Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Borzoi Versus Saint Bernard: Introduction
- Borzoi versus Saint Bernard: Overview
- Borzoi versus Saint Bernard: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Borzoi and the Saint Bernard
- The Similarities Between the Borzoi and the Saint Bernard
- Size Comparison of Borzoi versus Saint Bernard
- Lifespan of Borzoi versus Saint Bernard
- Temperament of the Borzoi Versus the Saint Bernard
- Price of Borzoi versus Price of Saint Bernard
- The Intelligence of the Borzoi versus the Intelligence of the Saint Bernard
- Health Problems of Borzoi versus Health Problems of Saint Bernard
- Tolerates Being Alone: Borzoi versus Saint Bernard
- Do Borzois shed more than Saint Bernards?
- Which one drools more, the Borzoi or the Saint Bernard
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Borzoi or the Saint Bernard?
- Does the Borzoi Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Saint Bernard?
- Do Borzois Bark and Howl? What about Saint Bernards?
- Can Borzois Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Saint Bernards Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Borzoi vs. Saint Bernard
- Can Borzois Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Saint Bernards Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Borzoi or the Saint Bernard?
- Are Borzois good family dogs? What about Saint Bernards?
- How Kid-friendly are Borzois and Saint Bernards?
- Is the Borzoi Easier to Train than the Saint Bernard?
- Conclusion: Borzoi versus Saint Bernard. Which One is a Better Pet?
Borzoi Versus Saint Bernard: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Borzoi and the Saint Bernard? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Borzoi and the Saint Bernard better suits you.We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Borzoi and the Saint Bernard.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Borzoi and the Saint Bernard is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.
Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Borzoi and for the Saint Bernard. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Borzoi and the Saint Bernard.
Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Borzoi or the Saint Bernard.
Borzoi versus Saint Bernard: Overview
Both the Borzoi and the Saint Bernard are similar in size. The Borzoi and the Saint Bernard are both giant-sized dogs.
Furthermore, the Borzoi belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.
On the other hand, the Saint Bernard belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.
Borzoi versus Saint Bernard: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Borzoi to the Saint Bernard based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.
When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets
Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.
However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.
Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Borzoi and the Saint Bernard
| Factor | Borzoi | Saint Bernard |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 1/5 |
| Life Span | 10 to 12 years | 8 to 10 years |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Height | 26 to 32 inches tall at the shoulder | 2 feet, 2 inches to 2 feet, 6 inches tall at the s |
| Good For Novice Owners | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Train | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Easygoing | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Weight | 55 to 105 pounds | 120 to 180 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 11.0 years | 9.0 years |
| Average Price | $1560 | $1320 |
| Price Range | $1500 – $1500 | $875 – $1525 |
| Temperament Score | 90.1 percent | 84.9 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests | ||
| Intelligence Rank (out of 130 Dog Breeds) | 75 | 65 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Borzoi in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Saint Bernard. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.
The Better-Pet score for the Borzoi is 82 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Saint Bernard is 81 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Borzoi is a better pet than the Saint Bernard. So, you should get the Borzoi!
Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Borzoi and the Saint Bernard so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Borzoi and the Saint Bernard
Below is a list of where the Borzoi and the Saint Bernard are most different:
- Borzois do not have the tendency to drool. However, Saint Bernards have a very high tendency to drool.
- Borzois have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets. However, Saint Bernards have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
The Similarities Between the Borzoi and the Saint Bernard
The Borzoi and the Saint Bernard are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Borzoi and the Saint Bernard are most similar:
- Both the Borzoi and the Saint Bernard do not like to be left alone.
- Both the Borzoi and the Saint Bernard are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
- Both the Borzoi and the Saint Bernard have low energy levels. They do not require a lot exercise time.
- Both the Borzoi and the Saint Bernard do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
- Both the Borzoi and the Saint Bernard have low exercise needs.
- Both the Borzoi and the Saint Bernard can tolerate cold weather.
