Polish Greyhound
- Large
- FCI Group 10 (Sighthounds)
The Polish Greyhound, or Chart Polski, is a large, muscular sighthound from Poland: fast, loyal, and confident. Brave guardians, they bond closely with their people and are typically careful around children of all ages.
- Height
- 27 to 31
- inches at the shoulder
- Weight
- 55 to 110
- pounds, adult
- Life expectancy
- 10 to 12
- years, median 11
- Senior from
- 8.2
- years, about
Senior starts in the last quarter of a breed's expected lifespan, following the 2019 AAHA canine life stage guidelines. Individual dogs vary.
About the breed
- Origin
- Poland
- Recognized
- 2001
The Polish Greyhound, also called the Chart Polski, is a large sighthound: muscular and sleek, with a commanding look, strong jaws, and a sturdy frame. They stand 27 to 31 inches tall and weigh 55 to 110 pounds, with a typical lifespan of 10 to 12 years. That build helped the breed hunt in Poland's harsh climate.
Temperament is the breed's calling card. These dogs are brave, confident, and loyal, forming strong bonds with their people and making watchful guardians. They tend to be quiet and well-mannered.
The breed traces back to 13th-century Poland, where hunting deer, wolves, foxes, and bustards (the large crane-like Polish birds) was a popular sport. The Polish Greyhound's speed let it keep pace with riders on horseback, which made it a favorite of the nobility. Under communist rule the breed nearly vanished, surviving in part because some hunters quietly kept working their dogs behind the Iron Curtain.
Care
The routines that matter most for this breed. Open one at a time.
Nutrition
Feed a high-quality food matched to your dog's life stage, whether puppy, adult, or senior. As puppies, Polish Greyhounds also benefit from a large-breed formula, which supports a steady growth rate rather than a rapid one.
This breed carries a higher-than-average risk of bloat, also called a twisted stomach. Split the day's food into several smaller meals, use a bowl designed to slow fast eaters, and avoid feeding right before or after vigorous activity. Your veterinarian can walk you through other options, including surgical ones, for dogs at risk.
Grooming
The Polish Greyhound generally has light coat-care needs. Brushing deserves particular attention in spring, when the winter coat is shed. Bathing can follow the individual dog's needs rather than a fixed calendar.
For a puppy, the breeder can help choose a brush suited to the coat. Ears and eyes should be checked regularly for cleanliness, and nail length should be monitored. If the nails do not wear naturally, veterinary advice can guide trimming. Regular skin and coat checks should look for fur loss, injuries, parasites, or other concerns, with any issue discussed with a veterinary professional. The at-home routine should also include regular tooth checks and brushing with a toothbrush and toothpaste intended for dogs.
Exercise
This is an active breed that needs plenty of daily exercise alongside mental stimulation. A large, enclosed space gives a Polish Greyhound room to run.
Many also enjoy dog sports such as lure coursing, racing, agility, and competitive obedience. Polish Greyhounds can accompany owners on jogs.
Training
Like other sighthounds, Polish Greyhounds respond well to positive, reward-based training. They can also need careful socialization to head off fear-based, defensive behavior, so start early to help your pup grow into a well-adjusted adult.
Despite their size, they are typically careful around children of all ages. Their prey drive is strong, though: they love to sprint and chase, including after cats, small pets, and wildlife, and instinct tends to take over once they catch something. A securely fenced yard helps, and it is worth asking neighbors to keep their small pets from wandering over.
Longevity & Vitality soft chew
Longevity & Vitality is a daily chew built on five active ingredients. Each chew carries Turkey Tail at 600mg, Curcuvet® curcumin at 75mg, Quercefit® quercetin at 40mg, Fibalance® at 275mg and EpiCor® at 50mg. The daily serving follows your dog's weight, from half a chew to three.
