Chortai
Also known as Hortaya Borzaya · Chortaj · Eastern Greyhound · Ukrainian Greyhound
Ukraine and Russia, Sighthounds and lurchers
- Size
- Large
- Height
- 61–75 cm
- Weight
- 25–35 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12–14 yrs
- Fast
- Calm indoors
- Independent
- Athletic
Heights and weights are typical adult ranges; individual dogs vary.
The Chortai is a short-coated sighthound from the steppes of Ukraine and southern Russia. It looks somewhat like a cross between a Greyhound and a smooth Borzoi: tall and athletic, but more heavily built than most coursing hounds. It is still used for hunting hare, fox and other game in open country.
Size
- Size
- Large
- Height at shoulder
- 61–75 cm
- Adult weight
- 25–35 kg
Typical adult ranges. Males are often at the top of the range and females at the bottom. Bigger breeds keep filling out until 18–24 months.
Lifespan
12–14 years
Most Chortais live 12–14 years. Like other large dogs, they're usually considered senior from about 7, when twice-yearly vet checks help catch problems early. Keeping them lean is one of the most effective things you can do for a long life. How old is that in human years?
Temperament
Like most sighthounds, it tends to be calm and undemanding indoors but explosive and independent when it spots something to chase. It is generally gentle with its own people.
- Fast
- Calm indoors
- Independent
- Athletic
Food
For a typical 30 kg adult- Energy
- ≈ 1,440 kcal
- a day, neutered adult
- Water
- 1.2 L–1.8 L
- a day, from all sources
- Most adults do well on two measured meals a day rather than one large one.
- Puppies of large breeds need a diet made for large-breed growth, so they grow steadily rather than fast.
- Choose a complete food for their life stage, and ask your vet before changing diet if they have a health condition.
Starting points only — age, activity and the food itself change the numbers. Work out portions for your dog · Foods to avoid
Exercise
90–120 min a dayIt needs regular chances to run flat out in a safe, enclosed area, as well as daily walks on a lead. Without that outlet it can become restless.
Grooming & shedding
The short coat needs only a weekly brush. Lean hounds can feel the cold and may need a coat in winter.
Health
Strong prey drive means small pets and livestock need careful management, and recall is unreliable in open spaces. The breed is rarely seen outside Russia and Ukraine. Breed-specific health information is limited.
The breed can be prone to
- Little published breed-specific health data
- Injuries from running at speed
Health tests to ask a breeder about
- General veterinary check
- Heart examination
Not every Chortai is affected, and this isn't a diagnosis. See common conditions and the symptom checker.
History
The Chortai is thought to descend from older regional hounds such as the now-extinct Krymskaya and Gorskaya, and was a favourite of the Russian nobility; one was shown at London Zoo in 1829 as a Russian Greyhound. After the 1917 revolution many dogs were crossed with local hounds, but the breed was recognised by Soviet authorities in 1952. Numbers fell steeply before renewed interest after the Soviet Union broke up.
- Country of origin
- Ukraine and Russia
- Type
- Sighthounds and lurchers
- Recognition
- Recognised by the Russian Kynological Federation (RKF); not recognised by the FCI, AKC or The Kennel Club
Is a Chortai right for you?
Could suit
- Active owners who enjoy long walks, running or hiking
- People who'd rather not spend much time grooming
Think twice if
- You can't give well over an hour of exercise a day, every day
- This is your first dog — an independent breed can be a challenge to train
- You need a dog you can easily lift or carry
Cost to keep
Higher than average- Food, insurance and medicines cost more for a big dog
- Little or no professional grooming needed
- A 12–14 year commitment
- Budget for breed-related health checks or insurance
A relative guide, not a price — costs vary a lot by country, insurer and lifestyle.
Not sure? Try the breed finder.
Chortai FAQ
How big does a Chortai get?
Adult Chortais typically stand about 61–75 cm at the shoulder and weigh around 25–35 kg. Individuals vary, and males are often larger than females.
How long do Chortais live?
Typically 12–14 years. Keeping them lean, active and up to date with vet checks gives the best chance of a long, healthy life.
How much exercise does a Chortai need?
As a guide, around 90–120 minutes a day, split between walks, play and sniffing time. Puppies and older dogs need shorter, gentler sessions.
How much grooming does a Chortai need?
An occasional brush is plenty. Check ears, teeth and nails as part of the routine.
Are Chortais easy to train?
Often independent-minded, so training needs patience, consistency and high-value rewards.
Do Chortais shed?
A little. Regular brushing keeps loose hair under control.
Are Chortais good with children?
Many get on well with children. Always supervise young children with any dog, and teach them to give the dog space.
Can a Chortai live in a flat?
It's usually a challenge — as long as they get enough daily exercise and time outdoors.
What health problems do Chortais have?
The breed can be prone to little published breed-specific health data, injuries from running at speed. Not every Chortai is affected — ask a breeder about health testing, and your vet about what to watch for.
Written by the Petopedia editorial team to our editorial standards. General guidance, not veterinary advice.