German Spitz (Mittel) vs Borzoi - Breed Comparison

German Spitz (Mittel) vs Borzoi - Breed ComparisonBorzoi is originated from Bosnia and Herzegovina but German Spitz (Mittel) is originated from Germany. Borzoi may grow 47 cm / 19 inches higher than German Spitz (Mittel). Borzoi may weigh 36 kg / 80 pounds more than German Spitz (Mittel). Borzoi may live 5 years less than German Spitz (Mittel). Borzoi may have more litter size than German Spitz (Mittel). Both Borzoi and German Spitz (Mittel) requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Hound dog
Companion dog
undefined
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Germany
Height Male:
75 - 85 cm
29 - 34 inches
30 - 38 cm
11 - 15 inches
Height Female:
66 - 83 cm
25 - 33 inches
30 - 38 cm
11 - 15 inches
Weight Male:
34 - 47 kg
74 - 104 pounds
7 - 11 kg
15 - 25 pounds
Weight Female:
25 - 45 kg
55 - 100 pounds
7 - 11 kg
15 - 25 pounds
Life Span:
7 - 10 Years
10 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
1 - 11
3 - 5
Size:
Large
Medium
Other Names:
Russian Wolfhound Russian Hunting Sighthound Russkaya Psovaya Borzaya
Deutscher Spitz Mittel
Colors Available:
Any colour – tan, white, black or a mix such as sandy and white or tan and white.
liver, Tan, black - mixed colors, fawn, white
Coat:
Long, silky, wavy or curly
Long, dense
Shedding:
Moderate, Seasonal
Moderate, Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Sweet
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

borzoiDeveloped in Russia and also known as the Russian Wolfhound, the Borzoi was used to hunt wolf in the country. By 1873 there were only a few Borzoi which remained, and the Imperial Association was created to protect this graceful, elegant dog. They were often presented to European nobility as gifts, and thanks to a few dedicated breeders, the breed was saved from extinction and exported to other parts of the world. He was imported to the UK in the late 19th century, and it was Princess Alexandra who did a lot to increase the dog’s popularity in Britain.

The tall, slender, elegant dog was recognized by the AKC in 1891. The Borzoi Club of America, which started off being known as the Russian Wolfhound Club was formed but in 1936 the name was changed to Borzoi. The Russian world ‘Borzoi’ is a term used to encompass all Sight Hounds. Today he is no longer used for hunting but is a gentle companion.

german spitz mittelOriginating in Germany, the German Spitz Mittel is an alert, vigilant dog and it is these qualities that made him sought after for working on farms.

He is no new breed and is the 3rd largest of the five German Spitz varieties. It is believed that the German Spitz descended from the Northern sled and herding dogs which arrived with the Vikings into Europe. When you do research you see that the dogs are mentioned in German literature which dates way back to to 1450 already.

Description

Tall and Graceful to the Eye

borzoi puppy - descriptionThe Borzoi’s silky coat is longer with the male dogs than with the females. The height of these tall graceful dogs is 68 to 74cm. You’ll find that the Borzoi’s back is quite bony and it rises in a curve. He has a tall, lean body and a long, narrow head to match with small, thin ears which rest backwards towards the neck.The silky coat comes in a number of colors - tan, white, black or a mix such as sandy and white or tan and white. The coat is often wavy or slightly curly. The soft undercoat becomes thick in the Winter and he sheds this hair in hotter weather. You’ll find the coat frills on the neck and there is feathering on the hindquarters and with the long tail.

Sweet and Gentle

The Borzoi is a gentle, sweet dog, to such an extent that they don’t make good watch-dogs. He is good with other pets and children, although he isn’t the kind of dog to indulge in games with children. He doesn’t bark much and he is also not a high-energy dog, being fairly happy to make himself at home indoors. This is a faithful, loyal and courageous dog.

His temperament is quiet, sensitive, intelligent and somewhat aloof. Even though he has these quiet characteristics, he will still need training and socialization as this just rounds your dog off, making him a pleasure to have around.

german spitz mittel puppy - descriptionThe German Spitz Mittel is similar in looks to the other sizes of German Spitz. The Mittel is a medium sized dog and stands between 30 and 38cm in height and weighs between 7 and 11kg. You’ll find him in solid colors such as tan, liver, white, fawn, black or a mix of these colors.

He has a soft woolly undercoat and a long outercoat with a mane-like ruff at the neck. He has a fairly long muzzle, dark eyes, sharp erect ears and a bushy tail which curls over his back.

Temperament:

Affectionate, faithful, and always happy by nature, the German Spitz Mittel is a family companion that wants to be part of everything his human family is up to. He makes a good watchdog. He is alert and has a distrust of strangers.

He gets on well with children in the home and he can also live in peace with other dogs. Because he is an intelligent dog, you won’t have much trouble with training- and socializing him, although he will require a firm, consistent owner and trainer.

Training and socialization are important as there are always some important commands such as sit, stay, come and lie down that you will want him to respond to immediately.

Characteristics

borzoi dog - characteristicsIf you’re looking for a quiet, amicable, elegant breed, you’ll love the big Russian Borzoi, known for his gentleness, sweetness and gracefulness. He is a friendly dog with his human family, although not too keen on children with their boisterous games. It is his gentleness however, that has endeared him to so many dog lovers.

Even though he isn’t one of the most active dogs, he will still need exercise and a walk as he is a big dog used to wide, open spaces. He’ll need the opportunity every now and then to simply run.

