The Chortaj is also known as Hortaya Borzaya, Chort, Hort, Chortaza Borzaja and Hortaya. It is a sighthound dog that originated in the Russian and Ukrainian areas. The dog is believed to be descendent of the Whippet or Italian Greyhound. It is a tall, lean but robust dog with large body parts. It has exceptional hunting skills with an amazing ability to spot its prey from very far distance. This dog breed has five distinct types with as many subtypes because the dog has adapted to climatic conditions where it was bred. Since the Chartajs were bred in different areas of the former Russian states, they gave rise to different types and subtypes. As such, the breed is known to have highly variable appearances. The dogs can range from 26 to 30 inches in height and weigh from 38 to 65 lbs depending on the type of the dog. It has long, clean and narrow wedge-shaped head with a long and pointed muzzle that tapers slightly towards black nose. Ears are set at eye level and are thin and narrow. Eyes are large and almond or oval shaped. Neck is long and muscled . Chest is oval shaped and deep with a broad and muscular back. Loin is muscular and belly well tucked up. Tail is long and saber shaped, low when dog is relaxed and carried high when it is alert or excited. It has short close fitted coat that comes in different colours.
This hunting breed appears to be lean but it has a robust body. The bone structure may not be massive but it can never be denied that the dog possesses immense strength. Hortaya Borzaya are tireless hunters.
This breed is NOT recognized by AKC.