Oriental Greyhound

Alternative names: Chortaj, Chortai

History of the breed

The Chortai is an ancient sighthound breed native to Ukraine and Russia. It likely originated from crossbreeding the now-extinct Crimean and Gorskaya sighthounds. Historical mentions of the Chortai date back to the 19th century, and depictions of similar dogs have been found on Scythian gold ornaments dating back to the 4th century BC. Traditionally, the Chortai was used for hunting hares, foxes, and other small game, often in conjunction with mounted falconers. After the October Revolution, the breed's popularity declined, but in the 1950s, it was officially recognized by the Soviet authorities. Today, the Chortai is rare, but conservation efforts are underway.

Character and temperament

The Chortai is a loyal, intelligent, and independent dog. It is known for its speed and endurance, as well as its keen eyesight, making it an excellent hunting dog. Although it has a strong prey drive, it is generally gentle and friendly with people. Because of its independent nature, it can sometimes be reserved, but with proper socialization, it is a devoted companion.

Physical characteristics

• Shoulder height:
  • Males: 65-75 cm
  • Bitches: 60-70 cm
• Weight:
  • Males: 20-28 kg
  • Bitches: 18-25 kg
• Coat: Short, smooth coat
• Colors: Varying, often solid or brindle
• Sizes for collars and harnesses:
  • Collar: Neck circumference 40-50 cm (size M)
  • Harness: Chest circumference 70-85 cm (size ML)

Care and shedding

The Chortai has a short, smooth coat that requires little maintenance. Weekly brushing is sufficient to remove loose hair and keep the coat shiny. This breed sheds moderately and has no distinctive odor. Regular checks of the ears, teeth, and nails are important to prevent health problems.

Movement and activity

As an energetic and athletic dog, the Chortai needs plenty of daily exercise. Long walks, running in safe, fenced areas, and participating in dog sports like lure coursing are ideal for meeting its physical and mental needs. Due to its strong prey drive, it's important to keep it leashed in unfenced areas.

Barking

The Chortai is generally not a vocal dog. It rarely barks and primarily uses its voice to alert its owner to unusual situations. Its quiet nature makes it suitable for owners who prefer a calm dog.

Good with kids?

With proper socialization, the Chortai gets along well with children. It's generally patient and tolerant, but due to its size and energy, it's important to supervise interactions with young children. Children should learn how to treat the dog respectfully to promote a harmonious relationship.

Health

The Chortai is generally a healthy breed, but can be prone to certain health conditions, including:

• Hip dysplasia
• Eye problems

Regular veterinary check-ups and a healthy diet can help prevent or detect these problems early.

Power supply

A balanced diet rich in high-quality proteins and fats is essential for the Chortai to maintain its energy levels. The amount of food depends on its age, weight, and activity level, but on average, an adult dog needs about 400-600 grams of high-quality dry food per day, divided into two meals. Always provide fresh drinking water.

Training and socialization

The Chortai is intelligent and learns quickly, but can sometimes be independent and headstrong. Early socialization and obedience training are crucial for developing a well-behaved dog. Positive reinforcement techniques, such as treats and praise, work best with this breed. Consistency and patience from the owner are essential for achieving successful training results.

Suitability for owners

This breed is suitable for active owners who are willing to invest time and energy in exercise and training. The Chortai is a good fit for families with older children and experienced dog owners familiar with handling independent breeds. Due to its high energy level and need for space, it is less suitable for apartment living or for owners with a sedentary lifestyle.

Share your experience with us!

This dog breed is rarely seen in Europe. Have you seen a Chortai or one? Send a photo of this dog to klantenservice@fidello.nl and receive a 10% discount on your next purchase. Want to contribute to a video for FidelloTV? Schedule an appointment through the same email address and receive €20 in store credit as a thank you for your participation!