Hortaya Borzaya vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison

Hortaya Borzaya vs East European Shepherd - Breed ComparisonBoth East European Shepherd and Hortaya Borzaya are originated from Russia. Both East European Shepherd and Hortaya Borzaya are having almost same height. East European Shepherd may weigh 15 kg / 34 pounds more than Hortaya Borzaya. East European Shepherd may live 3 years less than Hortaya Borzaya. Both East European Shepherd and Hortaya Borzaya has almost same litter size. East European Shepherd requires Moderate Maintenance. But Hortaya Borzaya requires Low Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Hound dog
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Russia
Russia
Height Male:
66 - 76 cm
25 - 30 inches
65 - 75 cm
25 - 30 inches
Height Female:
66 - 76 cm
25 - 30 inches
61 - 71 cm
24 - 28 inches
Weight Male:
30 - 50 kg
66 - 111 pounds
18 - 35 kg
39 - 78 pounds
Weight Female:
30 - 50 kg
66 - 111 pounds
16 - 32 kg
35 - 71 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
14 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 10
6 - 8
Size:
Large
Large
Other Names:
Belarusian Shepherd, Eastern European Shepherd, Byelorussian Shepherd
Hort, Chortaja borzaja, Kурч, Kurtas Chortaj Hortaya Horty, Xорт, Hrt, Chort
Colors Available:
Solid colored or fawn or tan with black saddle
brown, black, white, red, piebald , brindle
Coat:
Medium length and dense
short yet dense
Shedding:
Moderate, Seasonal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loyal, Playful
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
No
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

History

east european shepherdThe East European Shepherd is a dog which hails from Russia. The dog was developed in the 1930-1950s as there was a need for a bigger, more robust, weather-resistant type of dog who would perform all kinds of guard duties in the Soviet Union.

This is a rare dog breed, created by mixing Russian breeds such as the Laika, Central Asian Shepherd and Caucasian Shepherd to create a strong working dog that could cope well with the sub-freezing conditions.

The standard breed type was established in 1964. The only major kennel club to grant full recognition to the East-European Shepherd is the Russian Kennel Club. In the United States, the dog is recognized by a number of rare breed registries.

hortaya borzayaThe Hortaya Borzaya is an ancient sighthound from Asia with its origins in Kievan Rus = Grand Duchy of Lithuania = Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and the Empire of Russia. The Hortaya is a large dog, especially a long in body dog with a muscular build suitable for running fast. He is one of the most talented of sighthounds, able to track moving prey at quite great distances. He is an intensely active when running prey and quiet and well balanced when not working.

In Asia and Russia, it is still a working hunting dog, hunting a variety of game such as Saiga antelopes, wolves, foxes, and hares. With tremendous endurance, the Hortaya can run at great speeds and great distances on the hunt. The Hortaya Borzaya is a long distance runner rather than a sprinter like the greyhound we are all so familiar with. He also needs very little rest between runs of up to 4 km. The Hortaya uses his sense of smell as well as sight in the hunt. They hunt solo, in pairs or in packs.

It was not until 2004 that the Hortaya was first exported to Europe and given full breeding papers. They went to Germany, Slovakia and the Czech Republic in 2004. They went to Switzerland and Finland in 2005 and to the United States around 2005. Prior to this the Hortaya Borzaya was bred only in its original territory for thousands of years.

Unlike Western breeding programs, the Hortaya is not bred for the purpose of improving the breed. Like Asian thoroughbred horses the breed is considered “finished”. Because of this there was no inbreeding, linebreeding or incest. This is true for about 4-6 generations of a line. This helps the breed to stay healthy.

The breed was developed centuries ago being bred by many different groups of people throughout the region, making it impossible to say exactly where and how this Central Asian/Afghanistan/ southern Russian breed developed. The Russian Kynological Federation (RKF) member of the FCI, developed a standard for the Hortaya Borzaya, which unlike most breed standards, does not tell you what the Hortaya must be like. Instead it tells you what he cannot be.

It gives boundaries that the dog must fit inside in order to be considered a Hortaya Borzaya. This is because the breeds of these dogs in their native territories want to preserve as many different types and sub-types as possible under the banner of one breed. To most people these dogs would look like very different breeds. For this reason, they have not been accepted into International Breed Groups and Associations. The breeders of these dogs do not want to be tied down to one standard. They do not want the breed to be separated into western lines and the original line or show lines and working lines. They wish to keep all the dogs within one grouping.

The breed is recognized on the national level by the originating countries and federations, including Russia’s. There are an estimated 2500-3500 dog of this breed in existence to day. Only a few dozen of the breed exist outside of the original countries. In other Eastern and European countries, the dogs may be registered with hunting associations instead of a breed association.

The breed is held mostly by hunters in remote, local areas and villages that are fairly isolated. Here the Hortaya is seen as a partner in feeding the hunters family and the dog is invaluable. In these remote areas a good hunting dog is equal in value to the good horse. Both are essential to the hunter and his family’s livelihood.

The Hortaya Borzaya is a pack dog and does well with the family as well as an athletic hunter. They hunt in packs, small groups or alone and bring their catch back to the hunter for the family meal. No hunter had to go with the dog. In fact, the hunters would send the dogs several times for food. The Hortaya might travel for miles across tough terrain to get food for the family.

Description

east european shepherd puppy - descriptionThe East European Shepherd is larger than a German Shepherd. He is described as a large dog with males and females standing roughly at 66-76 centimeters at the withers and weighing anything between 30–50kg.

The coat with undercoat is medium in length with the standard color being black-and-tan or black-and-red. The dog is solid colored or is light fawn or tan in color with black saddle.

The face of the dog is black and he looks a lot like a wolf in appearance. The ears of the East European Shepherd are medium sized and always erect.The tail is long and hangs low.

