Chortai

Also called Hortaya Borzaya, Khortaya Borzaya, Eastern Greyhound, Ukrainian Greyhound

Rare breedShort profile

From Steppes of Ukraine, southern Russia and Kazakhstan.1 2

At a glance the quick version

Weight18 to 35 kg2

Height, male65 to 75 cm2

Height, female61 to 71 cm2

Lifespan14 to 15 years2

Sizelarge

Weight varies widely between regional types.

Source says 14-15 years is not unusual for the breed.

friendly and trustworthy with people

intelligent and obedient for a sighthound

long-lived

Coat and looks how to spot one

short, dense coat

A strongly built sighthound that looks rather like a cross between a Greyhound and a short-coated Borzoi, with a short, close coat.2 1

Colourswhiteblackredbrindle2

Personality what they are like

Friendly and dependable with people, if sometimes a little aloof. Bred to hunt in cooperation with a human, it shows good basic obedience and a sharp mind.2

Daily activity how busy a day looks

A true sighthound that needs regular chances to gallop in a safe, fenced area, plus daily walks.1 2

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The short coat is low maintenance and needs only occasional brushing.2

Company who they like around

Traditionally hunted in pairs alongside a mounted hunter, so it is used to working with people and other hounds.1

The story where it all began

An old steppe sighthound, favoured by Russian nobility and hunted on horseback, sometimes together with a bird of prey. After the revolution its numbers fell sharply, and it was standardised in the Soviet era. Interest in the breed revived after the Soviet Union ended.1 2

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
A specimen was exhibited at London Zoo in 1829.1
2
Classic Russian-style hunts used a rider on horseback with a brace of these hounds and a raptor.1
3
The breed develops slowly but is known for a long life, with 14-15 years not unusual.2
4
It seems to have formed gradually across the Central Asian steppes rather than in one spot.2

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The name 'Chortai' (also spelled Chortaj) is one of the traditional names for this Russian sighthound, though its specific linguistic origin is not detailed in the available sources; it is also known as the Eastern Greyhound, Ukrainian Greyhound, or Russian Greyhound.3

Famous ones stars of the breed

A Chortai exhibited at the London Zoo In 1829, a Chortai was exhibited at the London Zoo as a 'Russian Greyhound', one of the few times the breed was seen outside its native region.3

Name ideas for your new friend

StepkaZaryaTumanVetraKazbekLaskaYarSableDikOrlanMilaBuran

A day in the life told by a Chortai

I woke up with the sun warming my back on the steppe. My human whistled, and I was off, my legs eating up the ground. We found a rabbit trail, but I just chased it for fun, not to catch. Later, I trotted beside my human as they checked fences, my nose full of sage and earth. In the evening, I curled at their feet, watching the stars appear. I'm a hunter, but my favorite prey is a good nap after a long run.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

Soviet Union (national standard): Standard set at Soviet level; Russian Wikipedia gives 1951, English Wikipedia gives the 1952 Moscow Cynological Congress.2
Soviet Cynological Congress: Recognised in Moscow, 1952.1
RKF (Russian Kynological Federation): Maintains the breed standard.2
FCI: Not internationally recognised.2

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Chortai. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Brushingevery week
Bathevery 8 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 7every year

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

1 cooking pumpkin
½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

1 egg
170g boiled chicken breast
100g cooked plain rice
60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Chortai, and at what times?

Feed your adult Chortai at least two meals a day, at regular times. Puppies need three to four smaller meals. Follow the food label and ask your vet for exact amounts.4

What should a Chortai eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for their age and size. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts. Always avoid these and consult your vet for a complete list.5

How often should I bathe a Chortai?

Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every 8 weeks, but at least once every three months is fine. Bathe more often if they get very dirty or have skin issues.6 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Chortai need brushing?

Brush your Chortai weekly to keep their short coat healthy and reduce shedding. Furry Diary's plan recommends brushing every 7 days.2 6 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Chortai's nails, and how often?

Trim nails every 4 weeks, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for guidance.6 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Chortai need?

This sighthound needs daily walks and regular chances to gallop in a safe, fenced area. Furry Diary's plan includes daily exercise, so plan for at least one good walk and play session each day.1 2 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Chortai's teeth and ears?

Brush teeth two to three times a week with dog toothpaste; daily is ideal. Check ears weekly and dry them gently, especially since floppy ears trap moisture. Never push anything into the ear canal.6 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Chortai live?

A Chortai typically lives 14 to 15 years. Senior care usually starts around age 7, so regular vet checkups are important as they age.2 Pet Wiki plan

Is a Chortai good with children and other pets?

Yes, they are friendly and dependable with people, and used to working with other hounds. They can be good with children and other pets, especially when raised together. Always supervise early interactions.2 1

Can a Chortai be left alone?

Chortai are social and used to company, so they may not enjoy long periods alone. How well they cope varies by individual. For specific advice, ask a good breeder or your vet.

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.