The events near the central town of Zgierz featured multiple breeds running at speed after a mechanical lure on grass courses.
"Sighthounds love to run and that is what they were made for,” said race commissioner Zuzanna Alto, speaking to Poland's PAP news agency.
Sighthounds are a family of dogs bred to hunt by sight and speed rather than by scent.
In Poland, sighthound racing is organized under rules recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), the International Canine Federation.
Local clubs operate under the Polish Kennel Club (ZKwP).
The weekend was split by size and breed, with the first day for lighter dogs such as whippets and basenjis, and the second day for larger breeds including Polish greyhounds, Afghan hounds, borzois, and Irish wolfhounds.
Each breed ran in its own class. Coursing, the sport seen at these meetings, means dogs chase an artificial lure across an open course. It replaces live game, which is not used.
'The best part is that the dogs truly love this'
Judges are responsible for safety and for scoring style, drive and pursuit.
“Our task is to evaluate the dogs, but first to keep them safe,” said national judge Anna Krajewska. “We look at running style, engagement, and the desire to chase. The best part is that the dogs truly love this sport.”
Poland’s scene is expressly amateur. Unlike in the United Kingdom and Ireland, betting is not part of the sport.
Prizes are typically trophies and dog food.
“We do this for the dogs, to meet their needs. This is not a way to make money, it is a passion,” said trainer Krzysztof Nowak.
Sighthounds have a long history in Poland. They were once hunting companions to the nobility, then declined under communist rule when hunting with sighthounds was banned.
Enthusiasts revived the Polish greyhound in the 1970s, and today the breeds compete in sport rather than hunt.
Popular entries include whippets, which can reach roughly 40 miles per hour, and greyhounds, which can exceed that speed.
Basenjis, an ancient African breed that yodels rather than barks, are a newer addition to Polish start lists.
'Made for movement'
Handlers describe the dogs as athletes on the field and gentle companions at home. They require regular exercise in secure areas because of their chase instinct, along with socialization and “cooperative care” training to accept grooming and veterinary checks.
“A sighthound needs its time filled,” Rawicki said. “It was made for movement and for running. Without activity, frustration can build.”
Race organizers say the calendar now includes meetings in places such as Zgierz, Bytom, in Poland's south, and venues on the Baltic coast, drawing large fields and spectators.
“More people understand sighthounds, their drives and needs,” Nowak said. “These dogs teach patience, humility, and respect.”
According to the Polish Kennel Club, registrations are rising, which points to steady interest in the sport and in the breeds themselves.
“The happiest thing to see is the look in a dog’s eyes when it is allowed to do what it loves most," Alto said.
(rt/gs)
Source: PAP