Temperament:

The East European Shepherd is an intelligent and confident dog and can be aggressive when aggravated. He is a working dog and to get along with other pets in the home as well as children, the East European Shepherd will need to be trained and socialized, becoming obedient and loyal with his owner.

He is an intelligent dog and training him poses no problem. Loyal and devoted, this dog mostly becomes particularly attached to one member of the family.

There are a number of dog experts who don’t recommend the dog as a family pet as it is a dog reluctant to form a close bond with a child, being irritated by them, especially ill disciplined children.

It is a strong-willed dog too and shouldn’t be the first dog choice for a novice dog owner. They make excellent guard dogs and take their role as protector of the family seriously.

hortaya borzaya puppy - descriptionThis athletic sighthound is a handsome dog, ranging from large to giant. Remember there are many different ‘types’ of dogs within the one line/breed of Hortaya. Breed standards are exclusionary, and performance based rather than inclusionary, and appearance based. Still most of the breed lines share many of the same traits.

They are a long legged breed with a very deep chest and flexible spine. They have immensely strong lungs and a narrow but long skull. Their gait is fluid, effortless trotting when not hunting. When she is hunting, they gallop like a horse and cover a lot of ground.

There eyes are usually black but can be any color and their fur is also any color. It is thick and dense. Finally, in the 2000’s, there were some dogs in a subline exported to Europe and to North America. Here, for this subgroup, a standard was established based on appearance and the color or the coat was now set at only white, blue, black, cream, red, sable and brindle, and piebald. They might or might not have a saddle. Definition of this type is still going on and has not been entirely settled yet. This standard is only for the European and American market show dogs.

These dogs, bred for show, have the same ability to run like the wind and for a very long time with his muscled body and long legs. The breed has strength and stamina that will fool you. He also has a long neck and broad back. He has thin, short ears.

Characteristics

east european shepherd dog - characteristicsThe East-European Shepherd dogs are balanced, confident, intelligent, loving and playful while also being tough and protective of their owners.

They make fantastic guard dogs, becoming aggressive around strangers whom they don’t trust. When you bring a dog like this into the home, it is essential to have him trained and socialized and to also have a firm owner who can deal with such a strong-willed animal.

He is an active, alert dog who will require regular exercise and will slot into life in the city or in the country so long as his exercise needs are met.

When you look after your East European Shepherd you’ll find in him a devoted, loyal friend who will protect you with his life.

Children friendliness

hortaya borzaya dog - characteristicsChildren friendliness - yes, they are very good with children and will play with them for hours.

Special talents

They have tremendous stamina, speed and intelligence to hunt on their own without the hunter and bring the prey back in good shape for the hunter’s family to eat.

Adaptability

No they are not very adaptable in terms of living arrangements. They will not do well in an apartment and probably not in the city as they need land to run.

Learning ability

Learning ability yes, they are intelligent and learn easily.

Health Problems

east european shepherd puppies - health problemsRegarded as a tough dog who can reach 10 – 12 years of age, the East European Shepherd is prone to hip or elbow dysplasia. This is a a disease that is more prevalent with German Shepherd type dogs.

Dysplasia is a genetic condition which can lead to inflammation and arthritis and even lameness. Unfortunately it can happen with young dogs too, and the vet will suggest different types of treatment which can include surgery.

Degenerative myelopathy is another degenerative disease which can be found with the East European Shepherd. It is a fatal, progressive degenerative disease of the spinal cord. Unfortunately there isn’t treatment for the disease, leading to paralysis of the limbs.

hortaya borzaya puppies - health problemsAs previously mentioned, the original breed is isolated and therefore has a pretty good health track record. Most of the breed specific illnesses or conditions that usually are inherited barely exist in this breed.

They have a propensity toward obesity and diet is essential to prevent other issues.

Chronic or acute pancreatitis is possible because the breed developed eating small meals and hardly any meat. Too much meat or fat could cause this.

No tolerance for high protein dog food. Can cause puppies to have life threatening damage to bones and cartilage that is irreversible.

Bloat – because of the deep chest and the intolerance for large meals they are prone to bloat.

Caring The Pet

Grooming:

east european shepherd dogs - caringThe coat of the East European Shepherd is thick, and while he won’t require any professional grooming, he will require being brushed at least twice a week. This is because he sheds heavily at certain times.

His nails will need to be clipped if they don’t wear down naturally, and his teeth will require regular brushing at least 2 or 3 times a week. Fortunately, because his ears are large and open, he doesn’t easily get an ear infection.

Exercise:

The East European Shepherd is a dog which has always been worked. It is a highly energetic dog and its role as a guard- and herding dog has made it that the dog will require a good dose of exercise.

A long walk may not be enough for this active dog, and he will require intense ball throwing with a tennis racquet to get the ball far away so that he can run far to fetch the ball. Without enough exercise, the East-European Shepherd will develop behavioral problems which will include aggression.

Feeding the puppy

hortaya borzaya dogs - caringAs mentioned above do not overfeed a Hortaya Borzaya puppy. There is serious risk of irreversible damage if you do. Feed small meals 3-6 times a day with lower protein.

Feeding the adult

3 cups of an average protein high quality dog food served at least 3-4 times per day. To avoid bloat do not feed large meals before or after exercise and don’t let your dog drink a lot of water at one time.

Points for Good Health

They have tremendous stamina and speed.

Games and Exercises

This is an extremely active dog bred to hunt 5-6 times a day over wide expanses of various and rough terrain. They need exercise. If you run, they will run with you happily and they will outlast you. They are good at and enjoy fetch, chase, agility, and field trials. They will last hours at any game they play.

Comparison with other breeds

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