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.
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Life expectancy |
The Polish Greyhound has a life expectancy of between 13 and 15 years |
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Temperament |
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Size |
Large
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Adult size |
Female
Between 27 and 30 in
Male
Between 28 and 31 in
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Adult weight |
Female
Between 77 and 99 lb
Male
Between 77 and 99 lb
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Coat colour
Any. |
Black
White
Brown
Blue
Red
Sand
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Type of coat
Springy and harsh. |
Short
Hard
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Eye colour
Amber to dark brown. |
Brown
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It can take quite a while to obtain a Polish Greyhound pup outside of her native land.
More details about the Polish Greyhound
Polish Greyhound: 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.
Physical characteristics of the Polish Greyhound
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.
FCI classification of the Polish Greyhound
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Group 10 - Sighthounds
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Section 3 : Short-haired Sighthounds
Polish Greyhound: Characteristics
She is affectionate to her closest friends and family, but others can find their snuggles elsewhere.
Only games related to her hunting instincts (search and chase) are really of interest.
The Polish Greyhound may be calm around the house but less so out and about and in the company of strangers.
She is a well-balanced and versatile dog.
She is a born hunter and retains that instinct always.
The Polish Greyhound is very wary of strangers and needs to be well-trained so that she does not react aggressively.
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.
Polish Greyhound: Behaviour
She is not too bad by herself for a while, especially if she has had a good run beforehand.
She can be distracted by hunting opportunities, so firm and patient training is a must.
She is a quiet dog.
She may attempt to scarper if something of interest catches her eye. If this happens, she will be difficult to catch.
She is calm at home if her needs have been met.
It takes imagination to motivate this dog to obey, because treats are often ignored.
She can have an intimidating presence, but she avoids conflict and difficult situations.
Training a Polish Greyhound
She can be distracted by hunting opportunities, so firm and patient training is a must.
Polish Greyhound: Lifestyle
The Polish Greyhound would prefer a country manor with access to lots of outdoor space.
She needs lots of daily exercise including the opportunity to run at will and stretch her legs.
Her great size and mistrust of people and new situations do not work for comfortable travel.
Breed compatibility Polish Greyhound
She can cohabit serenely with cats if she has been raised with them.
She is not super-keen on other dogs and will likely ignore those she doesn’t know.
She is usually good around children but they must respect her need for peace.
The Polish Greyhound is fine only for those who have the energy or stamina to train and exercise this dog thoroughly and consistently.
Any potential master must above all else be sporty and willing to meet her needs.
Polish Greyhound: Purchase 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.
Polish Greyhound: Shedding
Average
Not very much.
Polish Greyhound: Grooming
A weekly brushing and an attentive eye on her ears should keep her in good nick.
Polish Greyhound: Health
She tends not to suffer from genetic complaints, and has an average life expectancy of 14 years.
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.
She shouldn’t stay out in the heat too long, or overexert herself.
She’s fine in bad weather, but shouldn’t sleep outside.
Like most greyhounds, excessive weight gain is rare.
- Gastric torsion (bloat)
- Cardiomyopathy
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