Hortaya Borzaya vs Franzuskaya Bolonka - Breed Comparison

Hortaya Borzaya vs Franzuskaya Bolonka - Breed ComparisonFranzuskaya Bolonka is originated from France but Hortaya Borzaya is originated from Russia. Franzuskaya Bolonka may grow 48 cm / 18 inches shorter than Hortaya Borzaya. Franzuskaya Bolonka may weigh 30 kg / 66 pounds lesser than Hortaya Borzaya. Both Franzuskaya Bolonka and Hortaya Borzaya has almost same life span. Franzuskaya Bolonka may have less litter size than Hortaya Borzaya. Both Franzuskaya Bolonka and Hortaya Borzaya requires Low Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Toy dog
Hound dog
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France
Russia
Height Male:
22 - 27 cm
8 - 11 inches
65 - 75 cm
25 - 30 inches
Height Female:
18 - 24 cm
7 - 10 inches
61 - 71 cm
24 - 28 inches
Weight Male:
3 - 5 kg
6 - 12 pounds
18 - 35 kg
39 - 78 pounds
Weight Female:
2 - 5 kg
4 - 12 pounds
16 - 32 kg
35 - 71 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 16 Years
14 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
1 - 3
6 - 8
Size:
Toy
Large
Other Names:
Bolonka Zwetna, Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka, , Russian Lapdogs
Hort, Chortaja borzaja, Kурч, Kurtas Chortaj Hortaya Horty, Xорт, Hrt, Chort
Colors Available:
white
brown, black, white, red, piebald , brindle
Coat:
curly, wavy
short yet dense
Shedding:
Minimal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Friendly, Gentle, Intelligent, Loving, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Sweet
Affectionate, Alert, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loyal, Playful
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
Yes
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

franzuskaya bolonkaThe Franzuskaya Bolonka in France is known as the Tsvetnaya Bolonka in Russia and in Germany as the Bolonka Zwetna. All of these translate to Colored Bolognese. It is known as the “Pride of Russia” and was rediscovered by the Russians following the thaw of the Cold War. It is also sometimes translated as a colored lapdog.

The Bolonka is a rare breed in the toy category with ancestors in the Bichon Friese line. This little dog looks very much like the national dog of Cuba – the Havanese. In addition to the Bichon other small dogs in this ancestral line include the Shih Tzu, Toy Poodle, and Pekingese as well as the French, Italian and German Bolonka. They are often confused with the Bolognese as both breeds appear in various countries and have many similarities.

In all countries the common name for this dog is the Bolonka. They have a variety of names and nick names depending on the country. In addition to being the “Pride of Russia” he is called a Russian colored Bichon, Czechs call it the Bareyny Bolonsky, the Germans since 1980 have called it the Bolonka Zwetna but the Nordic Kennel Union does not recognize the Zwenta only the Russian Twetnaya.

The French version is seen to be the original with its ancestry dating back to the 18th century when Russian nobles were presented with a Bolonka by Louis XIV of France, and others migrated with the army of Napoleon to Russia. They were still known as the Bolonka of France. Small dogs were not popular in Russia due to the need for dogs that could work on farms and/or hunt. Particularly during the Soviet years, they were considered unnecessary. No Bolonkas were imported to Russia during the Soviet regime, so only localized breeding took place. The goal of breeders in the Soviet Union was to develop a toy dog, lap sized with an apartment living temperament.

During the cold war the Russians sent a pair of breeding Franzuskaya Bolonka to East Germany and they began to develop the breed there as well. At the same time the colored versions of the Bolonka were being bred. The Franzuskaya Bolonka is recognized by the Verband Dur Das Deutsche Hundewesen (VDF) while the other colored breeds are not. The white Bolonka is not recognized by the Federation Cynoloqique Internationale as a breed separate from the Bolognese but as simply another version. Individual clubs throughout the world recognized one or more versions of the Bolonka. They are thought to be the rarest within the Bichon family.

Today’s Bolonka is owed by Prince William and Princess Kate, giving the breed more publicity than it has had in many years.

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.

Description

franzuskaya bolonka puppy - descriptionThe Franzuskaya Bolonka is neither heavy boned nor fine boned. They are a toy breed with a moderate bone structure. The ears are neither long nor short and they have tails that touch the back at the tip. Like others in the Bichon family the Franzuskaya Bolonka does not shed. He is a sturdy little dog and the male has a distinct beard and moustache that the females of the breed do not. They have long coats that are wavy and curly. The Franzuskaya Bolonka is of course only white. The Russian version might be brown, red, black, wolf-gray, gray and of course white.

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

Children friendliness

franzuskaya bolonka dog - characteristicsThe Bolonka is great with kids, just avoid too intense play.

Special talents

The Bolonka is a playful, lap dog with a lot of love to offer

Adaptability

Good adaptability great in the city in apartments and great in the country as well

Learning ability

They are very smart and love to learn. Being firm but beyond firm is also kind.

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

The Franzuskaya Bolonka is susceptible to dental issues as well as

  1. Luxating Patella
  2. Can cause lameness and arthritis
  3. Hip Dysplasia
  4. Can cause lameness and arthritis
  5. Liver Shunts
  6. Serious and sometimes fatal bypassing of the liver by the circulatory system
  7. Thyroid Issues
  8. Difficult to diagnose but easy to treat with medication
  9. Corneal Abrasions

franzuskaya bolonka puppies - health problemsMedical issues are not fully documented because of the rarity of the breed and the years of isolation in the Soviet Union.

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

Feeding the puppy

franzuskaya bolonka dogs - caringFeed at least 3 meals a day. Feed one fourth of a cup daily split into three meals of a high quality puppy food.

Feeding the adult

Feed at least 2 meals per day. Feed one half of a cup daily split into two meals of a high quality dry food.

Points for Good Health

Fairly healthy breed due to isolation during cold war

Games and Exercises

The Franzuskaya Bolonka is developed as a lap dog but that does not mean he doesn’t need daily exercise. He loves to play but play gently and not for any length of time. They like to chase balls, play hide and seek and any tricks you want to teach them.

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

  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. Franzuskaya Bolonka vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Franzuskaya Bolonka vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Franzuskaya Bolonka vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Franzuskaya Bolonka vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Franzuskaya Bolonka vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Franzuskaya Bolonka vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Franzuskaya Bolonka vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Franzuskaya Bolonka vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Franzuskaya Bolonka vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Franzuskaya Bolonka vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Franzuskaya Bolonka vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Franzuskaya Bolonka vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Franzuskaya Bolonka vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Franzuskaya Bolonka vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Franzuskaya Bolonka vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Franzuskaya Bolonka vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Franzuskaya Bolonka vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Franzuskaya Bolonka vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Franzuskaya Bolonka vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Franzuskaya Bolonka vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Franzuskaya Bolonka vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Franzuskaya Bolonka vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Franzuskaya Bolonka vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Franzuskaya Bolonka vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Franzuskaya Bolonka vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison