PuppyBase

Borzoi vs German Spitz

Side-by-side comparison across all 14 AKC trait ratings, with a clear verdict on which breed fits which kind of household.

Perfect Puppy Quiz · 5 questions · 90 seconds

Not sure which breed fits your life?

Answer five questions about your home, your schedule, and your tolerance for shedding. We’ll match you to your top three breeds from over 200.

The bottom line

Borzoi vs German Spitz

You’re probably not comparing a Borzoi and a German Spitz because they look alike. one’s a 100-pound silk-blanket-haired aristocrat built for chasing wolves across frozen tundras, and the other’s a 25-pound fox-faced charmer who barks at the toaster. But people do pit them against each other when they’re torn between a regal, independent companion and a lively, people-pleasing watchdog with big opinions. The Borzoi isn’t your neighborhood jogger’s dog. He’s a sprinter with a 4/5 energy score, but that energy comes in bursts. You’ll find him zoning out on the couch between 30-mile-per-hour wind sprints. He’s loyal, yes, but on his terms. Training is a challenge. he’s a hound with a 2/5 trainability score and a mind of his own. If your home isn’t fenced or you’ve got cats, this isn’t the dog for you. He’s also prone to bloat and cardiac issues, so vet visits aren’t optional. The German Spitz, meanwhile, thrives on interaction. He’s a 5/5 in trainability and affection, but also 5/5 in barking. He’ll tell you about every leaf that falls in the yard. Great for apartments, great with kids, and fits first-time owners. but not if you hate constant commentary. He’s healthier overall, living up to 15 years, but watch for luxating patellas. Here’s the real difference: the Borzoi is a silent partner who occasionally reminds you he’s magnificent. The Spitz is your tiny, furry CEO who runs the household. Pick the Borzoi if you want quiet grandeur and have space and experience. Pick the Spitz if you want a busy, devoted companion who won’t mind (and will loudly announce) your Netflix binge.

Borzoi
German Spitz
26–28 in
Height
12–15 in
60–105 lb
Weight
24–26 lb
9–14 yr
Lifespan
13–15 yr
$1.5–4.0k
Puppy price
$1.0–3.0k
#103
AKC popularity

Trait-by-trait

Higher bar = more of that trait. Shedding, barking, drooling, grooming flipped for readability.
Affectionate w/ Family
Good with Young Children
Good with Other Dogs
Shedding Level
Coat Grooming
Drooling Level
Good with Strangers
Playfulness
Watchdog / Protective
Adaptability
Trainability
Energy Level
Barking Level
Mental Stimulation Needs
AffectionGood w/ KidsGood w/ DogsShedding LevelGroomingDrooling LevelGood w/ StrangersPlayfulnessProtectiveAdaptabilityTrainabilityEnergy LevelBarking LevelMental Stim.
Borzoi German Spitz
Overlay

Where they diverge

Trainability
German Spitz is easier to train (3-point difference)
German
Barking Level
Borzoi barks less (3-point difference)
Borzoi
Affectionate w/ Family
German Spitz is more affectionate (1-point difference)
German
Good with Other Dogs
German Spitz is better with other dogs (1-point difference)
German
Coat Grooming
Borzoi needs less grooming (1-point difference)
Borzoi
The verdict

Choose the Borzoi if…

  • Active people
  • Spacious homes
  • Experienced owners
  • You value energy levelBorzoi scores noticeably higher.

Choose the German Spitz if…

  • Apartment dwellers
  • Families with children
  • Alert watchdog
  • You value trainabilityGerman Spitz scores higher here.
Borzoi Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Borzoi home.
Breed variants, breeder red flags, and what to ask
First-week checklist and daily schedules by age
Training timeline from 8 weeks to adulthood
Health screenings, emergency card, and feeding portions
Grooming schedule, first-year costs, and what nobody tells you
Get Your Guide
German Spitz Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your German Spitz home.
Breed variants, breeder red flags, and what to ask
First-week checklist and daily schedules by age
Training timeline from 8 weeks to adulthood
Health screenings, emergency card, and feeding portions
Grooming schedule, first-year costs, and what nobody tells you
Get Your Guide

Other comparisons people run