Polish Greyhound
Other names: Polish Sighthound, Chart Polski
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
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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
Any.
Type of coat
Springy and harsh.
Eye colour
Amber to dark 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
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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.
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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.
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100%
Hunter
She is a born hunter and retains that instinct always.
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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
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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.
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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.
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33%
Destructive
She is calm at home if her needs have been met.
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33%
Greedy / Gluttony
It takes imagination to motivate this dog to obey, because treats are often ignored.
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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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Is the Polish Greyhound right for you?
take the testLifestyle
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33%
Polish Greyhound in a flat
The Polish Greyhound would prefer a country manor with access to lots of outdoor space.
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100%
Need for exercise / Sporty
She needs lots of daily exercise including the opportunity to run at will and stretch her legs.
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33%
Travelling / easy to transport
Her great size and mistrust of people and new situations do not work for comfortable travel.
Compatibility
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66%
Polish Greyhound and cats
She can cohabit serenely with cats if she has been raised with them.
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66%
Polish Greyhound and dogs
She is not super-keen on other dogs and will likely ignore those she doesn’t know.
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100%
Polish Greyhound and children
She is usually good around children but they must respect her need for peace.
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%}
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.
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