Afghan HoundVSBorzoi

The Afghan Hound is known for being dignified, aloof, independent, while the Borzoi is typically described as graceful, quiet, independent. These distinct personality traits mean each breed offers a different kind of companionship.

Both breeds share a similar playfulness level at 3/5, so you can expect comparable levels of fun and games from either one.

Noise-wise, the Afghan Hound is more vocal with a barking level of 2/5, while the Borzoi is quieter at 1/5. If you prefer a calmer household, the Borzoi may be the better choice.

The Afghan Hound is a large breed standing 63–74 cm (25–29 in) tall and weighing 23–27 kg (51–60 lbs). In comparison, the Borzoi is a large breed at 66–79 cm (26–31 in) and 27–48 kg (60–106 lbs).

There's a significant size difference between these two breeds. The Borzoi is considerably heavier, which means higher food costs and the need for more physical space. The Afghan Hound's smaller frame makes it easier to handle and transport.

The Afghan Hound has a long coat available in black, cream, red, blue, brindle, white, while the Borzoi sports a long coat in white, gold, red, brindle, black, any color. Coat type significantly impacts grooming needs and shedding, which we cover below.

The Afghan Hound has high energy (4/5) with high exercise needs (4/5). The Borzoi has moderate energy (3/5) and high exercise needs (4/5).

Both breeds have similar exercise requirements, so your daily activity routine won't change much regardless of which you choose. Plan for regular walks and play sessions to keep either breed content.

For apartment dwellers, the Borzoi is the stronger choice with an apartment-friendliness score of 3/5, compared to the Afghan Hound's 2/5. The Afghan Hound generally does better with access to a yard or larger living space.

The Borzoi sheds more than the Afghan Hound — 3/5 versus 2/5. You'll want to invest in a good lint roller and vacuum if you go with the Borzoi.

The Afghan Hound demands more grooming attention with a score of 5/5, while the Borzoi is lower-maintenance at 3/5. The Afghan Hound's long coat requires regular brushing and professional grooming sessions, adding to the overall cost of ownership.

Annual grooming costs average around $500 for the Afghan Hound and $200 for the Borzoi. Factor this into your budget when deciding between the two.

The Afghan Hound has a lifespan of 12–18 years, while the Borzoi lives 9–14 years. The Afghan Hound tends to live longer on average.

Both breeds score 3/5 for health robustness, meaning they share similar overall health profiles.

Common health issues for the Afghan Hound include hip dysplasia, cataracts, hypothyroidism, laryngeal paralysis. The Borzoi is prone to bloat, heart disease, hypothyroidism, progressive retinal atrophy. Regular vet checkups and health screenings are essential for both breeds.

Annual vet costs average $500 for the Afghan Hound and $500 for the Borzoi. Pet insurance is worth considering for either breed.

Training comes more naturally with the Borzoi, which scores 2/5 for trainability. The Afghan Hound's score of 1/5 means you may need more patience and consistency to see results.

Both breeds match in intelligence at 3/5, so expect similar learning speeds and mental stimulation needs from either choice.

Regardless of which breed you choose, early socialization and consistent positive reinforcement training are key to raising a well-behaved dog. Puppy classes are a great investment for either breed.

Both the Afghan Hound and Borzoi score 3/5 for intelligence, putting them on equal footing mentally. They'll learn commands at similar speeds and need comparable amounts of mental stimulation to stay happy and well-behaved.

Both breeds share a similar intelligence profile rooted in adaptive intelligence. Both are skilled at reading human emotions, adapting to new environments, and solving everyday problems on their own.

For either breed, mental enrichment is just as important as physical exercise. Puzzle feeders, training sessions, scent work, and interactive toys keep intelligent dogs engaged and prevent the boredom that leads to chewing, digging, or excessive barking.

Both breeds score 3/5 with children, making them equally suitable for families. Either breed can be a wonderful addition to a household with kids.

If you have other pets, the Borzoi tends to get along better with other dogs (4/5) than the Afghan Hound (3/5). Proper introductions are still important, but the Borzoi is naturally more sociable with canine companions.

The Borzoi is more welcoming to strangers (3/5), while the Afghan Hound tends to be more reserved (2/5). If you frequently have guests, the Borzoi's sociable nature will make entertaining easier.

The initial purchase price for a Afghan Hound ranges from $2,000–$3,500, while a Borzoi typically costs $1,500–$3,000. The Afghan Hound has a higher upfront cost.

Ongoing annual costs (food, vet, grooming) come to approximately $1,660 for the Afghan Hound and $1,480 for the Borzoi. The Afghan Hound is more expensive to maintain year over year, mainly due to grooming expenses.

Monthly food costs run about $55 for the Afghan Hound and $65 for the Borzoi. Over a typical lifespan, the total cost of ownership can differ by thousands of dollars, so it's worth factoring in the long-term financial commitment.