Gończy Polski

Aliases Polish Hunting Dog, Polish Scenthound, Polish Scent Hound Height (Males) 21.7-23.2 inches (55-59cm) Height (Females 19.7-21.7 inches (50-55cm) Grooming Minimal Shedding Average Origin Poland Group Hounds Recognition FCI, DRA

The Gończy Polski is a scent hound dog breed originating in Poland.

General appearance
A lithe dog of compact construction. The bone structure is strong but not heavy. The build implies a great aptitude for mobility and an obvious disposition to resist difficult working conditions in mountainous regions.

Temperament
Stable and gentle. This dog is truly courageous and can even demonstrate proof of bravery. He is intelligent and easy to educate. Not aggressive but remaining wary towards strangers. To his qualities as a hunting dog, must be added those of an excellent feace.

History
Hunting with scent hounds was referred to in Polish literature as early as the XIIIth 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 XIVth century chronicles. In the XVIIth 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, 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.

Temperament

The Gonczy Polski is a very active dog, always ready to work. Hunters use this type of dog for wild boar and for tracking. It is a sporty type of dog. The Gonczy likes agility, frisbee, sport tracking etc. They are 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.

Health Problems: Generally a healthy breed

Living Conditions: Will do okay in an apartment if sufficiently exercised, but does best with at least an average-sized yard.

Exercise

The Gonczy is very energetic and needs thorough frequent exercise. They need 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. They will also thrive on some type of sporty activity.