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Polish Hound
Other Names | Ogar Polski |
Country of Origin | Poland |
Weight | 55 - 71 lbs. (25 - 32 kg) |
Height (at withers) | 22 - 26 in. (56 - 66 cm) |
Coat | Double coat with medium-length, thick outercoat and dense undercoat. |
Colour | Black or dark grey body with tan head and ears. |
Litter Size | 4 - 6 puppies |
Life Span | 11 - 14 years |
Origin & History | F.B. Laska (1907), described Polish hounds as descended from the Kostroma Hound (the Hound of Tatars). According to other historians, the Polish Hounds developed through crossbreeding of Bloodhounds (the St Hubert Hound), imported to Poland in the Middle Ages, with local hounds. Jan Szytier (1819) wrote about the "Polish Hound" and the "Polish Scent Hound" in his "Hunting Guide" (Poradnik Myśliwych). World War II resulted in the decline of the Polish Hounds' population. The attempts to revive the breed led to the emergence of two types: light-boned (bred by Colonel Józef Pawłusiewicz) and heavier-boned (bred by Colonel Piotr Kartawik). The latter one was recognized by the FCI as the "Ogar Polski" in 1966. |
Personality | The Polish Hound's voice is often described as resonant and pure which makes it an ideal hunting dog. The Polish Hound matures slowly. Intelligent and easily trained, Polish Hounds are known to be calm, affectionate animals and great pets. Friendly with other breeds and very loyal, these dogs are also very protective of their land. It is unclear as to whether this breed makes a good guard dog. Many argue that its territorial nature makes it defensive against intruders, while other state that its passive nature renders it harmless to new people. Resilient to environment due to their origin of use, the Polish Hound acclimates quickly to new settings. |
Care Requirements
Health | There are no known breed-specific health concerns. |
Grooming | Just brush regularly with a firm bristle brush and bathe only when necessary. A rub with a piece of toweling or chamois will leave the coat gleaming. Check the feet also, especially after the dog has been exercising or working. Dry the dog thoroughly after hunting to prevent chilling. Examine the ears regularly. This breed is an average shedder. |
Exercise | Exercise is of paramount importance for these tireless, energetic animals. They are more than a match for even the most active family and they should not be taken on as family pets unless they can be guaranteed plenty of vigorous exercise, including a daily, brisk, long walk or jog. While out on the walk the dog must be made to heel beside or behind the person holding the lead, as in a dog's mind the leader leads the way, and that leader needs to be the human. If under-exercised, this breed can become restless and destructive. |
Other Considerations | These dogs are not recommended for apartment life. They are moderately active indoors and do best with acreage. As many other races of this group is a dog hunter, exclusive countryside environments and that has not been used in other purposes. Within this hunting breed is described as "trace and shows (by its smell so). It is used for both hunting hair (rabbits, hares, etc.). As for the feather (birds). It is perfect for hunting in any terrain (hard as it is) because it has an enviable physical endurance and speed. |