The Polish Greyhound is a rare and ancient breed with a rich history. They originated in Poland over 1,000 years ago.
These dogs were bred as hunting companions and were known for their speed and agility. They were often used to hunt small game such as rabbits and hares.
The Polish Greyhound is a medium-sized dog with a muscular build and a short, smooth coat. They typically weigh between 30-40 pounds and stand between 20-24 inches tall.
They are a gentle and affectionate breed, making them great family pets.
Physical Characteristics
The Polish Greyhound has a distinctive physical appearance. Their long, lean heads and almond-shaped eyes give them a lively and penetrating gaze.
Their feathered tails are long and curve at the tip, forming a sickle shape or complete circle. This unique tail shape is a defining characteristic of the breed.
Polish Greyhounds have relatively harsh coats that are springy to the touch. Hair length varies across the body, with the shortest on the chest and legs and longest on the buttocks and tail.
Their ideal height ranges from 26.5 to 31.5 inches at the withers, with males being slightly taller than females.
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Coat & Skin
The Polish Greyhound's coat is springy to the touch, rather harsh, but not wire-haired. It's a unique texture that's quite different from other breeds.
The coat is shortest on the belly and legs, but can vary in length on the rest of the body. On the buttocks and tail, the hair is longest, forming a modest breeching and brush.
The skin is close fitting and elastic, which is a great asset for a breed that needs to move quickly and agilely. This flexibility also helps them navigate tight spaces with ease.
The ideal height for males is from 27.5 inches to 31.5 inches at the withers, while females range from 26.5 inches to 29.5 inches. A slightly smaller dog is permitted if it's otherwise of outstanding quality.
Physical Characteristics
The Polish Greyhound is a majestic breed with a unique appearance.
Their heads are long and lean, with almond-shaped eyes that cast a lively, penetrating gaze.
The feathered tails of Polish Greyhounds are long and curve at the tip, forming a sickle shape or complete circle.
On average, males tend to be between 27–32 inches tall, while females range from 26–30 inches tall.
The average weight of a Polish Greyhound is between 60–70 lbs.
Their coats are relatively harsh, springy to the touch, and come in all colors.
The coat is shortest on the belly and legs, but longest on the buttocks and tail.
The skin of a Polish Greyhound is close fitting and elastic.
Ideal height for males is from 27.5 inches to 31.5 inches at the withers, while for females it is 26.5 inches to 29.5 inches.
The Polish Greyhound has a strong frame, well-defined musculature, and powerful jaws.
Their forequarters are well angulated, and their body is short coupled with a spacious and well-let-down chest.
The ribs are well sprung, arched but not barrel-shaped, and slope backward.
The topline is level to the loin, which is wide and muscular, and the croup is gently slanting, long, muscular, and wide.
Hipbones must be wide apart.
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Temperament and Care
Polish Greyhounds are good-tempered, loyal breeds that form strong bonds with their people. They're typically careful around kids of all ages.
These dogs are naturally protective and territorial, so they may be reserved around strangers. They're also enthusiastic and loving with their owners, always happy to spend the day on the couch.
Their instincts can take over when they catch something, so it's wise to have a securely fenced yard and warn neighbors about their small pets.
Temperament & Intelligence
The Polish Greyhound is a good-tempered, loyal breed that forms strong bonds with their people. They're typically careful around kids of all ages.
These dogs are speedy and love to sprint, which can be a challenge to manage, especially if you have small pets or wildlife in the area. They tend to chase first and ask questions later.
It's essential to have a securely fenced yard to keep your Polish Greyhound safe and contained. Warn your neighbors to keep their small pets away to avoid any surprise visits.
Protective and territorial, Polish Greyhounds are naturally reserved around strangers. They tend to be affectionate with their owners, though.
The Chart Polski is a highly instinct-driven dog, which means they'll chase after small animals without hesitation. This breed requires a safe environment, such as a fenced area, to prevent accidents.
Despite their intelligence, the Chart Polski can be quite stubborn, making it a challenge for inexperienced dog owners.
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Care
Exercise is crucial for Chart Polskis, so make sure to encourage your dog to get active every day.
These dogs love to have room to run, so providing them with ample space to move around is essential.
Daily exercise can be as simple as a walk around the block, but Chart Polskis will thrive with more energetic activities like Cani-cross and lure coursing.
These canine sports tap into their instinctual desire to run and chase prey, making them a great way to keep your Chart Polski happy and healthy.
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History and Origin
The Polish Greyhound, also known as the Chart Polski, has a rich history dating back to 13th-century Poland.
The breed originated from Asiatic sighthounds of the Saluki type and was used for hunting a variety of game, including hares, foxes, deer, bustards, and wolves.
Polish nobility highly favored the breed due to its speed and agility, making it a popular choice for hunting with men on horseback.
In the 13th century, Polish Greyhounds were referenced in hunting literature and artwork, solidifying their place in Polish history.
The breed's numbers significantly decreased under communist rule, but some hunters secretly continued to use them for hunting, helping to keep the breed alive.
The United Kennel Club recognized the Polish Greyhound on January 1, 1996, acknowledging its importance and uniqueness.
The breed was also recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) in 1989, further solidifying its place in the world of dog breeding.
Despite its rich history, the Polish Greyhound nearly went extinct in the 19th and 20th centuries, but thanks to breed enthusiasts, a breeding program was developed to revive the breed.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a rare Polish dog breed?
The Gończy Polski, also known as the Polish Hound, is a rare scent hound breed from Poland. This rare breed is prized for its stability, resilience, and low maintenance requirements.
Sources
- https://www.eukanuba.co.uk/breeds/polish-greyhound-(chart-polski)#breed-history (eukanuba.co.uk)
- "Polish Greyhound" (dogsplanet.com)
- "A Snippet of Chart Polski History" (nationalpurebreddogday.com)
- The Dog Encyclopedia: The Definitive Visual Guide (google.com)
- Chart Polski Association of America (tripod.com)
- Breed Standards : Chart Polski (Polish Greyhound) (ukcdogs.com)
- Chart Polski (Polish Greyhound) - Dog Breeds - Dogster (dogster.com)
- Polish Greyhound Dog Breed Information and Pictures (petguide.com)
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