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American Eskimo Dog vs Borzoi

A side-by-side comparison to help you find the right breed for your lifestyle.

American Eskimo Dog breed photo

American Eskimo Dog

AKCFCIKC

The American Eskimo Dog is a lively and intelligent breed known for its striking white coat, fox-like face, and friendly disposition. Originally bred as a companion and watchdog, this versatile breed excels in various activities and is cherished for its playful and affectionate nature.

Size

Medium

Energy

High

Lifespan

13–15 years yrs

Height

N/A

VS
Borzoi breed photo

Borzoi

AKCFCIKC

The Borzoi, also known as the Russian Wolfhound, is a graceful and elegant sighthound known for its strikingly tall and slender build, long silky coat, and gentle demeanor. Originally bred for hunting wolves in Russia, this breed is celebrated for its speed, agility, and affectionate nature towards families.

Size

Extra Large

Energy

Medium

Lifespan

7-10 years yrs

Height

minimum 81cm cm

Quick Comparison

TraitAmerican Eskimo DogBorzoi
Energy
Trainability
Grooming Needs
Family Friendly
Independence

Key Characteristics

Good with Kids
Good with Dogs
Good with Cats
Hypoallergenic
Apartment Friendly
First-Time Owner OK
DetailAmerican Eskimo DogBorzoi
SizeMediumExtra Large
Energy LevelHighMedium
GroomingMediumMedium
TrainabilityEasychallenging
Barking LevelHighLow
Shedding LevelHighMedium
HousingYardYard

Owner Fit & Decision Guide

Owner Match

TraitAmerican Eskimo DogBorzoi
Experience LevelBeginnerExperienced
First-Time Owner
Ideal OwnerActive individual or family who can provide adequate exercise and training for a American Eskimo Dog.Active individual or family who can provide adequate exercise and training for a Borzoi.

American Eskimo Dog Dealbreakers

  • Cannot meet 60-90 min daily exercise
  • Cannot tolerate heavy shedding

Borzoi Dealbreakers

  • Cannot meet 60-80 min daily exercise
  • Cannot commit to grooming needs

Surrender Risk

FactorAmerican Eskimo DogBorzoi
Risk LevelMediumMedium
Primary ReasonsUnderestimated exercise needs, Behavioral challenges, Cost of careUnderestimated exercise needs, Behavioral challenges, Cost of care

Temperament & Personality

Behavior Comparison

TraitAmerican Eskimo DogBorzoi
Prey Drive
Watchdog Ability
Stranger Friendly
Drool Level
Wanderlust

Vocalization

TraitAmerican Eskimo DogBorzoi
Barking LevelHighLow
Howling Tendency
Whining TendencyLowLow
Separation Vocalization
American Eskimo Dog bark triggers
StrangersDoorbellsOther dogs
Borzoi bark triggers
StrangersDoorbellsOther dogs

Safety & Reliability

TraitAmerican Eskimo DogBorzoi
Escape Artist
Dog Park Suitable
Off-Leash Reliable
Small Animal Safe
Leash Reactivity
Resource Guarding RiskLowLow

American Eskimo Dog Social Traits

Velcro Dog
One Person Dog
Handling ToleranceMedium
Stranger Wariness

Low

With Other Dogs

Generally friendly

Borzoi Social Traits

Velcro Dog
One Person Dog
Handling ToleranceMedium
Stranger Wariness

Moderate

With Other Dogs

Generally friendly

Training

American Eskimo Dog

MethodPositive reinforcement
Challenges
Requires consistent, patient training
Tips
  • s will cause them to shut down or become defensive. They learn by watching; owners often report their Eskies learning to open crates or doors by observation.

Borzoi

MethodPositive reinforcement
Challenges
s:** Repetition bores them. Drill-style obedience will fail. Keep sessions short (5 minutes) and varied [cite: 6].
Tips
  • ** Positive reinforcement only. Harsh methods cause them to shut down or become defensive.

Borzoi Considerations

challengePredatory Aggression

The Borzoi possesses a predatory sequence (Eye → Stalk → Chase → Grab → Kill). They are hardwired to chase anything that moves quickly. This makes them a significant risk to cats, small dogs, rabbits, and even wildlife. A Borzoi that lives peacefully with an indoor cat may still kill that same cat if they encounter it running outdoors.

challengeSelective Deafness (Independence)

They are not biddable. They do not obey commands for the sake of pleasing you. If they see prey, their recall is virtually non-existent. They require a securely fenced area (minimum 6ft/1.8m) to run; "invisible fences" are useless against their drive.

challengeAloofness

They are often described as "cat-like." They may not greet you at the door with enthusiasm or want to cuddle constantly. They are affectionate on their own terms.

