Polish — breed guide
The crest genuinely blocks its vision — it startles easily because it often cannot see you coming.
At a glance
- Group
- bantam
- Size
- Small
- Weight
- 1–3 kg (2–7 lb)
- Life span
- 5–8 years
- Coat
- Enormous feathered crest
Living with a Polish
- Moderate energy — a proper walk every day.
- Regular grooming — brushing a few times a week.
- Light shedding.
- Can be stubborn.
- Vocal when there is a reason.
- Good with children.
- Gets along with other dogs.
- Can live with a cat, with a slow introduction and an escape route for the cat.
- Not well suited to a flat — space, exercise need or voice works against it.
- Better with previous experience behind you.
- Average heat tolerance.
- Average cold tolerance.
Temperament
Flighty · Curious · Comic
Health to watch
- Crest injuries
- Mites in the crest
- Poor vision
Owner-logged information shared via Leash Life is not veterinary advice; ask your vet about screening for these.
Questions people ask
Is a Polish good with kids?
Generally yes. Polishs are usually good with children when raised with them and given their own quiet space.
Is a Polish good with cats?
It can work, with management. Introduce them gradually, feed them apart, and make sure the cat has vertical space the dog cannot reach. Plan to manage it rather than assume it.
How much exercise does a Polish need?
A real walk every day, around 30–60 minutes.
Can a Polish handle hot weather?
About average — use normal hot-day sense.
Leash Life keeps a Polish's day — walks, meals, meds, weight — in one shared feed for the whole household, and warns on the walk weather this breed can't take. Free to start.