Side by side
Put a few breeds side by side before you make up your mind.
Pick up to four. The URL updates as you go, so you can send this comparison to whoever you are arguing with.
| Breed |  Borzoi |  Akita |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Developed in Tsarist Russia from the seventeenth century, the Borzoi was the preferred hunting dog of the Romanovs and the nobility. They were bred to chase and pin wolves across the vast Russian steppes, combining the speed of the Greyhound with a heavy coat and the strength to handle large prey. After the Russian Revolution, the breed survived largely through exports to Europe and the United States. | Japan |
| Group | Hound | Utility |
| Size | Large | Large |
| Coat | Long, silky, wavy or curly double coat; resists dirt well but sheds seasonally. | Short to medium dense double coat, red, brindle, white or pinto |
| Weight | 27 to 48 kg | 32 to 59 kg |
| Height | 68 to 85 cm | 61 to 71 cm |
| Lifespan | 9 to 12 yrs | 10 to 13 yrs |
| Exercise need | 6/10 | 6/10 |
| Affection | 7/10 | 7/10 |
| Grooming needs | 6/10 | 5/10 |
| Barking | 2/10 | 3/10 |
| Good with children | 6/10 | 6/10 |
| Good with other dogs | 5/10 | 3/10 |
| Trainability | 5/10 | 6/10 |
| Prey drive | 10/10 | 7/10 |
| Copes alone | 6/10 | 6/10 |
| Drool | 3/10 | 4/10 |
| Shedding | 7/10 | 7/10 |
| Flat fit | 4/10 | 4/10 |
| Running cost | €295 / month | €133 / month |
Borzoi verdict
The aristocratic sighthound: a masterpiece of elegance, speed and quiet dignity.
Get one if
- · Owners with a large, securely fenced garden or field
- · People seeking a quiet, calm and undemanding indoor companion
- · Those who appreciate the aesthetic and history of sighthounds
Think again if
- · Homes with small, fast-moving pets or livestock
- · Owners who want a dog that can be trusted off-lead in open spaces
- · Households with very young, boisterous children who might overwhelm a reserved dog
Akita verdict
A dignified, powerful Japanese guardian that bonds closely with its family but needs serious socialisation and a firm, experienced hand.
Get one if
- · Experienced owners confident managing a strong-willed, powerful dog
- · Households able to commit to thorough early socialisation
- · Families with older, sensible children and no other same-sex dogs
Think again if
- · First-time dog owners
- · Households with cats or other dogs, especially of the same sex
- · Owners wanting a dog that is friendly and relaxed with strangers