- Both the Borzoi and the Saint Bernard are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
- Both the Borzoi and the Saint Bernard get along well with other dogs.
- Both the Borzoi and the Saint Bernard are very friendly towards strangers.
- Both the Borzoi and the Saint Bernard are highly intelligent.
- Both the Borzoi and the Saint Bernard are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
- Both the Borzoi and the Saint Bernard shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Size Comparison of Borzoi versus Saint Bernard
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Borzoi and the Saint Bernard.
Borzois weigh 55 to 105 pounds when fully grown. Borzois are 26 to 32 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
On the other hand, Saint Bernards weigh 120 to 180 pounds when fully grown. Saint Bernards are 2 feet, 2 inches to 2 feet, 6 inches tall at the s when fully grown.
Lifespan of Borzoi versus Saint Bernard
The lifespan of Borzois is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Borzois is 11.0 years.
The lifespan of Saint Bernards is between 8 to 10 years. The average lifespan of Saint Bernards is 9.0 years.
Borzois live longer than Saint Bernards.
Temperament of the Borzoi Versus the Saint Bernard
The Borzoi has a better temperament than the Saint Bernard.
This is because the temperament score for the Borzoi is 90.1 percent while the temperament score for the Saint Bernard is 84.9 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).
The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.
Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.
The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.
With its temperament score of 90.1 percent, the Borzoi has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
With its temperament score of 84.9 percent, the Saint Bernard has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Borzoi and the Saint Bernard by measuring the temperaments of 111 Borzois and 53 Saint Bernards.
Price of Borzoi versus Price of Saint Bernard
The average price of the Borzoi puppy is $1560. The price of the Borzoi typically ranges from $1500 – $1500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 7 Borzoi puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The average price of the Saint Bernard puppy is $1320. The price of the Saint Bernard typically ranges from $875 – $1525. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 163 Saint Bernard puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Borzoi is more expensive than the Saint Bernard.
The charts below show the price distribution for the Borzoi and Saint Bernard. For different price points, the charts show how many Borzoi puppies or how many Saint Bernard puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Borzois. The typical price range is shaded Green.
A breakdown of the prices of Saint Bernards
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Borzoi puppy or the Saint Bernard puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.
Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.
You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.
The Intelligence of the Borzoi versus the Intelligence of the Saint Bernard
`| Borzoi | Saint Bernard | |
|---|---|---|
| Intelligence Rank | 75 out of 130 dog breeds | 65 out of 130 dog breeds |
| Trainability | Tend To Learn New Commands After 80 To 100 Repetitions Or More! | Tend To Learn New Commands After 40 To 80 Repetitions! |
Professor Stanley Coren, the famous psychology/neuropsychological professor and, dog lover/trainer measured and ranked the intelligence of about 130 different dog breeds.
According to Prof. Stanley Coren, the total intelligence that a dog demonstrates is the addition of three types of intelligence. These intelligence types are:- Instinctive Intelligence: This is the natural intelligence a dog has because of what the dog was bred for. This type of intelligence comes from instinct. For example, dog breeds that were bred for guarding will have high `guarding` instinctive intelligence, while dog breeds that were bred for hunting will what high `hunting` instinctive intelligence. However, you cannot compare the intelligence of dog breeds based on instinctive intelligence because such a comparison will not make sense.
- Adaptive Intelligence (learning and problem-solving ability): This indicates what a dog can learn to do for himself or herself. It includes learning and benefiting from experience with his environment, solving new problems, and so forth. Adaptive intelligence is specific to each dog, and not breed specific. Thus, two dogs can have remarkably different levels of adaptive intelligence even if they are of the same breed.
- Working/Obedience Intelligence: This intelligence is the closest to what we might call school-learning ability and it is based upon what the dog can learn to do when instructed by humans. Importantly, different dog breeds have different learning abilities. Also, science has shown that some dog breeds can learn faster than some other breeds. This means certain dog breeds tend to have higher working/obedience intelligence than some other breeds. Dogs with high Working/Obedience Intelligence are smart and easy to train.
