Stephens Stock vs Hortaya Borzaya - Breed Comparison

Stephens Stock vs Hortaya Borzaya - Breed ComparisonHortaya Borzaya is originated from Russia but Stephens Stock is originated from United States. Hortaya Borzaya may grow 25 cm / 10 inches higher than Stephens Stock. Hortaya Borzaya may weigh 23 kg / 50 pounds lesser than Stephens Stock. Both Hortaya Borzaya and Stephens Stock has almost same life span. Both Hortaya Borzaya and Stephens Stock has almost same litter size. Both Hortaya Borzaya and Stephens Stock requires Low Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Hound dog
Hound dog
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Russia
United States
Height Male:
65 - 75 cm
25 - 30 inches
35 - 50 cm
13 - 20 inches
Height Female:
61 - 71 cm
24 - 28 inches
32 - 46 cm
12 - 19 inches
Weight Male:
18 - 35 kg
39 - 78 pounds
41 - 58 kg
90 - 128 pounds
Weight Female:
16 - 32 kg
35 - 71 pounds
39 - 55 kg
85 - 122 pounds
Life Span:
14 - 15 Years
10 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 8
3 - 6
Size:
Large
Medium
Other Names:
Hort, Chortaja borzaja, Kурч, Kurtas Chortaj Hortaya Horty, Xорт, Hrt, Chort
Stephens' Stock Mountain Cur Little black dog Little Darkies
Colors Available:
brown, black, white, red, piebald , brindle
Black or dark gray; white markings may appear on the neck, and feet , chest
Coat:
short yet dense
Short, smooth/rough outer coat; short, dense, soft undercoat
Shedding:
Minimal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loyal, Playful
Aggressive, Alert, Courageous, Energetic, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal, Playful
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

hortaya borzayaThe 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.

stephens stockThe Stephens Stock is a member if the Cur dog breeds. They are a scent hound bred in southeastern Kentucky by the Stephen’s family. For generations the dogs were simply known as the “little black dog”. The Cur breeds are dogs with a mixture of ancestry and the Stephens Cur is no different. However, the name Cur now means a working dog from the South in the United States. They were known as hunting and guard dogs, chasing wild boar, squirrel and raccoon. They were also called the Mountain Curs throughout Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia.

These mountain working dogs came close to extinction by the 1940’s but four separate breeders set out to save the Mountain Curs. They were the founders of the Mountain Cur Club and involved Woody Huntsman of Kentucky, Carl McConnel of Virginia, Dewey Ledbetter of Virginia and of course Hugh Stephens of Kentucky. Later the name of the club was changed to the Original Mountain Cur Breeders Association or OMCBA. The Mountain View Cur, the Treeing Cur and the Stephens Stock Cur were the results of their efforts.

In the 1970’s Stephen’s decided that his Cur was different from the original Mountain Curs and should be a separate breed. He formed the Stephen’s Breeders Association and the breed was recognized as distinct from other Curs. However, it was not recognized by the UKC (United Kennel Club) until 1998.

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.

stephens stock puppy - descriptionThe Stephens Stock Cur is a breed of medium size, dark dogs – either very dark grey or black. Their heads are domed, and the muzzle is short with dark eyes. The breed’s chest is broad and deep with a neck of medium length and either a rough or smooth coat. They are smaller than the other Curs like the Black Mouth Cur or the Mountain View Cur.

They are strong and capable of treeing their prey. Their body is longer than it is high, and they have powerful and long legs. Their appearance is sleek and elegant. The nose is dark and square, and their stance is alert and that of a watchdog. This is an athletic hunting dog that is aggressive in the field and chilled at home.

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.

Characteristics

stephens stock dog - characteristics1. Children friendliness - They are tenacious on the hunt but once at home they love children.

2.Special talents tenacious – treeing prey

3.Adaptability They are adaptable if you can get them the exercise, they need every day. They won’t do well in an apartment without going to play and run somewhere else every day.

4.Learning ability - highly intelligent, eager to learn.

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.

stephens stock puppies - health problemsThe Stephens Stock Cur is a fairly healthy breed, fairly isolated in the hills and mountains of Kentucky and Tennessee. They are prone to a few health conditions but there are no genetic and breed specific issues.

  • PRA Progressive Retinal Atrophy can lead to blindness.

• Ear and Eye Infections. Keep them clean and keep debris out of both ears and eyes after hunting.

  • Deafness is seen in some.
  • Dental issues have been seen in some.

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.

stephens stock dogs - caring1.Feeding the puppy -Feed puppies a quality food desired for medium breed, high energy dogs. Puppies should eat 3 times a day about a total of 2 cups.

2.Feeding the adult Feed a high quality dog food with plenty of protein and designed for medium size dogs. Feed a total of 3 cups over 2 meals a day.

3.Points for Good Health – They are energetic and tenacious.

4. Games and Exercises – This is a very high energy treeing hunting dog with remarkable speed and agility. They need exercise – both physical and mental. One walk a day will not do it for these dogs. Have a fenced in yard or take them to organized activities like field trials, agility, flyball, hunting, search and rescue or barn hunt. They love to hunt with their people.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Hortaya Borzaya vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Hortaya Borzaya vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Hortaya Borzaya vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Hortaya Borzaya vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Hortaya Borzaya vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Hortaya Borzaya vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Hortaya Borzaya vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Hortaya Borzaya vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Hortaya Borzaya vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Hortaya Borzaya vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Hortaya Borzaya vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Hortaya Borzaya vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Hortaya Borzaya vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Hortaya Borzaya vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Hortaya Borzaya vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Hortaya Borzaya vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Hortaya Borzaya vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Hortaya Borzaya vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Hortaya Borzaya vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Hortaya Borzaya vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Hortaya Borzaya vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Hortaya Borzaya vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Hortaya Borzaya vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Hortaya Borzaya vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Hortaya Borzaya vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Stephens Stock vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Stephens Stock vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Stephens Stock vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Stephens Stock vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Stephens Stock vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Stephens Stock vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Stephens Stock vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Stephens Stock vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Stephens Stock vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Stephens Stock vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Stephens Stock vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Stephens Stock vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Stephens Stock vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Stephens Stock vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Stephens Stock vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Stephens Stock vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Stephens Stock vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Stephens Stock vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Stephens Stock vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Stephens Stock vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Stephens Stock vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Stephens Stock vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Stephens Stock vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Stephens Stock vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Stephens Stock vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison