Hortaya Borzaya
Description
What makes the Hortaya Borzaya stand out among sighthounds? This ancient breed, often called the Ukrainian Greyhound, has been around for thousands of years, with roots tracing back to cave paintings in Ukraine and Russia. It was bred for coursing and hunting small game like hares and foxes, relying on sharp eyesight and remarkable speed that can reach up to 40 miles per hour. The Hortaya Borzaya carries a reserved and independent personality. It’s cautious around strangers but deeply loyal and protective of its family. While it’s affectionate with loved ones, it tends to keep a dignified distance from unfamiliar faces. This breed’s strong prey drive means it needs careful supervision around smaller pets. Weighing between 18 and 35 pounds, it’s a medium-sized dog with a sleek, dense short coat that comes in colors like pied, brindle, black, red, brown, and white.
Grooming
How much grooming does a Hortaya Borzaya need? Its dense, short double coat requires regular care to stay healthy and shiny. Brush your dog twice a week, but during spring and fall, when the undercoat sheds heavily, daily brushing is best. Use an undercoat rake to reach those dense areas and remove loose fur effectively. Bathing every 6 to 8 weeks keeps the coat clean, but make sure to dry thoroughly to avoid dampness. Avoid shaving the coat; it’s designed to protect your dog year-round. - Brush 2× weekly; daily during heavy shedding - Use undercoat rake for dense fur - Bathe every 6–8 weeks, dry thoroughly - Watch for seasonal undercoat blowouts - Don’t shave the double coat Pro tip: Schedule a professional de-shed treatment every 6 to 8 weeks to manage shedding and keep your Hortaya looking sharp.
Learn the Dense routine:
→ Complete Dense Grooming Guide
Walking
How much exercise does a Hortaya Borzaya need daily? Plan for about 70 minutes split into two sessions. This breed loves to stretch its legs with fast runs and enjoys exploring at a steady pace. Morning walks can be brisk and energizing, while evening strolls are perfect for winding down. Keep your dog on a secure leash or in a fenced area due to its strong prey drive. Example routine: - Morning: 35-minute brisk walk with short bursts of running - Evening: 35-minute relaxed walk with sniffing and exploring This schedule helps satisfy its need for speed and mental stimulation without overwhelming your dog. Remember, variety in pace and terrain keeps walks interesting for this agile breed.
Boarding
What should you know when boarding a Hortaya Borzaya? Choose a crate sized between 36 and 42 inches to give your dog enough room to stretch comfortably. This breed enjoys active play, so plan for two play sessions daily that include scent or brain games to keep its mind sharp. Avoid small-animal toys since the Hortaya’s prey drive can make them a risk. Secure fencing is a must to prevent escapes. Staff should introduce themselves slowly and maintain a predictable routine to help the dog feel safe. This breed appreciates consistency and calm interactions. Providing enrichment through scent work or puzzle toys during downtime will keep your Hortaya engaged and content while away from home.