Chart Polski

The Chart Polski hunted hare, and historically even wolves, across the open Polish plains for centuries, relying almost entirely on sight and a sudden burst of speed rather than scent or stamina. A male can weigh up to 35 kilograms on a long, lean, muscular frame with a short, close-lying coat that offers little protection from cold. The breed was historically tied to the Polish nobility and used in mounted hunts much like the Russian Borzoi. Its speed lets it run down prey in seconds, but it tires quickly over a long distance, making it a sprinter rather than a marathoner. It tends to be calm and quiet indoors, though any small moving object can trigger the chase instinct instantly. It stays cool toward strangers but isn't aggressive. Life expectancy runs 12 to 14 years.

Browse dog food sized right for this breed

Chart Polski: how old in human years?

68–80 cmHeight
25–35 kgWeight
12–14 yrsLife expectancy

German Shepherd Dog

FCI group: Sighthounds
FCI section: Section 3: Short-haired Sighthounds
FCI: 333
Country of origin: Poland

Energy level

4/5
Trainability

2/5
Family friendly

3/5
Grooming need

1/5

At a glance

Height

Males 70–80 cm

Females 68–75 cm

Weight

Males 27–35 kg

Females 25–30 kg

Life expectancy

12–14 yrs

Coat

short, harsh, close-lying (short)

Temperament & Family Life

Chart Polski's average temperament and family-life score for this breed is moderate.

Family friendly 3/5
Good with children 2/5
Good with other dogs 2/5
Friendly with strangers 2/5
Intelligence 4/5
Trainability 2/5

Exercise, Energy & Space

Chart Polski's energy and exercise needs are high.

Energy level 4/5
Exercise need 4/5
Apartment friendly 2/5
Prey drive 5/5
Hunting instinct 5/5

Guarding & Alertness

Chart Polski's guarding and alertness traits are low.

Guarding instinct 2/5
Watchfulness 3/5
Barking level 2/5

Grooming & Care

Chart Polski's grooming needs are low.

Shedding 2/5
Drooling 1/5
Grooming need 1/5

Living with the Chart Polski

It looks as if it is just standing in the field gazing into the distance, but that gaze clocked the hare three hundred metres away some time ago. The Chart Polski is a big, muscular sighthound bred to hunt by sight and speed, and when something runs, it will chase first and remember your voice later, if at all. Let it off the lead only in a fenced area, and treat cats and small pets as a serious test.

It has plenty of energy, but it comes in bursts: every day it needs long walks and a chance to open up at full speed somewhere safe, after which it is happy to rest. It is clever but independent, and blind obedience is not on offer. Keep training short, calm and interesting; endless repetition and harshness will only make it switch off.

With its own people it is loyal and calm without being clingy, and it tends to be wary and aloof with strangers. It doesn't always get along with other dogs, so early, patient socialisation matters a great deal. It is not the most patient companion for small children and suits a family with older kids better. It barks little but will tell you when something is out of place. A large body and a runner's needs mean a flat is cramped for it; the best home is a house with a tall fence and an owner who enjoys quiet, self-contained dogs.

Grooming and coat

The Chart Polski has a short, harsh coat that lies close to the body, which makes its grooming about as simple as it gets. A weekly once-over with a rubber brush or a damp cloth keeps the coat glossy and the loose hair off your floors. It sheds lightly, has very little doggy smell and only needs a bath when it has properly got itself dirty.

The short coat and lean frame have a flip side: it feels cold and wet more than a thick-coated dog does, and hard floors under bony hips too. A coat for cold, rainy winter walks and a soft, thick bed at home both earn their keep. After off-lead sprints, check the paws and skin, since speed and undergrowth can leave scrapes. Trim the nails regularly if they don't wear down by themselves.

How to do it:

By age:

Health and possible conditions

We don't have reliable health information specific to this breed, so we don't list conditions here. Keep up regular vet check-ups, and if you are getting a puppy, ask the breeder about the parents' health testing.

This is general information, not veterinary advice. For your own dog's health, tests and treatment, see a vet.

Food for large breeds — cheapest per kg

This list is chosen by the breed's weight (35 kg) rather than the breed itself: shops label food by dog size, so every breed of the same size gets the same list. Prices are updated daily.

≈ 370 g of dry food a day, from €20,36 a month For a neutered, normally active 29,3 kg dog. Calculate for your dog