Chart Polski
hart POL-skee
Poland· Throughout Poland, historically on noble estates
The Chart Polski is Poland's native sighthound, a tall, powerful breed developed by the nobility for coursing hare, fox and wolf across the country's open plains.
At a glance
Quick facts
Size
Large
Exercise needs
1.5-2 hours per day
Home size suited to
Large
Grooming frequency
Weekly brush
Coat length
Short to medium
Sheds
Moderate
Lifespan
10-12 years
Town or country
Country preferred
Garden size needed
Large, securely fenced
Where it comes from
Origins of the Chart Polski
The wide open plains of historic Poland suited a tall, powerful sighthound bred by the nobility to course hare, fox and even wolf at speed. Descended from Asian sighthounds brought along ancient trade routes, the Chart Polski became a symbol of Polish aristocratic hunting culture for centuries.
- Region
- Throughout Poland, historically on noble estates
- Climate it was bred for
- Open plains and farmland with cold winters
- Original job
- Coursing hare, fox and wolf by sight across open plains
The long read
About the breed
Its historical role as an estate coursing hound produced a robust, muscular build heavier than many Western sighthounds, combined with great speed, independence and a strong prey drive suited to tackling large quarry.
As a companion it is calm and affectionate at home but reserved with strangers and highly driven to chase, requiring secure fencing and considerable exercise; it is not recommended for households with small pets it may perceive as prey.
Nearly lost after the Second World War and during the socialist era, the breed has been carefully rebuilt by dedicated Polish breeders and remains rare internationally but stable within Poland.
Living with one
Temperament & needs
Our own ratings, based on the breed standard and how these dogs behave in ordinary homes.
Friendliness
3/5
How openly the Chart Polski greets people it does not know.
Trainability
3/5
How readily the breed takes to training in an ordinary home.
Energy
3/5
How much daily exercise and stimulation the breed expects.
Barking
3/5
How vocal the breed tends to be day to day.
Grooming
3/5
How much coat work the breed needs to stay comfortable.
Suits a first-time owner
3/5
How forgiving the Chart Polski is for someone taking on their first dog.
Illustrated breed standard
The points of the breed
Hover or tap a numbered point to read what the standard asks for.
Point 1
Skull
The Chart Polski's skull is judged on balance rather than size — proportionate to the body, with a clean cheek and a stop typical of the breed. Coarseness or an over-refined head are both faulted.
Timeline
History & development
1200s
Early Polish sighthounds
Sighthounds descended from Asian coursing dogs arrived in Poland via trade and were adapted for local hunting.
1600s-1700s
Aristocratic coursing tradition
The Polish nobility kept and refined the breed for organised coursing of hare, fox and wolf.
1939-1945
Near extinction in wartime
The Second World War devastated the breed's population along with much of Poland's dog breeding infrastructure.
1989
Modern breed standard
A formal standard was established as part of post-war efforts to rebuild the breed.
1990s
FCI recognition
The Chart Polski gained official recognition from the FCI.
Reference
Breed standard summary
- body
- Long and muscular, with a deep chest and slightly arched loin, built for powerful galloping.
- coat
- Short to medium, hard and close-lying, denser than typical sighthound coats.
- ears
- Small, folded back, set high.
- eyes
- Large, oblique, dark, with a keen and confident expression.
- head
- Long and lean, with a slightly convex profile and strong jaws.
- size
- Dogs 70-80cm, bitches 68-75cm at the withers
- colour
- Any colour is permitted.
- temperament
- Independent, calm at home, reserved with strangers, and highly driven when coursing.
- general appearance
- A large, powerfully built sighthound, heavier and more robust than most Western greyhound-type breeds.
Health
What to screen for
Green means little to worry about, amber means ask the breeder for test results, red means manage it actively.
General information only — always speak to your vet about your own dog.
From real owners
Dogs like this
Chart Polskis added by PawPoint members through their pet passports. Share yours to appear here.
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Made for the Chart Polski
The book, plus prints, hoodies and mugs using our own Chart Polski illustration — and one everyday accessory that suits any dog.
The book
Pawpoint: The Complete Dog Breed Book
Every officially recognised breed plus the unofficial ones nobody else documents. 400+ pages, hardback, printed and shipped from the UK.
Own stock — shipped by us
Framed poster
Chart Polski Framed Poster
Museum-weight print of our Chart Polski illustration, framed or unframed.
Printed to order
Hoodie
Chart Polski Hoodie
Heavyweight hoodie carrying the Chart Polski illustration on the chest.
Printed to order
Mug
Chart Polski Mug
Ceramic mug with the Chart Polski illustration wrapped around it.
Printed to order
Accessory
Drying Towel Robe
Microfibre robe that soaks up a wet-walk shake.
Fits any dog
Pawpoint on YouTube
Watch the full Chart Polski video
Breed deep-dives, history and honest ownership talk. New film every week.
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