Chortaj

Breed Rating

Breed Details

General

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.

Color

The dog is found in different colours. Coat colors range from black, white and shades of cream. Dogs can also have sable, red or brindled coats. This breed usually has a black mask, black overlay and grey, red or tan markings.

Coat

The Chortaj comes in a short , dense and straight coat that is about 2.5 cm long.

Personality

The Hortaya dog has an even and friendly temperament. The dog has been used as hunting dogs and has adapted to different courses through self learning. This makes the dog independent in nature and it can carry on with its job without particular instructions. Because they have lived in semi-wild area for so long, the dog can be a bit aloof with strangers. Intelligent breed that it is, the dog learns quickly and can adapt to family life with proper training and socialization. Once tamed, these dogs are very friendly and kind to all family including children. It shows its gentle part and make an excellent family pet. It is obedient to its master and will follow commands. It gets along very well with other dogs as it is accustomed to living in packs but other pets should be supervised when the dog is around due to its high prey drive.

Care

Short coat of this dog is very easy to maintain and does not require much grooming other than weekly brushing.

Training

The dog is obedient and listens to its master most times than not. It is an intelligent breed too. This makes the Chortaj not too difficult to train dog. Though it has an independent nature, it will thrive on firm yet gentle training with positive reinforcements. The trainer must make the dog realize that he is the packleader and that dog has to follow its commands.

Activity

The Chortaj is a hunting dog who is used to roaming and running around in vast open areas. It is a tireless worker with lots of energy. When kept solely as family pet, or when the dog is not on its hunting job, it will need lots of physical and mental stimulation to burn off its excessive energy. The dog can be a good jogging, hiking and walking pattern. It will also require play time in an open and safe area.