Polish Greyhound
Polský chrt
Key facts
| FCI group | 10. Sighthounds |
|---|---|
| Country of origin | Poland |
| Category | Large |
| Height at withers | 68–80 cm |
Recognition features
- A large, powerful, muscular sighthound, stronger and less fine than the other short-haired sighthounds
- Springy, rather harsh coat, longer on the withers and on the buttocks and underside of the tail, forming breeches and a brush
- Feathered tail carried low with a sickle-shaped or ring-curled tip; ears folded back, roof-shaped or erect when excited
Purpose
A hunting dog used not only for hare, fox, roe deer and bustard but also for wolf.
History
The Polish Greyhound's presence in Poland is attested since the 13th century and the breed probably goes back to Asiatic sighthounds of Saluki type. The Russian author Sabaniejew's claim that it resulted from Greyhound and Borzoi interbreeding is, according to the standard, impossible because the Borzoi was unknown before the reign of Ivan the Terrible in the 16th century; depictions and hunting literature show that the original appearance of the breed remained unchanged up to the end of the 19th century.
Coat
Springy to the touch, rather harsh, neither wire-haired nor silky, of variable length: longer on the withers, shorter on the sides and shortest on the sternum and legs, finer and sparser on the abdomen; longest on the buttocks and underside of the tail but still harsh. All colours are permitted; eyelid borders and nose black or dark, blue or beige in correspondingly coloured coats.
Similar breeds
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The information is indicative. Texts are based on available sources and may contain inaccuracies; for binding details (e.g. for breeding or shows) use the official breed standard. Report a photo or rights.