Hortaya Borzaya vs Appenzell Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison

Hortaya Borzaya vs Appenzell Mountain Dog - Breed ComparisonHortaya Borzaya is originated from Russia but Appenzell Mountain Dog is originated from Switzerland. Hortaya Borzaya may grow 19 cm / 8 inches higher than Appenzell Mountain Dog. Both Hortaya Borzaya and Appenzell Mountain Dog are having almost same weight. Both Hortaya Borzaya and Appenzell Mountain Dog has almost same life span. Both Hortaya Borzaya and Appenzell Mountain Dog has almost same litter size. Hortaya Borzaya requires Low maintenance. But Appenzell Mountain Dog requires Moderate maintenance

History

hortaya borzaya - historyThe Hortaya Borzaya is an ancient sighthound from Asia with its origins in Kievan Rus = Grand Duchy of Lithuania = Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and the Empire of Russia. The Hortaya is a large dog, especially a long in body dog with a muscular build suitable for running fast. He is one of the most talented of sighthounds, able to track moving prey at quite great distances. He is an intensely active when running prey and quiet and well balanced when not working.

In Asia and Russia, it is still a working hunting dog, hunting a variety of game such as Saiga antelopes, wolves, foxes, and hares. With tremendous endurance, the Hortaya can run at great speeds and great distances on the hunt. The Hortaya Borzaya is a long distance runner rather than a sprinter like the greyhound we are all so familiar with. He also needs very little rest between runs of up to 4 km. The Hortaya uses his sense of smell as well as sight in the hunt. They hunt solo, in pairs or in packs.

It was not until 2004 that the Hortaya was first exported to Europe and given full breeding papers. They went to Germany, Slovakia and the Czech Republic in 2004. They went to Switzerland and Finland in 2005 and to the United States around 2005. Prior to this the Hortaya Borzaya was bred only in its original territory for thousands of years.

Unlike Western breeding programs, the Hortaya is not bred for the purpose of improving the breed. Like Asian thoroughbred horses the breed is considered “finished”. Because of this there was no inbreeding, linebreeding or incest. This is true for about 4-6 generations of a line. This helps the breed to stay healthy.

The breed was developed centuries ago being bred by many different groups of people throughout the region, making it impossible to say exactly where and how this Central Asian/Afghanistan/ southern Russian breed developed. The Russian Kynological Federation (RKF) member of the FCI, developed a standard for the Hortaya Borzaya, which unlike most breed standards, does not tell you what the Hortaya must be like. Instead it tells you what he cannot be.

It gives boundaries that the dog must fit inside in order to be considered a Hortaya Borzaya. This is because the breeds of these dogs in their native territories want to preserve as many different types and sub-types as possible under the banner of one breed. To most people these dogs would look like very different breeds. For this reason, they have not been accepted into International Breed Groups and Associations. The breeders of these dogs do not want to be tied down to one standard. They do not want the breed to be separated into western lines and the original line or show lines and working lines. They wish to keep all the dogs within one grouping.

The breed is recognized on the national level by the originating countries and federations, including Russia’s. There are an estimated 2500-3500 dog of this breed in existence to day. Only a few dozen of the breed exist outside of the original countries. In other Eastern and European countries, the dogs may be registered with hunting associations instead of a breed association.

The breed is held mostly by hunters in remote, local areas and villages that are fairly isolated. Here the Hortaya is seen as a partner in feeding the hunters family and the dog is invaluable. In these remote areas a good hunting dog is equal in value to the good horse. Both are essential to the hunter and his family’s livelihood.

The Hortaya Borzaya is a pack dog and does well with the family as well as an athletic hunter. They hunt in packs, small groups or alone and bring their catch back to the hunter for the family meal. No hunter had to go with the dog. In fact, the hunters would send the dogs several times for food. The Hortaya might travel for miles across tough terrain to get food for the family.

appenzell mountain dog - historyHailing from the Appenzell region of Switzerland and known as the Appenzeller Mountain Dog or the Appenzeller Sennenhunde, this athletic breed of dog has a history which is debatable and which has several theories.

It is believed the dog is descended from Molossus.The Appenzeller Mountain Dog is one of the 4 recognized Swiss Sennenhunds, appearing to have descended from cattle dogs. The first breed club was founded in 1906 by Albert Heim. However, an early reference to the breed's predecessors was made in a book of 1853, where it refers to dogs in the Appenzell region.

In 1898 the Appenzeller Mountain Dog was shown at the first international dog show and was recognized internationally as a separate breed in 1989.

