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A symbol of Polish history, the powerful and self-assured Chart Polski, or Polish Greyhound, has been a part of Polish life since the 13th century. A working dog to the core, this athletic, tireless breed's primary focus was, and is, to hunt hare, fox, deer, bustard (a large cranelike bird) and even wolves in Poland's challenging climate. The courageous Chart Polski is fast, skillful and untiring during the chase, and it reacts quickly and decisively upon catching its prey. During the 19th and 20th centuries, two world wars and political and economic devastation in the area severely decimated the number of these graceful hunters. Thanks to the Chart Polski's skills as a hardy, talented, silent courser, though, a few of these dogs were preserved, scattered throughout the countryside. In 1972, interest in the breed was renewed; in 1981, 30 dogs were registered with the Polish kennel club; and in 2001, the Federation Cynologique Internationale accepted the Chart Polski. A tall, lean, muscular hound with strong jaws, this dog has a long, sickle-curved tail, and expressive, almond-shaped brown eyes with a lively and penetrating gaze. Males are ideally 28 to 32 inches at the withers, females slightly smaller. The Chart Polski's harsh, springy coat varies in length, featuring longer breeches and a brushy tail. Weekly brushing will keep the coat neat. Like most sighthounds, this energetic breed requires positive training, and at minimum, daily leashed walks and once weekly off-leash sprints in a safe, fenced area. It is a loving family member, but is downright suspicious of strangers.