Multi-Species Compatibility

SpeciesAmerican Eskimo DogBorzoi
With CatsGenerally safe with proper introductionCaution - may chase
Small MammalsSupervision requiredSupervision required
Birds / ReptilesCaution advisedCaution advised

Advanced Behavior

TraitAmerican Eskimo DogBorzoi
Predatory Sequence RiskMediumMedium
BiddabilityHighLow
Noise SensitivityLowLow
Territorial Barking
Same-Sex Aggression Onset18 months18 months

First Year & Life Stages

First Year Challenges

ChallengeAmerican Eskimo DogBorzoi
Puppy Difficulty
Destructive Phase6-126-18
House TrainingEasyEasy
Crate TrainingMediumMedium
Adolescent Regression

American Eskimo Dog: American Eskimo Dog puppies require consistent training and patience.

Borzoi: Borzoi puppies require consistent training and patience.

Life Stages Timeline

StageAmerican Eskimo DogBorzoi
Puppy Phase12 months12 months
Adolescence6-186-18
Adult Years2-82-8
Senior Onset~8 years~8 years
Peak Energy Age1-3 years1-3 years

Size & Physical Characteristics

Physical Stats

MeasurementAmerican Eskimo DogBorzoi
HeightN/Aminimum 81cm cm
WeightN/AN/A
Size CategoryMediumExtra Large
Lifespan13–15 years years7-10 years years
Litter Size4-84-8

American Eskimo Dog Coat

Typedouble
LengthMedium
Texturestraight
Colors
Various

Borzoi Coat

Typedouble
LengthMedium
Texturestraight
Colors
Various

Lineage & Origin

DetailAmerican Eskimo DogBorzoi
Original PurposeThe American Eskimo Dog is a misnomer; they have no connection to "Eskimo" cultureThe Borzoi (formerly Russian Wolfhound) was developed by the Russian aristocracy for coursing wolves
OriginN/AN/A

Breeding Details

DetailAmerican Eskimo DogBorzoi
C-Section RateVariesVaries
Whelping DifficultyMediumMedium
Puppy Mortality RateLowLow

Physical Risks

RiskAmerican Eskimo DogBorzoi
Bloat / GDV RiskLowLow
Slippery Floor RiskLowLow
Min Fence Height1.5m1.5m
Dig / Escape RiskLowLow

Health & Common Conditions

American Eskimo Dog Health Issues

Hip Dysplasia15.6%
Progressive Retinal AtrophyPRA
Diabetes Mellitushigh heritability
Patellar Luxation
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease

Borzoi Health Issues

Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat/GDV) (Prevalence: Extremely High, 25.6%)
Osteosarcoma (Bone Cancer) (Prevalence: High)
Cardiomyopathy (DCM & Arrhythmias) (Prevalence: Moderate to High, 58.9% healthy Borzoi had heart murmurs)
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) (Prevalence: Genetic concern)
Anesthesia SensitivityRisk: Prolonged recovery or death if standard protocols are used

American Eskimo Dog Suggested Tests

  • prcd-PRA (DNA test)
  • OFA Evaluations (Hips and Patellas)

Borzoi Suggested Tests

  • Prophylactic gastropexy
  • Annual cardiac screening (echocardiogram)
  • Genetic testing of parents for PRA
  • Regular dental care
  • Consult a vet experienced with sighthounds for anesthesia

Health Risk Overview

Risk FactorAmerican Eskimo DogBorzoi
Cancer RiskMediumMedium
Cardiac RiskLowLow
Neurological RiskLowLow
CCL/ACL Tear RiskLowLow
Vet Burden TierMediumMedium

Sensitivities & Allergies

SensitivityAmerican Eskimo DogBorzoi
Skin Allergies
Environmental Allergies
Stomach SensitivityLowLow
Food Allergies

Health Maintenance

Care ItemAmerican Eskimo DogBorzoi
Nail Growth RateNormalNormal
Eye Care NeedsLowLow
Anal Gland IssuesOccasionalOccasional

Senior Care & Aging

American Eskimo Dog Senior Care

Common Senior Issues

  • Arthritis
  • Vision decline
  • Cognitive changes
Mobility Aid LikelihoodMedium
QoL Decline Age~10 years
End of Life ComplexityMedium

Senior care varies by individual health.