Description

hortaya borzaya puppy - descriptionThis athletic sighthound is a handsome dog, ranging from large to giant. Remember there are many different ‘types’ of dogs within the one line/breed of Hortaya. Breed standards are exclusionary, and performance based rather than inclusionary, and appearance based. Still most of the breed lines share many of the same traits.

They are a long legged breed with a very deep chest and flexible spine. They have immensely strong lungs and a narrow but long skull. Their gait is fluid, effortless trotting when not hunting. When she is hunting, they gallop like a horse and cover a lot of ground.

There eyes are usually black but can be any color and their fur is also any color. It is thick and dense. Finally, in the 2000’s, there were some dogs in a subline exported to Europe and to North America. Here, for this subgroup, a standard was established based on appearance and the color or the coat was now set at only white, blue, black, cream, red, sable and brindle, and piebald. They might or might not have a saddle. Definition of this type is still going on and has not been entirely settled yet. This standard is only for the European and American market show dogs.

These dogs, bred for show, have the same ability to run like the wind and for a very long time with his muscled body and long legs. The breed has strength and stamina that will fool you. He also has a long neck and broad back. He has thin, short ears.

appenzell mountain dog puppy - descriptionThe Appenzell Mountain Dog is a medium-sized dog standing at between 47–58cm at the withers and weighing in at 22–32kg.

He is a heavy-built dog and sports a tri-color coat – black, tan and white. He has a double coat with the topcoat being shortish, thick and straight. He sheds throughout the year and isn’t hypoallergenic. He has small ears which are high set and which are floppy. The tail is long and curls when held high.

Temperament:

The Appenzell is an active breed who has been used to herding, fetching and working. Because of his energy levels, he won’t fit in well in a small home where his energy needs can’t be met. However wherever he is, he bonds closely with his human family and thrives on attention from them.

He isn’t known as an aggressive dog, but if as a working breed, he felt that the livestock he was guarding was under threat, he could exhibit some aggressiveness.

He gets on well with children in the home and other pets but is inclined to be wary of strangers. Just as with any other dog, training and socialization does wonders for him, making him relaxed and obedient around people and dogs.

Characteristics

Children friendliness

hortaya borzaya dog - characteristicsChildren friendliness - yes, they are very good with children and will play with them for hours.

Special talents

They have tremendous stamina, speed and intelligence to hunt on their own without the hunter and bring the prey back in good shape for the hunter’s family to eat.

Adaptability

No they are not very adaptable in terms of living arrangements. They will not do well in an apartment and probably not in the city as they need land to run.

Learning ability

Learning ability yes, they are intelligent and learn easily.

appenzell mountain dog dog - characteristicsHerding dogs tend to be independent and somewhat reserved but the Appenzell Mountain Dog is social, outgoing and loving with his human family. When trained and socialized he gets on well with other pets as well as children in the home.

He is a working dog, and thrives on being active, so a good amount of exercise will be necessary. He is a courageous, affectionate dog and when you give him the right upbringing and treat him as he deserves to be treated, he becomes a splendid pet.

Health Problems

hortaya borzaya puppies - health problemsAs previously mentioned, the original breed is isolated and therefore has a pretty good health track record. Most of the breed specific illnesses or conditions that usually are inherited barely exist in this breed.

They have a propensity toward obesity and diet is essential to prevent other issues.

Chronic or acute pancreatitis is possible because the breed developed eating small meals and hardly any meat. Too much meat or fat could cause this.

No tolerance for high protein dog food. Can cause puppies to have life threatening damage to bones and cartilage that is irreversible.

Bloat – because of the deep chest and the intolerance for large meals they are prone to bloat.

appenzell mountain dog puppies - health problemsThere are some health problems with dogs which are inherited. It is why some people insist on getting certificates from breeders to show that the parents were cleared of certain diseases such as hip and elbow dysplasia.

Certainly, it’s a known fact that many health problems can be prevented by the way you feed your dog and the way you raise him.

If you suspect your pet is suffering with an ailment that is making him lethargic and run-down, get him to the vet immediately.

Caring The Pet

Feeding the puppy

hortaya borzaya dogs - caringAs mentioned above do not overfeed a Hortaya Borzaya puppy. There is serious risk of irreversible damage if you do. Feed small meals 3-6 times a day with lower protein.

Feeding the adult

3 cups of an average protein high quality dog food served at least 3-4 times per day. To avoid bloat do not feed large meals before or after exercise and don’t let your dog drink a lot of water at one time.

Points for Good Health

They have tremendous stamina and speed.

Games and Exercises

This is an extremely active dog bred to hunt 5-6 times a day over wide expanses of various and rough terrain. They need exercise. If you run, they will run with you happily and they will outlast you. They are good at and enjoy fetch, chase, agility, and field trials. They will last hours at any game they play.

