independent sighthounds.

Ultimately, the decision between these two breeds depends on your living space, lifestyle, and experience with sighthounds. No matter which you choose, both breeds will bring elegance, beauty, and companionship to your home.