Segugio Italiano vs Hortaya Borzaya - Breed Comparison

Segugio Italiano vs Hortaya Borzaya - Breed ComparisonSegugio Italiano is originated from Italy but Hortaya Borzaya is originated from Russia. Both Segugio Italiano and Hortaya Borzaya are having almost same height. Segugio Italiano may weigh 8 kg / 17 pounds lesser than Hortaya Borzaya. Both Segugio Italiano and Hortaya Borzaya has almost same life span. Both Segugio Italiano and Hortaya Borzaya has almost same litter size. Both Segugio Italiano and Hortaya Borzaya requires Low maintenance.

History

segugio italiano - historyKnown also as the Segit, the Segugio Italiano is an ancient dog breed believed to have descended from Egyptian hounds.

Both males and females stand at between 48 and 58cm and they weight between between 18 and 28kg. It’s a medium to large sized dog. The dog is a scenthound and was at first used for wild boar hunting in ancient times. Once wild boar numbers become much less, the Segit itself dropped in numbers, and it faced extinction.

Dedicated houndsmen worked hard to restore the numbers and the dog was successfully bred. It is a popular dog in Italy today. The Segugio Italiano isn’t recognized by the American Kennel Club whereas the Kennel Club in the UK recognizes it in the Hound Group.

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.

Basic Information

Group:
Hound dog
Hound dog
Origin:
Italy
Russia
Height Male:
68 - 76 cm
26 - 30 inches
65 - 75 cm
25 - 30 inches
Height Female:
68 - 76 cm
26 - 30 inches
61 - 71 cm
24 - 28 inches
Weight Male:
16 - 27 kg
35 - 60 pounds
18 - 35 kg
39 - 78 pounds
Weight Female:
16 - 27 kg
35 - 60 pounds
16 - 32 kg
35 - 71 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 14 Years
14 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 6
6 - 8
Size:
Large dog
Large dog
Other Names:
Segit
Hort, Chortaja borzaja, Kурч, Kurtas Chortaj Hortaya Horty, Xорт, Hrt, Chort
Colors Available:
Tan, fawn, reddish-brown
brown, black, white, red, piebald , brindle
Coat:
Short and smooth or wiry
short yet dense
Shedding:
Minimal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loyal, Playful
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

segugio italiano puppy - descriptionThe Segugio Italiano has a distinctive look to him. He’s a large dog standing at between 68 and 76cm in height and weighing between 16 and 27 kg.

The body is lean and muscular and the Italian Scenthound has an amicable looking expression on his face. The coat of the dog is available in two types - short-haired or wire-haired.

The short-haired variety needs to be brushed on a weekly basis but is generally easy to maintain. Wire-haired dogs may require hand-stripping several times a year.

The coat of these dogs range from deep red to wheaten or black. Many dogs have white markings on the head, chest, feet, and the tip of the tail. The ears are long and floppy. If you want your dogs to have puppies, you can expect a litter size of between 4 to 6 puppies.

Temperament:

As a Scenthound, the Segugio Italiano is an intelligent dog, easily trained. He is best trained and socialized as he tends to be stubborn and he is also an independent strong-willed dog. It’s not an aggressive dog and yet it makes a good watchdog.

He’s adaptable but wouldn’t adjust well to living in a small space in the city.

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.

Characteristics

segugio italiano dog - characteristicsThe amicable Segugio Italiano just wants to please. They get on well with children and pets. They’re easy going dogs that will require a good deal of exercise.

They make wonderful pets and companions, being particularly well suited to outdoor type of people. They make good watchdogs too, and with his interesting looks, his intelligence and gentle nature, you’re going to have an exceptional canine companion.

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.

Health Problems

segugio italiano puppies - health problemsWhen you have a Segugio Italiano, you’re not likely to be spending much money at the vet, as these dogs are fairly healthy.

If your pet does show signs of illness, as a responsible pet owner it is your job to get him pet to the vet quickly as this can prevent other problems developing.

Ear Infections:

Dogs with such long ears can be more prone to ear infections. Your pet can be in pain and he will shake his head and paw at the infected ear. He may also be vomiting from nausea. You need to get your dog to the vet as soon as possible because with severe ear infection cases, there can even be facial nerve damage.

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.

Caring The Pet

Grooming:

segugio italiano dogs - caringThe Segugio Italiano comes with two coat types, the short-haired variety as well as the wire-haired variety. The short-haired dog will need to be brushed at least twice a week, while the wire-haired dog may require hand stripping.

Exercise:

Segugio Italianos love a good bout of exercise, and out on the hunt they are constantly on the move. They’re known for their stamina, but once back at home, they can settle down quite calmly. Make sure this pet of yours is well exercised, whether walks, running off his leash or ball games.

Diet:

Have a good look at the size of your dog, his age and energy levels before choosing dog food. When feeding your dog, don’t make it all complicated. All your dog wants is a simple, nutritious meal.

There are good commercially manufactured dog foods on the market and by reading the labeling you can ensure the best kibble for your pet. Try and give him some home made food too.

Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots are a healthy choice for your pet – simple, tasty and nutritious. You can add a little bit of this twice a week to the dry kibble. Your dog will love it and it won’t cause any digestive problems.

Ensure there is always a bowl of fresh, cool water within his reach

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.

Comparison with other breeds

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  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
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  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. Segugio Italiano vs Bloodhound - Breed Comparison
  27. Segugio Italiano vs Rhodesian Ridgeback - Breed Comparison
  28. Segugio Italiano vs Greyhound - Breed Comparison
  29. Segugio Italiano vs Francais Blanc et Noir - Breed Comparison
  30. Segugio Italiano vs Saluki - Breed Comparison
  31. Segugio Italiano vs American Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  32. Segugio Italiano vs Borzoi - Breed Comparison
  33. Segugio Italiano vs Black and Tan Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  34. Segugio Italiano vs Mountain Cur - Breed Comparison
  35. Segugio Italiano vs Black Mouth Cur - Breed Comparison
  36. Segugio Italiano vs Rajapalayam - Breed Comparison
  37. Segugio Italiano vs American English Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  38. Segugio Italiano vs Plott Hound - Breed Comparison
  39. Segugio Italiano vs Petit Gascon Saintongeois - Breed Comparison
  40. Segugio Italiano vs Otterhound - Breed Comparison
  41. Segugio Italiano vs Mudhol Hound - Breed Comparison
  42. Segugio Italiano vs Ibizan Hound - Breed Comparison
  43. Segugio Italiano vs Rampur Greyhound - Breed Comparison
  44. Segugio Italiano vs Austrian Black and Tan Hound - Breed Comparison
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  48. Segugio Italiano vs Majestic Tree Hound - Breed Comparison
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