Polish Greyhound
Also known as: Polish Sighthound Chart Polski (Polish) Polnischer Windhund (German)
Breed at a glance
- Origin
- Poland
- Weight
- 60-70 pounds (27-31 kilograms)
- Height
- 27-32 inches (68-81 centimeters)
- Other names
- Polish Sighthound Chart Polski (Polish) Polnischer Windhund (German)
intro
The Polish Greyhound ( Polish : chart polski , pronounced [xart ˈpɔlskʲi] ) is a Polish sighthound breed. Despite its name, it is not a direct relative of the Greyhound dog. [ 1 ] [ 2 ] [ 3 ]
History
The first records for the existence of greyhounds in Poland come from the times of Gallus Anonymus . Polish Greyhounds have also been referenced in hunting literature and artwork since the 13th century. [ 4 ] [ 5 ] Thought to have the same ancestors as the Hortaya Borzaya and Borzoi , the Polish Greyhound was originally bred to hunt great bustards and wolves. [ 6 ] The Polish Greyhound was considered the favorite dog of the Polish nobility . [ 7 ] After World War II, breeding of the Polish Greyhound in Poland largely disappeared. [ 8 ] [ 9 ] In the 1970s, enthusiasts began efforts to restore the breed and modern breeding was initiated by Stanisław Czerniakowski. [ 9 ] [ 8 ] A preliminary studbook was opened in 1981. [ 8 ] [ 10 ] On 13 June 1989, the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) granted the breed provisional recognition; it was definitively recognised on 1 March 2001. [ 11 ]
Appearance
Like many sighthounds, the Polish Greyhound has long legs and a slim, muscular build. Fur color varies among the breed, with the most common colors being black, tan, blue, and beige. [ citation needed ] They are double coated, with a rough undercoat that thickens in the winter to provide insulation. [ citation needed ] The Polish Greyhound's tail is long and sickle-shaped, curving upward at the end. [ 12 ] On average, males tend to be between 27–32 inches tall, while females range from 26–30 inches tall. [ 5 ] [ 13 ] The average weight of a Polish Greyhound is between 60–70 lbs. [ citation needed ]