Borzoi Senior Care

Common Senior Issues

  • Arthritis
  • Vision decline
  • Cognitive changes
Mobility Aid LikelihoodMedium
QoL Decline Age~10 years
End of Life ComplexityMedium

Senior care varies by individual health.

Grooming & Care

American Eskimo Dog

medium maintenance
Coat Typedouble
Coat Lengthmedium
Coat Texturestraight
Shedding LevelHigh
Seasonal SheddingHigh
Ear Cleaningweekly
Dental RiskMedium
Obesity Prone
Winter Gear Needed
Summer Restrictions
Paw Protection
Odor LevelModerate
Tactile FeelVaries by coat type
Colors
Various

Borzoi

medium maintenance
Coat Typedouble
Coat Lengthmedium
Coat Texturestraight
Shedding LevelMedium
Seasonal SheddingMedium
Ear Cleaningweekly
Dental RiskMedium
Obesity Prone
Winter Gear Needed
Summer Restrictions
Paw Protection
Odor LevelModerate
Tactile FeelVaries by coat type
Colors
Various

Lifestyle Compatibility

American Eskimo Dog Daily Life

Exercise Needs45-60 min/day
Alone TimeUp to 4h
Mental StimulationHigh
ApartmentChallenging - needs space
Work from HomeSuitable with adequate exercise
Weekend WarriorSuitable
HousingYard
Barking LevelHigh
First-Time Owner
Exercise Types
WalkingPlayTraining
NighttimeSleeps well when exercised
Food MotivationMedium

Borzoi Daily Life

Exercise Needs45-60 min/day
Alone TimeUp to 4h
Mental StimulationMedium
ApartmentChallenging - needs space
Work from HomeSuitable with adequate exercise
Weekend WarriorSuitable
HousingYard
Barking LevelLow
First-Time Owner
Exercise Types
WalkingPlayTraining
NighttimeSleeps well when exercised
Food MotivationMedium

Housing & Legal Restrictions

RestrictionAmerican Eskimo DogBorzoi
BSL Restricted
Common Rental Ban
Insurance Blacklist
Weight CategoryUnder 50lbsUnder 50lbs

Climate Tolerance

ClimateAmerican Eskimo DogBorzoi
Heat Tolerance
Cold Tolerance
Water AffinityMediumMedium

Travel Compatibility

ActivityAmerican Eskimo DogBorzoi
Car TravelGoodGood
Camping
Beach Friendly
Hiking Rating
Cabin Flight Eligible
Hotel Friendly Size

Niche Suitability

RoleAmerican Eskimo DogBorzoi
Service DogHighLow
Therapy DogLowLow
Deep Pressure Therapy
Canicross / Bikejoring
Apartment Adaptable
Tactile / Sensory Friendly
Livestock Guardian
Medical AlertLowLow

Costs & Expenses

Upfront Costs

CostAmerican Eskimo DogBorzoi
Purchase PriceN/AN/A
Initial Cost Range$1,000–$2,500$1,000–$2,500
Cost Tier

Ongoing Costs

CostAmerican Eskimo DogBorzoi
Monthly Range$60–$110$180–$300
Yearly Range$720–$1,320$2,160–$3,600
Food / Month$30-60$100-150
Insurance / Month$30-50$80-150
Grooming / Session$0-80N/A
Vet Routine / Year$200-500$500-800
Monthly Cost Tier

American Eskimo Dog Lifetime Cost

N/A

Borzoi Lifetime Cost

N/A

Quirks & Fun Facts

Daily Quirks

QuirkAmerican Eskimo DogBorzoi
Snoring
FlatulenceOccasionalOccasional
Slobber LevelLowLow
Smell When WetModerateModerate
Zoomies FrequencyOccasionalOccasional
Counter Surfing
Digging TendencyLowLow

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, American Eskimo Dogs can make good family dogs with proper training and socialization. They form strong bonds with their family members.
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Compare with Other Breeds

Based on comprehensive breed research data.

View American Eskimo Dog profile·View Borzoi profile