How to Identify a Chart Polski

The Chart Polski is also known as the Polish Greyhound. It is a strong, noble, and athletic breed designed for the sole purpose of chasing down game through the vast flat steppe lands of Poland. Though it is known as a greyhound it would be in error to suggest that the breed was developed, related to, or constructed from the common English Greyhound or the Russian Borzoi. This breed was established and a part of daily Polish life as early as the 13th century and predates the establishment of both the two aforesaid species of dog. It was mentioned in writings of the Polish nobleman and scholar Hieronym Gostomski in the early 15th century. Due to the hardships heaped upon the whole of Poland during WWII the Chart Polski was rendered nearly extinct. Those that lived had taken to the countryside and found ways to survive on their own. As of now there are estimated to be less than 1,000 Chart Polskis in the world, the majority of them in Poland itself. Due to the rarity of this breed it is often misidentified. To prevent this here is a guide detailing to how to identify a Chart Polski.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Dog
• Your Eyes

1. Begin by judging the dog’s size and weight as well as taking note of its shape and build. The dog should be between 28 and 32 inches high at the withers and weigh between 50 and 75 pounds. It should roughly be as long from chest to hindquarters as it is tall, possess a lithe and thin body underneath tightly stretched skin. The coloration of the dog can be practically anything so this is no help at identifying the breed. The chest should be deep to make room for the large lungs necessary to allow the dog to run at high speed over great distances. The tail should be long and thin, curving slightly to avoid touching the ground, and is usually held low. The legs should be very long and surprisingly thin. People often get the impression that the dog is walking on stilts.

2. Pay attention to how the dog acts around people as well as how it walks. The dog should take particularly high steps when walking, as if it were marching. The dog should be very reserved and keep its distance around strangers, though not acting shy. If with the owner it will often interpose itself between the owner and someone the dog does not know as a natural protective reaction.

3. Finish by looking at the dog’s head. The dog should have a narrow and very long skull. Short triangular ears will be flopped over, held low and to the sides. Its jaw should be narrow but powerful, tapering to a point very slowly. The dog will always have brown eyes, the result of a surprisingly stable genetic trait. If the dog matches this description then it’s a Chart Polski.

Resources

• Listing for Only Chart Polski Breeder in the World. Speaks Polish Only Though.