Polish Greyhound

Other names: Polish Sighthound, Chart Polski

Polish Greyhound
Polish greyhound © Luise Kalarus

While she may look just like a normal greyhound, the Polish Greyhound is a distinct breed and character in her own right. Developed and celebrated over hundreds of years as a hunter of birds and pet of the Polish nobility, this svelte and graceful creature comes with somewhat more bite than those greyhounds more familiar to British dog-lovers. She’s more protective and territorial, and not keen on the society of other dogs. Still, she’s loyal to her humans, kind to children, and available in a host of colours to compliment your sofa suite, so she should certainly be a candidate for those in the market for a family sighthound.

Key facts about the Polish Greyhound

Life expectancy :

8

20

13

15

Temperament :

Hunter

Size :

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Origins and history

The Polish Greyhound seems to have developed from Saluki-type Asiatic sighthounds and traces her history back to at least the 13th century, where she is described (but not yet named) in paintings and writings. The trials of the nineteenth and twentieth century took their toll on the breed, but the concerted efforts’ of one male (Elbrus) with two females (Taiga and Struska) in the latter half of the twentieth century delivered a comeback for the Polish Greyhound.

FCI breed nomenclature

FCI Group

Group 10 - Sighthounds

Section

Section 3 : Short-haired Sighthounds

Physical characteristics of the Polish Greyhound

Adult size

Female : Between 27 and 30 in

Male : Between 28 and 31 in

Weight

Female : Between 77 and 99 lb

Male : Between 77 and 99 lb

Coat colour

Type of coat

Eye colour

Brown

Description

A little taller and stronger than many a sight hound, the Polish Greyhound is an altogether more imposing presence than her cousin breeds. Her jaw, stretching out under a muzzle that’s as long as the rest of her head, is powerful. Her eyes are narrow, keen, and alert. Her long neck carries her head high, and leads back to a deep chest and dramatically tucked belly. Her legs are long, oh so long, and muscular, yet lean, as befits this altogether poised and dignified hunter.

Good to know

It can take quite a while to obtain a Polish Greyhound pup outside of her native land.

Temperament

  • 33%

    Affectionate

    She is affectionate to her closest friends and family, but others can find their snuggles elsewhere. 

  • 66%

    Playful

    Only games related to her hunting instincts (search and chase) are really of interest.

  • 66%

    Calm

    The Polish Greyhound may be calm around the house but less so out and about and in the company of strangers.

  • 66%

    Intelligent

    She is a well-balanced and versatile dog.

  • 100%

    Hunter

    She is a born hunter and retains that instinct always.

  • 100%

    Fearful / wary of strangers

    The Polish Greyhound is very wary of strangers and needs to be well-trained so that she does not react aggressively.

  • 66%

    Independent

    The Polish Greyhound gives an impression of great independence because of her not very demonstrative temperament, but she is also a very good companion when a climate of trust is established with her family.

    Behaviour of the Polish Greyhound

    • 100%

      Tolerates solitude

      She is not too bad by herself for a while, especially if she has had a good run beforehand.

    • 66%

      Easy to train / obedience

      She can be distracted by hunting opportunities, so firm and patient training is a must.

    • 33%

      Barking

      She is a quiet dog.

    • 100%

      Tendency to run away

      She may attempt to scarper if something of interest catches her eye. If this happens, she will be difficult to catch.

    • 33%

      Destructive

      She is calm at home if her needs have been met.

    • 33%

      Greedy / Gluttony

      It takes imagination to motivate this dog to obey, because treats are often ignored.

    • 33%

      Guard dog

      She can have an intimidating presence, but she avoids conflict and difficult situations.

    • 66%

      First dog

      Any potential master must above all else be sporty and willing to meet her needs.

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      Lifestyle

      • 33%

        Polish Greyhound in a flat

        The Polish Greyhound would prefer a country manor with access to lots of outdoor space.

      • 100%

        Need for exercise / Sporty

        She needs lots of daily exercise including the opportunity to run at will and stretch her legs. 

      • 33%

        Travelling / easy to transport

        Her great size and mistrust of people and new situations do not work for comfortable travel.

        Compatibility

        • 66%

          Polish Greyhound and cats

          She can cohabit serenely with cats if she has been raised with them.

        • 66%

          Polish Greyhound and dogs

          She is not super-keen on other dogs and will likely ignore those she doesn’t know. 

        • 100%

          Polish Greyhound and children

          She is usually good around children but they must respect her need for peace.

        • 66%

          Polish Greyhound and the elderly

          The Polish Greyhound is fine only for those who have the energy or stamina to train and exercise this dog thoroughly and consistently.

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          Price

          We do not have enough data to set an average price. Looking after a dog of this size typically costs between £80 to £120 a month, including food, medical/insurance, and incidental expenses.

          Grooming

          A weekly brushing and an attentive eye on her ears should keep her in good nick.

          Shedding

          Not very much. 

          Nutrition of the Polish Greyhound

          Carefully-measured, high quality food formulated for medium-large active dogs will be just fine.

          Health of the Polish Greyhound

          Life expectancy

          She tends not to suffer from genetic complaints, and has an average life expectancy of 14 years.

          Strong / robust

          This dog is stronger and more robust than she may seem from a distance; she’s a hardy hunter capable of long days of serious outdoors work.

          Withstand heat

          She shouldn’t stay out in the heat too long, or overexert herself.

          Withstand cold

          She’s fine in bad weather, but shouldn’t sleep outside.

          Tendency to put on weight

          Like most greyhounds, excessive weight gain is rare.

          Common illnesses

          • Gastric torsion (bloat)
          • Cardiomyopathy
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