Grooming:

appenzell mountain dog dogs - caringYou want your Appenzell Mountain Dog to maintain his thick shiny coat, and because he sheds throughout the year, a good brushing twice a week will benefit him.

Dogs with hanging ears, such as this dog, are always more prone to ear infections, requiring more attention to the inside of the ears. Clean, dry ears resist ear infections.

The nails of the dog should also be trimmed when they become too long.

Exercise:

The Appenzeller is a working dog, used to being active all day, so he will require a lot of exercise. He just loves being outdoors, and while he adapts to city- and country life, he will prefer living in the country. Take him for walks, play ball with him and allow him to run with you when you go jogging or cycling.

Diet:

A young adult Appenzeller Sennenhunde will require a different calorie intake compared to a dog that has been spayed or neutered or a puppy that is still growing. You need to watch your dog’s age, his size and the particular season of his life he is in and adjust his food intake.

Kibble is good and well, and there are excellent brands packed with nutrients, but your furry friend will require brown rice, vegetables and cooked chicken mixed into his kibble from time to time as well as raw meat added in when possible.

An excellent diet is important for the wellbeing of your pet, and always ensure that fresh, cool water is available.

Basic Information

Group:
Hound dog
Herding dogs
Origin:
Russia
Switzerland
Height Male:
65 - 75 cm
25 - 30 inches
52 - 56 cm
20 - 23 inches
Height Female:
61 - 71 cm
24 - 28 inches
50 - 56 cm
19 - 23 inches
Weight Male:
18 - 35 kg
39 - 78 pounds
22 - 32 kg
48 - 71 pounds
Weight Female:
16 - 32 kg
35 - 71 pounds
22 - 32 kg
48 - 71 pounds
Life Span:
14 - 15 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 8
4 - 6
Size:
Large dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Hort, Chortaja borzaja, Kурч, Kurtas Chortaj Hortaya Horty, Xорт, Hrt, Chort
Appenzeller Mountain Dog, Appenzeller Sennenhunde
Colors Available:
brown, black, white, red, piebald , brindle
Black, white, tan
Coat:
short yet dense
Shortish, straight hair, dense
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate, Constant
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loyal, Playful
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Hortaya Borzaya - Breed Comparison
  2. Saluki vs Hortaya Borzaya - Breed Comparison
  3. Mountain Cur vs Hortaya Borzaya - Breed Comparison
  4. Rajapalayam vs Hortaya Borzaya - Breed Comparison
  5. Plott Hound vs Hortaya Borzaya - Breed Comparison
  6. Petit Gascon Saintongeois vs Hortaya Borzaya - Breed Comparison
  7. Otterhound vs Hortaya Borzaya - Breed Comparison
  8. Mudhol Hound vs Hortaya Borzaya - Breed Comparison
  9. Ibizan Hound vs Hortaya Borzaya - Breed Comparison
  10. Rampur Greyhound vs Hortaya Borzaya - Breed Comparison
  11. Majestic Tree Hound vs Hortaya Borzaya - Breed Comparison
  12. Polish Hunting Dog vs Hortaya Borzaya - Breed Comparison
  13. Segugio Italiano vs Hortaya Borzaya - Breed Comparison
  14. Sloughi vs Hortaya Borzaya - Breed Comparison
  15. Tasy vs Hortaya Borzaya - Breed Comparison
  16. Treeing Walker Coonhound vs Hortaya Borzaya - Breed Comparison
  17. Hortaya Borzaya vs Bloodhound - Breed Comparison
  18. Hortaya Borzaya vs Greyhound - Breed Comparison
  19. Hortaya Borzaya vs Francais Blanc et Noir - Breed Comparison
  20. Hortaya Borzaya vs American Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  21. Hortaya Borzaya vs Borzoi - Breed Comparison
  22. Hortaya Borzaya vs Black and Tan Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  23. Hortaya Borzaya vs Black Mouth Cur - Breed Comparison
  24. Hortaya Borzaya vs American English Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  25. Hortaya Borzaya vs Austrian Black and Tan Hound - Breed Comparison
  26. Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs Appenzell Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  27. Dutch Shepherd vs Appenzell Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  28. English Shepherd vs Appenzell Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  29. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Appenzell Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  30. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  31. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  32. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  33. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  34. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Collie - Breed Comparison
  35. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  36. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
  37. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Australian Collie - Breed Comparison
  38. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Catahoula Cur - Breed Comparison
  39. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  40. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Catalan Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  41. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison
  42. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  43. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Bohemian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  44. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Croatian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  45. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) - Breed Comparison
  46. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Blue Lacy - Breed Comparison
  47. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  48. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  49. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  50. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Cao da Serra de Aires - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds