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Breed Characteristics
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Chart Polski
| Other Names | Polish Greyhound, Polish Sighthound |
| Country of Origin | Poland |
| Weight | 65 - 95 lbs. (29.5 - 43.1 kg) |
| Height (at withers) | 26.5 to 31.5 in. (67 - 80 cm) |
| Coat | Polish Greyhounds have short, smooth fur that comes in many colours. The coat is somewhat heavier than a Greyhound's. They have an undercoat that gets thicker in the winter. Polish Greyhounds have a longer brush on the tail and have culottes at the rear of the thighs. The Chart Polski has a smooth double coat, regardless of season, which is harsh to the touch while offering excellent insulation. |
| Colour | White with brown markings. |
| Litter Size | 2-6 puppies, Average of 4 |
| Life Span | 12 - 15 Years |
| Origin & History | The Polish Greyhounds originated in Poland, most likely from the Asian sighthound, a Saluki-type dog. They were not bred from the English Greyhound. The Chart Polski’s ancestors were originally used to hunt hare, fox, deer, and wolves. The breed acquired the name Chart Polski, meaning Polish sighthound, sometime in the early 19th century, but the first known written reference to the dogs dates to 1600. Poland’s turbulent history in the 19th and 20th centuries nearly decimated the breed, but a few dogs managed to survive. By the early 1980s, Polish dog lovers began to revive the breed, and wrote a breed standard based on depictions of the dog by such 19th-century Polish artists as Juliusz Kossak, Jozef Brandt, and Alfreda Wierusz-Kowalski. The Polish Kennel Club, the Federation Cynologique Internationale, and the United Kennel Club have all recognized the breed, but it’s rare to find these dogs outside of Poland. American breeders Kaz and Betty Augustowski imported the first Chart Polskis into the United States; the couple was honored by the Polish Kennel Club for helping to promote the breed. |
| Personality | Polish Greyhounds have some similarities to other sighthounds, in that they are not overly active dogs, unless they have a purpose to be active. Such as when they are running and chasing prey. In other ways they are very unlike the typical sighthound. They can be dog aggressive, due to their being bred to hunt wolves and can be very territorial. They have a strong pack instinct and will not always accept new dogs into their home. They can be very good guard dogs in the home and they create strong bonds with their owners; in some, this instinct is so strong, they will not accept strangers coming into the home. They enjoy a good exercise regimen, walking them daily is a very good way to do this. They love to run, of course, and if they can no longer be used for actual hunting, (many locations prohibit this) then a decent facsimile would be participating in the performance sports like coursing and racing. Between running activities, they like nothing better than lounging on the couch or bed. They are obedient and easy to train, although they can be stubborn and willfull. This is not the best breed for the novice dog owner. They need early socialization and firm, fair guidance from their owners |
Care Requirements
| Health | The Chart Polski is typically a healthy dog, but he is at risk for some problems, including certain forms of cancer and cardiomyopathy, a disease of the heart muscle. It’s important that you take your dog to a veterinarian for annual heart exams. Additionally, a Chart Polski should not be bred until a board-certified veterinary cardiologist performs a comprehensive heart evaluation. The deep-chested Chart Polski is also susceptible to bloat, a condition in which the stomach expands with air. If the stomach then twists, cutting off blood flow, it becomes the more serious condition, gastric torsion. Gastric torsion or gastric dilatation volvulus, strikes suddenly — a dog who is fine one minute can die within a few hours. Watch for the following symptoms: restlessness and pacing, drooling, pale gums, lip licking, dry vomiting, and signs of pain. The condition requires immediate surgery, and most dogs will bloat again. It’s wise to opt for a procedure known as “stomach tacking,” which prevents the stomach from twisting in the future. It can also be performed as a preventive measure. Careful breeders screen their dogs for genetic disease, and only breed the best-looking specimens, but sometimes Mother Nature has other ideas and a puppy can develop a genetic condition. In most cases, he can still live a good life, thanks to advances in veterinary medicine. And remember that you have the power to protect your Chart Polski from one of the most common health problems: obesity. Keeping him at an appropriate weight is a simple way to extend your Chart Polski’s life. |
| Grooming | The Chart Polski’s short, smooth coat is easy to maintain with weekly brushing. He sheds, so frequent brushing will ensure that his hair doesn’t end up on your floor, furniture, and clothing. Bathe him as needed, which shouldn’t be too often. The rest is routine care: Brush his teeth frequently with a vet-approved pet toothpaste for good overall health and fresh breath, and trim his nails every week or two. Sighthounds are sensitive about having their feet manhandled, so be careful not to cut into the quick. If you do, your Chart Polski won’t forget, making future nail trimmings more difficult. |
| Exercise | This hound loves to sprint, plus he has an intense desire to chase things — an impulse that’s likely to over-ride any training he’s received as a youngster. To keep him safe, restrict off-leash playtime to an area with a secure fence. |
