Sakhalin Husky vs Chart Polski - Breed Comparison

Known also as the Karafuto-Ken, the Sakhalin Husky is a dog that has been used as a sled dog, but which is now almost extinct.

Hailing from Japan, it is believed that in 2011, there were only two surviving members of the breed in Japan. There isn’t much history on these dogs, but we do know that it is an old breed. They've been used by explorers to the South Pole. One such explorer was Robert Falcon Scott.

They’re extremely tough dogs, known for enduring in the snow under extreme conditions. The dog breed isn’t recognized as a standardized breed by any of the major kennel clubs.

The Chart Polski dog is a member of the Greyhound family and comes from Poland. He is an old dog breed dating way back to the 1600s.

The dog also goes by other names such as the Polish Sighthound and the Polish Greyhound. The dog looks quite similar to the English Greyhound and has been used as a hunting dog. With his exceptional speed, he has been able to run down prey.

The Chart Polski has always been seen in privileged classes, and after dying out to some extent, it became popular again in the 1970s. It is looked upon as a companion dog essentially while also still being used for hunting in Poland.

Today, the Polish Kennel Club as well as the Federation Cynologique Internationale, and the United Kennel Club recognize the breed.

This is a medium sized dog standing at between 56 and 66cm in height and weighing between 30 and 40kg. His coat is thick and can be in a number of colours such as brown, tan, cream, grey or black. The ears are small and pointed and slightly tilted forwards. The tail is long and sometimes curls over the back while at other times it is held straight or down.

Temperament:

These dogs are known for their loyalty, affection and bravery. The dog is highly intelligent and will respond well to training and socialization.

It's a rare dog breed, calm and confident. A perfect example of their amazing characteristics is seen in the film ‘Eight Below’ where these wonderful dogs were left behind on a scientific expedition that went wrong.

The dogs had to struggle for survival in the frozen wilderness. The Sakhalin Husky just wants to please, and is alert and intelligent, doing well in a family where there are children.

Statues have been erected to honor these Sakhalin Huskies who died on some of these ill-fated expeditions.

These dogs are totally devoted to their owners and they’re full of confidence, they’ve got immense strength and they need a lot of physical stimulation every day.

The Chart Polski looks similar to other sighthound breeds, and is a large breed, standing at between 68-80cm and weighing between 26 and 32kg. He is well muscled, slender and lean.

The face is typically long and narrow, although the muzzle is somewhat blunter than most sighthounds. His coat is short and sleek and can be in colors such as white, tan, black or a combination of these. His eyes are large and dark brown, the ears medium sized and narrow and usually folded back while the tail is long and curved at the tip.

Temperament: 

The Chart Polski’s temperament is somewhat different to most sighthounds and he is thought to be more gentler and evenly tempered. He is loving and affectionate and will form a close bone with his human family.

He is confident, stubborn and strong-willed, and because he has been used for hunting, he has also got some aggressive tendencies towards other animals. He will need training and socialization to ensure he is good around other pets in the home as well as with children.

He becomes obedient and responsive with this training and socialization. He is a territorial breed, being protective around what he considers his own property and will make a good watchdog.

When you bring these dogs into your home, you’re bringing in lots of excellent characteristics.

He is loyal, affectionate and smart. With his above average intelligence, you can easily train him. He is also a playful breed and the kids will enjoy him as a good playmate.

They’re gentle dogs too and will do well in a home where people are fair, patient, kind and consistent with their handling of him. Known to be an excellent therapy dog, having this dog in your home will enhance your quality of life.

Your Chart Polski or Polish Greyhound promises to be a loving, devoted pet that fits in well to a family that will give him good exercise and look after him well.

He isn’t as gentle as other hounds and can therefore make a good watchdog too. He is territorial and wants to protect all those he regards as his own.

Train him and socialize him, and you will see that this intelligent, independent and self-confident dog can become obedient and also relaxed around people as well as other pets in the home, making him a splendid pet for those who admire these tall, slender dogs.

