Let's talk Polish Hounds
A picture of power and proportion, Polish Hounds are a popular breed in their native Poland and, as yet, little-known everywhere else. With physical prowess and a typically loyal and even-tempered character, it’s easy to see why these onetime noble working dogs have become a beloved family companion in their country of origin. As stamina rather than speed is their key physical trait, a Polish Hound is your perfect canine match if your ideal day out is a proper hike. Especially if you have time to let their sharp nose lead you on yet another adventure!Official name: Polish Hound
Other names: Ogar Polski
Origins: Poland
| Drooling tendencies |
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Warm weather? |  |
| Shedding level |  |
Suited to apartment living? |  |
| Energy level (high, low, medium)*: | Moderate | Family pet? |
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| Compatibility with other pets | |
Can stay alone?* |
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*We advise against leaving pets alone for long stretches.
Companionship can prevent emotional distress and destructive behaviour. Speak to your veterinarian for recommendations.
Every pet is different, even within a breed; this snapshot of this breed’s specifics should be taken as an indication.
For a happy, healthy and well-behaved pet, we recommend educating and socialising your pet as well as covering their basic welfare, social and behavioural needs.
Pets should never be left unsupervised with a child.
Contact your breeder or veterinarian for further advice.
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56 - 65 cm
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25 - 32 kg
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translations.feature.breeds.female
55 - 60 cm
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20 - 26 kg
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| Baby age: | Birth to 2 months |
| Puppy age: | 2 to 15 months |
| Adult age: | 15 months to 5 years |
| Mature age: | 5 to 8 years |
| Senior age: | From 8 years |
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Get to know the Polish Hound
All you need to know about the breed
A muscular hero with a beautiful tan-and-black-hued sleek coat plus stroke-worthy large drooping ears, small wonder the Polish Hound has long been a poster dog for the country, depicted throughout history on paintings and coats of arms. One of Poland’s five native dog breeds, Polish Hounds originally worked as hunting dogs for the aristocratic classes. Today, their combination of size plus their keen sense of stranger danger make the Polish Hound an excellent, statuesque guard dog for your home.
Although wary of people they don’t know, with the right training they’re a gentle breed, generally described as affectionate, devoted to their owner and easygoing in nature. And they’re just as easy to look after, with minimal grooming needed.
As a dog formerly bred to run up ahead and alert everyone else when they found something, they do seem to like the sound of their own bark. But that could come in useful if ever their exceptional nose has led the whole family off on a longer, scenic route and it’s time to track everyone down to head home.
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2 facts about Polish Hounds
1. What’s in a name?
Everyone can agree on their appeal, yet not on how they got their Polish name, Ogar. One theory suggests Ogar comes from the Polish word ‘ogorzały’ which means ‘tawny’, referring to the tan colour of the Polish Hound’s fur.
2. What’s in a bark?
The Polish Hound can also split opinion when it comes to the sound of their bark. Described as everything from “melodic” to “deafening,” it seems that they do like to hear themselves bark. As their bark is lower-pitched in male Polish hounds and higher in females, this may be something to take into consideration when choosing a Polish Hound. As is your proximity to neighbours.
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History of the breed
As with many older breeds, the Polish Hound’s exact origins are uncertain. Believed to have German and Austrian ancestry, we can follow the Polish Hound’s trail throughout the country’s literature from Middle Age tomes: 14th century chronicles refer to Ogar hounds bred for the royal hunt, while they were first fully described in a 1779 historical record of Poland’s natural history and farming. By the time dog shows were being held in 19th century Poland, majestic Polish Hounds were highly prized. Their popularity among the noble classes earned their place in culture, with Polish Hounds depicted everywhere from coats of arms to seals and paintings.
After centuries of cultural primetime however, wartime nearly spelled the end for the Polish Hound as a breed. Poland’s newly-drawn borders after the Second World War meant very few remained. In 1959, a colonel established the first post-war Polish Hound kennel, introducing four Polish Hounds from further east, in what is modern-day Belarus. This kennel formed the basis for the recognition of the Polish Hound by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale in 1966.
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From head to tail
Physical characteristics of Polish Hounds
1. Tan
A mostly tan head with slightly darker ears.Tan on chest and thighs. black or dark grey on body.
2. Body
Heavy-set and muscular.
3. Ears
Low-set ears, fairly long, hanging freely, slightly rounded at the tips.
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Things to look out for
From specific breed traits to a general health overview, here are some interesting facts about your Polish Hound
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Caring for your Polish Hound
Grooming, training and exercise tips
With their short coat and moderate level of shedding, when it comes to grooming your Polish Hound is among the easiest dogs to look after—with a once-weekly brush down required. Ears should be cleaned and dried and nails clipped regularly, and teeth should be cleaned often to offset plaque build-up. Your Polish Hound is born for endurance, not speed, so rather than a running partner, you will have the perfect exercise companion if you prefer to take a hike. They require one to three hours a day to burn off that energy. Beware of their exceptionally keen nose though, as this can lead them, and you, in all directions. When it comes to training young Polish Hounds, straightforward is the order of the day! Early socialisation is key for your puppy to help educate them out of their natural instinct to chase—particularly if you have other animals in the home. To help keep their muscular form, take any training rewards out of their daily kibble allowance.7/7
All about Polish Hounds
Loyal and even-tempered, after training the Polish Hound makes for a near-perfect family pet. One thing to keep in mind is that, as a one-time working dog, their very vocal talents as a guard dog could impact your popularity in the neighbourhood.
With the right training, your Polish Hound’s typically gentle and affectionate nature extends to their interactions with other canines. However, it’s very much in their nature to chase, so they’re perhaps not the best match if your household is also home to cats or other little furry friends.
Read more on this topic
How to adopt a dog
Things to consider before getting a dog
Sources
1 - Veterinary Centers of America https://vcahospitals.com/
2 - Royal Canin Dog Encyclopaedia. Ed 2010 and 2020
3 - Banfield Pet Hospital https://www.banfield.com/
4 - Royal Canin BHN Product Book
5 - American Kennel Club https://www.akc.org/