Prof. Coren showed that the Working/Obedience Intelligence of different dog breeds can be measured reliably. Thus, he was able to rank different dog breeds based on their Working/Obedience Intelligence.
This is important because according to Prof. Coren, 51 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from its genes while 49 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from the dog`s environmental circumstances.
To rank the intelligence of dog breeds, Prof. Coren employed the help of 208 dog obedience judges in North America to fill out a detailed survey on dog obedience. This number represented more than half of all of these judges in North America at the time. He also employed 63 veterinarians and 14 guard dog experts to collect data on the personality of different dog breeds.Prof. Coren found that the Borzoi has an obedience intelligence rank of 75 out of 130 dog breeds. The Borzoi belongs to the `Lowest Degree of Working/Obedience Intelligence Dogs` category. This means that Borzois tend to learn new commands after 80 to 100 repetitions or more!.
The Saint Bernard has an obedience intelligence rank of 65 out of 130 dog breeds. The Saint Bernard belongs to the `Fair Working/Obedience Intelligence Dogs` category. This means that Saint Bernards tend to learn new commands after 40 to 80 repetitions!.
The Saint Bernard is more intelligent than the Borzoi.
However, Prof. Coren noted that a dog should not be judged based on its intelligence alone, that other factors such as sociability, adorability, and compatibility with the owner are other very important factors that new dog owners need to consider when deciding on a new dog.
Health Problems of Borzoi versus Health Problems of Saint Bernard
Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.
Both the Borzoi and the Saint Bernard are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.
The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.
Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Saint Bernard is prone to the same number of genetic health problems as the Borzoi.
6 health tests are recommended for Borzoi while 6 tests are recommended for the Saint Bernard.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Borzois and in Saint Bernards.
Borzoi Health Problems
Borzois are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Borzoi puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Borzoi puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Borzoi breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Borzois for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Borzois here.
Saint Bernard Health Problems
Saint Bernards are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Saint Bernard puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Saint Bernard puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Saint Bernard breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Saint Bernards for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Saint Bernards here.
Tolerates Being Alone: Borzoi versus Saint Bernard
Borzois do not like to be left alone.
Saint Bernards do not like to be left alone.
Do Borzois shed more than Saint Bernards?
Borzois shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Saint Bernards shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Borzoi or the Saint Bernard
Borzois do have a very low tendency to drool.
Saint Bernards have a very high tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Borzoi or the Saint Bernard?
Borzois are very easy to groom.
Saint Bernards require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Borzoi Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Saint Bernard?
Borzois have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.
Saint Bernards have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.
Do Borzois Bark and Howl? What about Saint Bernards?
Borzois are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Saint Bernards are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can Borzois Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Saint Bernards Tolerate Cold Weather?
Borzois can very well tolerate cold weather.
Saint Bernards can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Borzoi vs. Saint Bernard
Borzois have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Saint Bernards do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Can Borzois Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Saint Bernards Tolerate Hot Weather?
Borzois can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Saint Bernards cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Borzoi or the Saint Bernard?
Borzois get along very well with other dogs.
Saint Bernards get along very well with other dogs.
Are Borzois good family dogs? What about Saint Bernards?
Borzois are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Saint Bernards are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Borzois and Saint Bernards?
Borzois get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.
Saint Bernards get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Borzoi Easier to Train than the Saint Bernard?
Borzois are fairly easy to train.
Saint Bernards are not easy to train.
Is the Borzoi Better for Apartment Owners than the Saint Bernard?
Borzois adapt very well to apartment living.
Saint Bernards adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Borzoi or the Saint Bernard?
Borzois are OK for new dog owners.
Saint Bernards are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Conclusion: Borzoi versus Saint Bernard. Which One is a Better Pet?
In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Borzoi and the Saint Bernard better suits you and your family.