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Breed Characteristics
1 paw - breed exhibits the least amount of this characteristic
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Gonczy Polski
| Other Names | Polish Hunting Dog |
| Country of Origin | Poland |
| Weight | 48.5 - 59.5 lbs. (22 - 27 kg) |
| Height (at withers) | Males: 21.7 - 23.2 in. (55 - 59 cm) Females: 19.7 - 21.7 in. (50 - 55 cm) |
| Coat | Double-coat with harsh, close-lying outercoat and abundant undercoat. |
| Colour | Black and tan, brown and tan, red; small white markings are acceptable. |
| Litter Size | 2 - 8 puppies, average 4 - 5 |
| Life Span | 12 - 14 years |
| Origin & History | Hunting with scent hounds was referred to in Polish literature as early as the 13th century. Poland has always been a country covered by deep forests, full of big game where the scent hound was the precious auxiliary of the hunter. Hunting with scent hounds was highly esteemed by Polish nobility as attested by 14th century chronicles. In the 17th century, at least two different types of Polish scent hounds were already well distinguished. Detailed descriptions are found in 19th century hunting literature: in 1819 Jan Szytier (Poradnik Mysliwych) describes the Polish “brach” and the Polish scent hound; in 1821, in the magazine “Sylwan”, W.Kozlowski gives a description and provides illustrations of both types, the Polish “brach” (heavier) and the Polish scent hound (lighter); the very detailed description of Ignacy Bogatynski (1823–1825, Nauka Lowiectwa) could be used as the first breed standard. After the first World War, the Polish scent hound was still used for hunting in Poland; in the eastern regions but especially in the mountains on particularly difficult terrains. In the Podkarpacle region, the famous Polish cynologist, Jozef Pawuslewicz (1903–1979) hunted with Polish scent hounds; he was engaged in the development of breeding this dog. He wrote the first Breed Standard and it is thanks to him that these dogs were officially registered by the Polish Cynological Association. |
| Personality | The Gonczy Polski is a very active dog, always ready to work. Hunters use this type of dog for hunting wild boar and for tracking. It is a sporty type of dog. The Gonczy likes agility, Frisbee, sport tracking, etc. It is also quite good in obedience and dog dance. Be sure to provide plenty of daily exercise, and be your dog's firm, but calm, confident, consistent pack leader to avoid behavior issues. Proper human to canine communication is essential. |
Care Requirements
| Health | Generally a healthy breed. |
| Grooming | The Gonczy needs little grooming and is an average shedder. |
| Exercise | The Gonczy is very energetic and needs thorough, frequent exercise. It needs to be taken on a daily, long walk or jog where the dog is made to heel beside or behind the person holding the lead, as instinct tells a dog the leader leads the way and that leader needs to be the human. It will also thrive on some type of sporty activity. |
| Other Considerations | Will do okay in an apartment if sufficiently exercised, but does best with at least an average-sized yard. |
