Two breeds, worlds apart — yet both stunning in their own right. On one side, we have the Belgian Malinois, a powerhouse of intelligence, loyalty, and athleticism. Known for their unmatched work ethic and sharp minds, these dogs are often the top choice for military and police units around the world.
Fiercely loyal and incredibly driven, the Malinois thrives on purpose, challenge, and structure, making them ideal for experienced dog owners who lead an active, disciplined lifestyle. On the other side stands the Borzoi, a graceful, aristocratic sighthound with roots in Russian nobility. With their calm demeanor, gentle spirit, and flowing, silky coat, Borzois are the picture of elegance.
Choosing between them isn’t just about appearance — it’s about energy, experience, lifestyle, and connection. In this head-to-head comparison, we’ll dive into their personalities, training needs, grooming routines, and ideal home environments to help you discover which of these magnificent breeds truly belongs by your side.
Belgian Malinois vs. Borzoi
Belgian Malinois vs. Borzoi: Size
Belgian Malinois
The Belgian Malinois is a highly energetic, intelligent, and hardworking dog breed known for its strong work ethic. Often used in police and military roles, they excel in tasks requiring agility, obedience, and protection.
With a loyal and protective nature, they bond closely with their families, making them excellent companions for active owners who can provide mental and physical stimulation.
Height: 24–26 inches at the shoulder.
Weight: 40–80 pounds.
Build: Medium-sized, muscular, and athletic with a well-proportioned body designed for agility and endurance.
Borzoi
The Borzoi, also known as the Russian Wolfhound, is a majestic and graceful breed with a history of hunting large game like wolves. Tall and slender, with a silky coat, Borzois are known for their speed and elegance.
Height: According to WebMD, the Borzoi is a large breed. The American Kennel Club (AKC) specifies that a male Borzoi should be at least 28 inches tall.
Weight: 60–105 pounds.
Build: Tall, slender, and elegant with long legs and a graceful frame built for speed and stamina.
Belgian Malinois vs. Borzoi: Temperament and Personality
Belgian Malinois
Highly energetic, alert, and driven. Belgian Malinois are incredibly loyal and protective, making them excellent working dogs and family guardians. As per PetMD, Malinois are a high-energy breed that requires substantial amounts of active engagement, both mentally and physically.
Intelligent, eager to please, and confident. With the right training, they can be well-behaved and obedient, though they can become anxious or destructive if not properly exercised.
Borzoi
Calm, dignified, and independent. While they can be affectionate with their families, Borzois tend to be more reserved with strangers. They enjoy lounging around the house but still have bursts of energy when it’s time to run, as they were originally bred for chasing prey at high speeds. According to Britannica, Borzois are a calm breed that requires about 45 minutes of exercise each day.
Gentle, quiet, and sometimes aloof. Borzois are known for being somewhat independent and can have a mind of their own. They’re not as eager to please as some breeds, but with patience and gentle training, they can be loving and loyal companions.
Belgian Malinois vs. Borzoi: Grooming Requirements
When it comes to grooming requirements, the Belgian Malinois and Borzoi differ significantly due to their coats:
Belgian Malinois
Coat Type: Short, dense, and straight.
The Belgian Malinois sheds consistently throughout the year, with increased shedding during seasonal transitions. Regular brushing once a week is usually enough to keep their coat healthy and free of loose hair. They’re generally clean dogs and don’t require frequent bathing unless they get particularly dirty.
Other Considerations: Regular ear cleaning, nail trimming, and occasional teeth brushing are important to maintain their overall hygiene.
Borzoi
Coat Type: Long, silky, and flowing.
The Borzoi’s long, elegant coat requires frequent grooming, ideally 2–3 times a week, to prevent tangles and mats. They shed moderately but will need extra care during shedding seasons. Regular bathing is also recommended to keep their coat looking its best.
Other Considerations: Borzois also require regular ear cleaning due to their long ears, as well as routine nail trimming and dental care.
In summary, the Belgian Malinois is easier to groom with its short coat, while the Borzoi requires more maintenance due to its long, flowing fur.
Belgian Malinois vs. Borzoi: Health Considerations
Belgian Malinois
The Belgian Malinois is a generally healthy breed with a lifespan of 12–14 years. But like many active and working breeds, they can be prone to certain conditions. Some common health concerns for Belgian Malinois include:
Hip Dysplasia: Malinois are prone to a hereditary condition where the hip joint doesn’t develop properly, leading to arthritis and pain.
Elbow Dysplasia: Another joint issue common in large breeds like Malinois, which can cause lameness.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): They might also develop a degenerative eye disease that can lead to blindness.
Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV): Bloat, a life-threatening condition where the stomach twists, is common in deep-chested breeds.
Epilepsy: Can cause seizures in some dogs, though it’s manageable with medication.
Borzoi
The Borzoi is also a relatively healthy breed. They typically live 10–12 years and can have a relatively healthy life with proper care. Regular vet visits and a low-impact exercise routine are important for managing their health. They have their own set of health considerations:
Hip Dysplasia: Like the Malinois, Borzois are prone to hip dysplasia, which affects their mobility and quality of life.
Bloat (GDV): Large-chested breeds like the Borzoi are also at risk for bloat, which requires immediate veterinary attention.
Cataracts: Borzois may be prone to cataracts, leading to cloudy vision and potential blindness if untreated.
Hypothyroidism: They also have Hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid doesn’t produce enough hormones, potentially leading to weight gain, lethargy, and skin issues.
Heart Disease: They may be prone to heart issues like dilated cardiomyopathy, which can affect their heart function.
Both breeds benefit from regular vet check-ups and a healthy diet to maintain optimal health. The Belgian Malinois is more prone to joint issues and conditions related to their high activity levels, while the Borzoi tends to have fewer serious issues but requires special attention to their sensitive stomachs and thyroid health.
Belgian Malinois vs. Borzoi: Life Expectancy
When comparing the life expectancy of the Belgian Malinois and the Borzoi, there is a notable difference:
Belgian Malinois
Life Expectancy: 12–14 years.
Belgian Malinois are generally healthy and active dogs, but their lifespan can be affected by factors like exercise, diet, and genetics. With proper care, they can enjoy a long and fulfilling life.
Borzoi
Life Expectancy: 10–12 years.
Borzois tend to have a slightly shorter lifespan compared to Belgian Malinois, but they are still relatively healthy. Regular vet check-ups, proper diet, and a calm living environment can help them live a happy life.
In short, the Belgian Malinois tends to live a bit longer on average than the Borzoi, but both breeds can have long and healthy lives with the right care.
Conclusion
When comparing the Belgian Malinois and the Borzoi, you’re looking at two incredibly distinct yet impressive dogs. The Belgian Malinois, a classic herding breed, is known for its unmatched loyalty, high energy, and exceptional intelligence. On the other hand, the Borzoi, a graceful sighthound, is more laid-back, elegant, and independent.
The Belgian Malinois is one of the most intense and driven dogs among popular breeds, often seen working in police or military roles. They thrive with proper training, consistent mental stimulation, and active owners. In contrast, the Borzoi is calm, quiet, and dignified, content with daily walks and cozy naps. While both are beautiful in their own way, they serve very different types of dog lovers.
If you’re drawn to other dog breeds like the German Shepherd, Border Collie, or Afghan Hound, you’ll find the Belgian Malinois shares traits with most dog breeds, while the Borzoi aligns more with sighthounds in temperament.