He makes a wonderful pet for new- or seasoned pet owners, and if you’re looking for a quiet, devoted companion, why not welcome an elegant, graceful Borzoi into your home?

german spitz mittel dog - characteristicsPeople who have owned a German Spitz Mittel are delighted with him, saying that he is such an easy-going, happy dog. He is social and thrives on the interaction he has with his human family.

He won’t do well if you simply put him in your backyard and forget about him, using him merely as a watchdog.

The German Spitz Mittel dog is one dog that definitely lives up to the title of man’s best friend. He is social, happy, loving, loyal, playful, entertaining and smart too, and when you treat him the way he deserves, you’ve got the most awesome friend.

Health Problems

borzoi puppies - health problemsThe Borzoi is a healthy dog, and you’re not likely to be taking him to the veterinarian often but you do need to know about illnesses which are more prevalent in these large breed dogs.

Osteosarcoma

This is a common bone tumor found in dogs and it is more commonly found in large breeds. It can spread quickly to other parts of the body, and although there are treatments, the long term prognosis isn’t good. Your dog will have pain and swelling.

Lymphosarcoma

Lymphosarcoma is a common cancer diagnosed in dogs. It is a cancer of lymphocytes and the average dog gets it from 6 years on. Some dogs may not necessarily feel sick, while others are tired, they don’t eat, they lose weight and may have diarrhea.

Bloat

This is a disease that can be deadly for your dog. Known as gastric dilatation, the stomach twists and fills with gas, putting pressure on the diaphragm, and creating breathing problems. Bloat is more common in large breeds and its up to you as a responsible dog owner to watch out for a swollen stomach with drooling and attempts to vomit.

Remember that some health problems are inherited, but there are other health problems that can be prevented by the way you treat- and raise your dog.

german spitz mittel puppies - health problemsGerman Spitz dogs are healthy, and when you shower him with love and attention and good food, you can expect to have him around for up to 15 years of age.

Of course, as with any other healthy dog breeds, there are always one or two common dog illnesses that your dog may get. These include hip dysplasia and eye diseases. If you notice symptoms that indicate possible joint issues with your pet, get him to the vet immediately.

Patellar Luxation for instance occurs when your dog’s kneecap is dislocated. It is more common in toy breeds like the German Spitz. It can be painful for your pet and lead to lameness. If your dog has problems with his hip, it can actually force the patella out of its groove, which is a secondary condition.

Caring The Pet

Shedding and the Coat

borzoi dogs - caringLong coated dogs shed, and the Borzoi female sheds after her season and the males shed annually. Once the female is spayed, she sheds like the males. You will need to be brushing your Borzoi every day to rid the dogs of this loose hair.

The Teeth

Borzoi teeth collect tartar, more so than with other breeds, so their teeth will need to be brushed at least 3 times a week with special dog toothbrushes and toothpaste to prevent gum and tooth problems.

Food

Good quality food is the foundation for good health with your pet. Home-made food is always good for your dog and should include meat, rice and vegetables. Apart from top quality commercially manufactured food for large breed dogs and recommended by your vet, make sure to include some raw meat into your Borzoi’s diet too. This is imperative to stave off ill health and skin problems. Make sure he has a constant supply of fresh, cool water available to him.

Grooming:

german spitz mittel dogs - caringYou can help reduce loose hairs with your German Spitz by brushing his thick coat twice a week. It’s a good time to also inspect your dog for ticks and fleas.

Exercise:

Your German Spitz Mittel isn’t the most active dog, but he will still need regular exercise. Going on a walk is good for both you and him. He is a mentally sharp dog too and these walks keep him both physically- and mentally fit. He also loves ball games.

Diet:

Every dog deserves the best food, and if you feed your German Spitz Mittel with a commercially manufactured dog food, make sure its one of the top quality ones. You want to avoid foods packed with preservatives, colorants and fillers. You want dog foods with minerals and vitamins with high protein and ingredients such as Omega 3 and 6 to promote health skin.

There are also some dog foods which have ingredients in them such as polyphosphates. Ingredients like this keep your dog’s teeth clean.

Try and also give him some cooked rice, vegetables and chicken mixed into his kibble from time to time as well as raw meat. He should never be without fresh, cool water.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. German Spitz (Mittel) vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. German Spitz (Mittel) vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. German Spitz (Mittel) vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. German Spitz (Mittel) vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. German Spitz (Mittel) vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. German Spitz (Mittel) vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. German Spitz (Mittel) vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. German Spitz (Mittel) vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. German Spitz (Mittel) vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. German Spitz (Mittel) vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. German Spitz (Mittel) vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. German Spitz (Mittel) vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. German Spitz (Mittel) vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. German Spitz (Mittel) vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. German Spitz (Mittel) vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. German Spitz (Mittel) vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. German Spitz (Mittel) vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. German Spitz (Mittel) vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. German Spitz (Mittel) vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. German Spitz (Mittel) vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. German Spitz (Mittel) vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. German Spitz (Mittel) vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. German Spitz (Mittel) vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. German Spitz (Mittel) vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. German Spitz (Mittel) vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Borzoi vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Borzoi vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Borzoi vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Borzoi vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Borzoi vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Borzoi vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Borzoi vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Borzoi vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Borzoi vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Borzoi vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Borzoi vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Borzoi vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Borzoi vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Borzoi vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Borzoi vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Borzoi vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Borzoi vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Borzoi vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Borzoi vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Borzoi vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Borzoi vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Borzoi vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Borzoi vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Borzoi vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Borzoi vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison