Polish Hunting DogCharacteristics, history, training and care

The FCI standard says that hunting with scent hounds is mentioned in Polish literature as early as the 13th century. Poland had dense forests full of big game, and the hound was a precious helper to the hunter; chronicles from the 14th century show how highly the nobility valued it.

By the 17th century there were already at least two types of Polish hound. In 1819–1825, Jan Szytier, W. Kozłowski and Ignacy Bogatyński described them in detail; Bogatyński's description could be considered the first standard. Wikipedia says the breed came close to disappearing after the Second World War and only became known in the West after the fall of communism.

How the breed developed

• 13th century – Hunting with hounds appears in Polish literature.
• 17th century – There are at least two types of Polish hound.
• 1819–1825 – The first detailed descriptions of the breed appear.
• After 1945 – The breed is close to extinction.
• 7 November 2017 – The FCI recognises the breed.

Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. The breed has no AKC profile; the rating is based on the FCI standard (“steady and gentle, courageous, intelligent, easy to train, an excellent guard”) and on Wikipedia.

Wikipedia describes it as a medium-sized, sturdy and athletic hound that copes easily with rough ground. It is bred for tracking big game.

General appearance

On the body, the hair is harsh and close-lying, with a rich undercoat that is thicker in winter and thinner in summer. On the head and ears, the hair is short and soft. When hunting, its voice has a characteristic melody, with varied intonations.

The standard accepts black and tan (the tan clearly separated from the black and very intense), brown (chocolate) and tan and red, with a black, brown or flesh-coloured nose.

The standard describes it as steady and gentle, truly courageous, intelligent and easy to train, not aggressive but distrustful of strangers. Besides its hunting qualities, it is an excellent guard dog.

Wikipedia says it responds well to training but needs firm, confident handling, as it has a tendency towards dominance. It can get on with children and other animals if it is properly socialised.

Tips for effective training

• Be firm and confident. Wikipedia says it tends towards dominance.
• Socialise it early. It is distrustful of strangers.
• Practise the recall. It is a passionate hound.
• Think of the neighbours. Wikipedia says it has a powerful bark.

Wikipedia says it is ideal for active owners and thrives in homes with plenty of opportunities for exercise and adventure. It can live with a large yard or in a flat, as long as it gets enough exercise.

Tips for a balanced life

• Keep it on a lead outside the yard.
• It suits an active, firm owner.
• It copes well with cold.

Coat and skin care

Wikipedia says it needs very little grooming. Brushing once a week is enough, more often during the moult.

Common health problems

There are no published health studies for the breed and no specific diseases are known. Worth watching for:

Other care

• Check the ears after every outing.
• Check for ticks after walks in the forest.
• Trim the nails if they do not wear down on their own.

An active hound needs good-quality food. The portion is matched to its weight and level of effort.

Tips for a healthy diet

The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.

• Split the food into two meals a day.
• Fresh water should always be available.
• A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs without pressing hard.

Foods to avoid

Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.

Physical and emotional maturity

In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months, but in large breeds it can be delayed until about two years. The body also reaches its adult form later than in small breeds.

Mating and pregnancy

Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.

Caring for the puppies

In large breeds, a litter has around 7 puppies on average. Socialisation starts in the first weeks: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.

• 800 years old. Hunting with hounds appears in Polish literature from the 13th century.
• The nobles' dog. The Polish nobility greatly valued hunting with hounds.
• A melodious voice. When hunting, it gives tongue with a characteristic melody.
• A guard as well. The standard says it is also an excellent guard dog.
• Recognised recently. The FCI recognised it in 2017.

Where does the Gończy Polski come from?

From Poland, from dense forests full of big game.

How big does it get?

Males measure 55–59 cm and females 50–55 cm at the withers.

Is it a family dog?

It can be, for an active, firm family; it is gentle but distrustful of strangers.

How long does it live?

Wikipedia gives 10–13 years.