The brave Sakhalin Husky can live to be between 12 and 14 years of age but these dogs can succumb to quite a few of the common dog diseases there are -

Corneal Dystrophy:

This is a hereditary disease of the cornea. You’ll see small white dots in his cornea and the dog can experience hazy vision.

Hip Dysplasia:

This problem with the hips can be debilitating for your sled dog, and both hips can be affected. It can be painful for your dog as arthritis sets in. It is important to see that your dogs don’t put on weight as this puts pressure on the joints. Your dog will need to see the vet, and surgery might be a treatment option.

Follicular Dysplasia:

This is a condition that affects Huskies between 3 and 4 months of age and can result in hair loss or problems with the skin. It is actually fairly rare in dogs and diagnosed by microscopic examination of the hair shaft. You will need to get your pet to the vet because it can lead to alopecia.

The Chart Polski can live to be 10 – 12 years when he gets his full quota of care in terms of good diet, exercise, love and care and a nice dry, warm place to sleep.

He isn’t known to have any specific health issues that could shorten his life, but by knowing about some of the common dog ailments there are, you can watch your pet and even prevent some risks.

Periodontal Disease:

People often think that bad teeth can’t do much harm, but tartar build-up can progress to gum disease, to the roots of the teeth and to damaging other parts of the body such as kidney-, liver- and heart.

Infections:

Bacterial and viral infections are a threat to any dog, and rabies and parvo for instance can take your pet’s life. Remember that terrible diseases such as these can be prevented through having your dog vaccinated.

Parasites:

Dogs are open to getting all kinds of parasites inside- as well as outside on the skin. Hookworm, roundworm, fleas and ticks are examples of these parasites that can get into your pet’s system through dirty food,water and bites from mosquitoes. Some of these parasites can even be transmitted to you.

If your pet is in any way run down, get him to a vet immediately as there is an effective treatment.

Diet:

Feed your Sakhalin Husky a commercially manufactured dog formula that caters to his energy and digestive needs.

Choose high-quality dog food with natural ingredients. Try and include some home-made food into your dogs diet. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta, sweet potatoes, carrots and spinach will do him wonders and you can chop it up and add some into the dry kibble as a treat twice a week.

Some raw meat occasionally is also important to prevent skin problems. Be sure that cool, fresh water is available for your pet at all times.

Exercise:

This will require regular exercise. Walks are always good, but he will require something more hectic such as long hikes and frisbee or ball throwing games.

Grooming:

A Husky’s dense double-coat must be brushed at least twice a week as he is a fairly heavy shedder.

His nails grow quickly and these will need to be trimmed. Even though he has erect ears, you will need to check inside for cleanliness to avoid canine ear infections.

Check inside his mouth as well for bad teeth as these can have a detrimental affect on his health

The Chart Polski was bred as a hunting dog and to run at top speed to bring down its prey. Today, he is tall and lean and still loves to run, and will therefore require a good deal of exercise.

Don’t let his slender build deceive you because he is powerful and will need a walk every day and be given the opportunity to run. He will happily accompany you when you go running or cycling. Left un-exercised, he will become frustrated and aggressive and even destructive, so as a responsible dog owner, it is up to you to ensure he is well exercised.

Diet:

The Chart Polski is a large breed puppy and they tend to grow fast at first. You want to make sure that he doesn’t put on weight too quickly as this puts them at risk for skeletal development problems later on such as hip- and elbow dysplasia. Speak to your veterinarian about feeding your puppy correctly so that he grows slowly, allowing his bones and joints to develop strongly and healthily.

Your adult Chart Polski will also need a special diet that caters for his size and energy levels. Remember to include some raw meat into his diet occasionally as well, as this will help him steer clear of dry, allergic skin conditions. Always ensure that he has access to fresh, cool water.

Grooming:

As a hunting dog, you’ll find the Chart Polski to require little grooming. No trimming or stripping is required for his short coat and you’ll simply need to brush him down twice a week.