Hortaya Borzaya
The Hortaya Borzaya is the working sighthound of the Russian, Ukrainian, and Kazakh steppe — a hardy, practical coursing dog bred by common people (rather than the nobility who bred the Borzoi) for everyday hunting of hare and fox across the open grasslands.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Origin
Russia
Lifespan
12–14 years
Weight
22–30 kg (48–66 lbs)
Height
61–75 cm (24–30 in)
Exercise
30 to 45 min/day
Diet
Obligate carnivore tendency — high-protein diet. Sighthound anaesthetic sensitivity.
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
The Story
The Hortaya Borzaya is the working sighthound of the Russian, Ukrainian, and Kazakh steppe — a hardy, practical coursing dog bred by common people (rather than the nobility who bred the Borzoi) for everyday hunting of hare and fox across the open grasslands. The Hortaya is significantly more compact, athletic, and practical than the decorative Borzoi — it has a shorter, less spectacular coat and a more powerful, less refined build. It is one of the oldest sighthound breeds in Eastern Europe and was used by Cossack hunters for centuries.
Also Known As
Quick Facts
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Physical Profile
Source: wikimedia
A large, lean, athletic sighthound with a short, slightly coarser coat than the typical Mediterranean sighthound. Less refined in appearance than the Borzoi — more practical and workmanlike. Any colour.
Grooming
Low
Shedding
Moderate
Brushing
1x-Weekly
Bathing
Every-6-8-Weeks
Coat Colors
Recognized By
Source: wikimedia
Temperament & Personality
Loyal, athletic, and independent — a working sighthound's temperament. Bonds with its owner but cannot be reliably recalled when coursing. Strong prey drive.
Personality Scores
Adaptability
3/5Attention Need
2/5Friendliness
3/5Playfulness
3/5Protectiveness
2/5Living Profile
Ideal Space
House-Large-Garden
Daily Exercise
30 to 45 min/day
Ideal Weather
-20°C to 30°C
Cognitive Benchmarks
Adaptability
30%
Attention
20%
Playfulness
30%
Communication Style
Stress Signals
aloofness, flight response, escape attempts, avoidance
Care & Wellness
Professional Care Protocol
- •2+ hours exercise daily. Low grooming. Sighthound anaesthetic sensitivity — inform every vet.
Nutrition Notes
Russian sighthound — lean build normal. Anaesthesia sensitivity. Very healthy primitive breed. Few dietary restrictions.
Vaccination Schedule
Vaccination Schedule
Senior Care
Very few documented health issues — working sighthound with millennia of natural selection. "The people's sighthound" (vs aristocratic Borzoi). Russian steppe hunter. Handles extreme cold and moderate heat. Not FCI/AKC recognized. 12-14 years.
Wellbeing Activities
Nutrition & Sustenance
Daily Calories (Adult)
1100 kcal
Daily Calories (Young)
800 kcal
Recommended Foods
Foods to Avoid
Health Overview
Sighthound anaesthetic sensitivity. Generally very healthy due to natural selection on the steppe. Hip dysplasia at low rates.
Common Conditions
Price Estimates
Pricing Guide
Average estimates as of 2025
The commoner's Borzoi. Russian steppe. India: partially suited (moderate heat tolerance).
Purchase Price
$1,000 to $2,500
Adoption Fee
$100 to $400
Data from 2025
Fun Facts
The Hortaya Borzaya was the people's sighthound — bred by Cossack hunters and steppe farmers rather than the nobility. While the Borzoi was being maintained as a decorative hunting dog of the Tsar's court, the Hortaya was working daily in the fields.
