Longevity
Life expectancy
With good breeding conditions, an appropriate diet and well-managed exercise, the Polish Greyhound generally lives between 12 and 14 years, which constitutes an appreciable longevity for a large-sized dog.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
Its build is solid and its overall hardiness is good, which makes it a dog capable of withstanding regular activity. This robustness does not exempt it from rigorous veterinary follow-up, especially during growth and in adulthood to prevent locomotor and digestive disorders.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
Health vigilance relies mainly on prevention, observation of movement, maintaining a stable weight and managing meals around exercise. In this large deep-chested sighthound, any digestive or locomotor discomfort must be taken seriously quickly.
Hip dysplasia: A joint malformation that can impair locomotion and promote osteoarthritis in large dogs.
Elbow dysplasia: A joint development disorder that can cause pain, lameness and premature wear.
Glaucoma: A serious eye condition linked to an increase in intraocular pressure, requiring prompt care.
Gastric torsion: A life-threatening emergency promoted by large size and a deep chest, hence the benefit of splitting meals and avoiding exertion around feeding.
Cardiomyopathy: A condition affecting the heart muscle to be monitored depending on bloodlines and clinical signs.
Hypothyroidism: A hormonal disorder that may manifest as fatigue, weight gain and coat changes.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
The Polish Greyhound tolerates cold moderately and copes less well with high heat. In summer, exertion should be shifted to cooler hours with constant access to water, while in winter a dog that is not very active or exposed to wind for a long time may need additional protection depending on the conditions.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
This dog must remain lean and muscular rather than heavy. Excess weight puts strain on its joints, its movement and its endurance, hence the importance of adjusting rations to its actual activity and regularly monitoring its silhouette.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Have growth and weight monitored by the veterinarian.
- Consult promptly in case of lameness, a painful eye, or a swollen abdomen.
- Maintain regular activity without violent exertion after meals.
Vaccination
Polish Greyhound vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Polish Greyhound need? Like all dogs, Polish Greyhounds should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Polish Greyhound vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on their lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All animals |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughDepending on lifestyle Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisDepending on lifestyle Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult Polish Greyhound booster shots are given annually for leptospirosis and rabies. For distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog's actual risk.
Which boosters does your Polish Greyhound need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing well
Adopting a healthy Polish Greyhound
Screening of hips and elbows in breeding dogs is relevant, with particular attention paid to the eyes and the heart depending on the lines. Regular clinical examination also makes it possible to detect early abnormal digestive or locomotor signs.
This information is for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
