To all the dog lovers out there, this article is for you. We have a special breed to introduce to you known as Polish Greyhound or Chart Polski. It is a rare breed to be found outside Poland. Did this catch your attention? If yes, then you will be interested to know more about it. We all share a deep love for dogs, keeping that in mind, I have listed some fascinating details about one of the rare breeds of sighthound, the Polish Sighthound.
Overview
| Breed Group | Sighthound Group |
| Breed Type | Purebreed |
| Other Names | Chart Polski (Polish), Polish Sighthound, Polish Coursing Dog |
| Origin | Unknown |
| Country of Origin | Poland |
| Height | 27-32 inches |
| Weight | 60-90 lb |
| Life Span | 12-15 years |
| Temperament | active, protective, territorial, energetic, brave, loyal, obedient |
| Colors | Beige, black, tan, blue |
| Coat | Double, harsh, smooth |
| Shedding | Minimal |
| Comparable Breeds | Greyhound, Italian Greyhound |
General Description
It is an ancient Polish breed that is rare outside Poland. These are known as Polish Sighthound or Chart Polski and are not directly related to the Greyhound breed. It is well-known that they have descended from the ancient species that used to hunt fox, hare, deer, and wolves.
They are protective and have loyal instincts, have a sleek body and head with slanting almond eyes, long snout, flopping years, and broad, muscular neck. Their legs are well-proportioned; the waist is thin, ending with a long hanging tail. They are long, stubborn, and elegant. They are robust and have adequate capacity to perform the tasks. They need an ample amount of energy and space and need daily walks in large yards.
Brief details about Temperament/ Behavior
The temperament and personality of this dog are immensely different from the other sighthounds. Most sighthounds are gentle and mild-mannered, but this breed has a strong territorial instinct and can be protective of his home and family. They tend to be somewhat dog-aggressive by nature. Though very loyal to their family members, they are not comfortable living together with other pets despite being brought up together. These are energetic dogs that enjoy playing and running around the house. They are also good with children. These breeds have a dominating disposition. Hence, it is not advisable for novice owners. They are quite affectionate and well- mannered canine to their owners when the dogs are oriented. They are happy dogs and enjoy getting attention from his family. This breed requires a significant amount of daily exercise to prevent hyperactivity as well as the development of problem behaviors. They can be hard with strangers and will not be friendly to people they do not know. Unlike other sighthounds, the Chart Polski is not fond of other dogs. They should also never be left alone with small pets in the home. Early training and socialization are crucial for developing proper behavior.
Appearance
It is large and possesses a commanding presence. Their well-built body and powerful jaws make them hunters and help them efficiently to work under challenging conditions. They are heavy-boned and well-muscled. They never appear cumbersome or hefty. Their coat seems to be a little bit heavier than Greyhounds. The breed coat has a short, sleek, and springy touch. The hair is longer on their body, buttocks, and tail.
The Chart Polski has a large, well-defined nose with black pigmentation. They sit obliquely. The eye color depends on the color of his coat and will range from dark brown to amber. Darker eyes are more desirable than light eyes. The ears are medium in size and narrow. Their set should be at eye level. The tips of their ears should easily reach the inner corner of their eyes when pulled forward. They appear mainly in three colors: beige, black and tan, and blue.
Price and Breed maintenance
The Chart Polski has a large, well-defined nose with black pigmentation. They sit obliquely. The eye color depends on the color of his coat and will range from dark brown to amber. Darker eyes are more desirable than light eyes. The ears are medium in size and narrow. Their set should be at eye level. The tips of their ears should easily reach the inner corner of their eyes when pulled forward. They appear mainly in three colors: beige, black and tan, and blue.
Price and Breed maintenance
The amount required to purchase and maintain Polish Greyhound is listed in the table below.
| Cost to purchase | $750, roughly amounts to Rs. 56,000 |
| OtheMedical expensesr Names | $485 a year for basic health care and insurance, roughly amounts to Rs. 36,200 |
| Origin Food expenses | $260 a year for a good quality dry dog food and dog treats, roughly amounts to Rs. 19,400 |
| Miscellaneous expenses | $265 a year for the license, basic training, miscellaneous items, and toys, roughly amounts to Rs. 19,800 |
| Average annual expenses | $1010 as a starting figure, roughly amounts to Rs. 75,470 |
Pros and Cons of Chart Polski
| Pros | Cons |
| Very devoted | Dog-aggressive |
| Long lifespan | Not hypoallergenic |
| Highly devoted | Extremely territorial |
| Excellent tracker | Suspicious of strangers |
| Good guard dog | Do not adapt to city life |
| Superb watchdog | Not good for apartments |
| Remarkably brave | Hard to train |
| Great hunting dog | Rarely found outside Poland |
| Fast runner | Requires a massive amount of exercise |
| Gentle around small children | Will chase down and kill non-canine pets |
Common Health Problems
- Gastric Dilation Volvulus (GDV) or Bloat (Minor concern)
- Cancer- Cardiomyopathy Cancer (Major Concern)
- Allergies
- Eye ailments
- Hip dysplasia
- Heart problems
- Elbow dysplasia
- Patellar luxation
- Demodex mange
- Anesthesia sensitivity
- Low tolerance to cold weather
- Intolerance to the rigid or rocky terrain
The occasional tests required to manage the health of the dog includes a cardiac test, blood and urine analysis, and yearly physical examination.
7 Interesting Facts
- The name ‘Chart Polski’ was first mentioned in 1960 in a book titled ‘Riding and Hunting’ by Gostomski, a Polish author.
- The breed was nearly extinct by the 1970s and was formally recognized by Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) in 1989 and by the United Kennel Club (UKC) in 1996.
- They are primarily used as a hunting dog.
- They have a high prey drive.
- Though the breed has a double coat, their shedding of hair is minimal.
- One meal serving a day is typically sufficient for this breed. 2½ to 3 cups of high-quality dry kibble is enough to feed your dog daily.
- The Polish Kennel Club honored an American breeder couple, Kaz and Betty, for introducing and promoting the breed in the United States.
References
- 101 dog breeds.com
- Petguide.com
- Global Dogs Breed.com
- wagwalking.com
- Dog Breed, Dog-Learn.com
