Gonczy Polski Breed Details
Below are details and specs for the Gonczy Polski dog breed.
Gonczy Polski Dog Breed
Ogar Pawłusiewicza
Polish Hunting Dog
Polish Scenthound
Polnischer Laufhund
The Gonczy Polski, also called the Polish Hunting Dog, is a rare breed native to Poland that is a stable, active, low-maintenance animal. Bred to hunt and track large game in the plentiful forests of Poland, these hardy, athletic dogs can easily traverse rough terrain, but also make great companions. They are ideal for an active owner that will courageously accompany you on any athletic activity. They can be a fine dog in a household with children or multiple dogs, however, unless they are brought up with them, they may do best in a single pet household. Members of this breed will respond well to training but due to a natural inclination towards dominant behavior, they require a firm and confident trainer. Gonczys are fairly low maintenance; they require average training effort, little grooming and frequent exercise. This breed is more suited to homes with yards, but will adapt to apartment living.
Gonczy Polski Breed Description
On the large side of medium-sized. Weight is 45-60 pounds; height, 20-23 inches.
Gentle, active, courageous, and stable. This breed is hard-working, and makes a great companion. Some Gonczys are known to have slight dominance issues with children and other pets, but with early training (to which they respond well), these dogs will learn proper manners, and be an excellent addition to any household.
Very low-maintenance. Little grooming is required, but this breed may need training to learn respect.
Gonczy Polski Breed History
Gonczys have existed in Poland since as early as the 1200s. Though no concrete evidence exists, this breed was likely developed from crossbreeding various hounds and pointer dogs with Mastiffs. Much of Poland at that time was covered was dense forest, and hunting was a favorite activity, so hunting dogs of this type were in great demand. Through the centuries, Gonczys became popular with the Polish aristocracy because of their great hunting and tracking skills, coupled with their excellent companionship and guarding abilities; as time went by, Gonczys gained popularity with the common folk as well.
After World War II, when this breed was nearly wiped out due to wartime hardships, breeders sought to increase their number. Of note among these breeders was Colonel Josef Pawlusiewicz. After serving in the Polish Army during the war, Pawlusiewicz became a respected cynologist; he owned several kennels during the 1950s, at which he bred Gonczy Polskis almost exclusively. Due to his work, the Zwiazek Kynologiczny w Polsce, the official Polish kennel club, formally recognized the breed in the late 20th century.
Today, Gonczys are fairly common in Poland, but are extremely rare elsewhere.
Gonczy Polski Appearance
Compact, strong, lithe, and athletic, this medium-sized breed has the perfectly constructed body for traversing harsh forest terrain, and is known for its smooth, effortless gait. Its length is a bit greater than its height, though its long neck makes it seem to stand taller. A Gonczy has a convex-shaped head, medium-length snout, and fairly large triangular ears that hang. Eyes are “slanted,” and exist in varying shades of brown. A Gonczy’s neck is quite long and muscular, chest deep, and legs are long, well-toned, and slender. The back often inclines slightly from front to rear, enhancing the breed’s streamlined appearance. The long, “saber-like” tail is carried either low or parallel to the ground, and often has a J-hook.
Gonczy Polski Colors
The images below represent the coat colors and patterns associated with Gonczy Polskis.
Black and Tan
Gonczy Polski Temperament
Gonczys are a gentle, intelligent, courageous, active breed. One word often used to describe these dogs is stable. Due to its breeding as a hunting animal, a Gonczy is very alert and has a good work ethic; even so, this breed makes an excellent family pet, as Gonczys are known for being more calm, reserved, and affectionate than other similar types of scent hounds. According to experts, this breed may have a bit of a dominance issue with children and other pets, though it will not show aggression with them; early socialization with other people and animals seems to eliminate this tendency. With their loud, booming bark and protective natures, Gonczys also make good guard dogs.
Gonczys are easily trained, and enjoy participating in obedience and agility trials. (Many Gonczys are also known for their “dog dancing” skills.) Experts suggest that early training activities is great for these animals, as these will teach the dog proper manners.
Gonczy Polski Maintenance
As hardy, robust hunting dogs, Gonczys are very low-maintenance. They require little grooming; they will need daily exercise; some training, especially to instill manners and respect, may be necessary.
Grooming Requirements
Gonczys are short-haired, and shed only moderately, so only occasional brushing is needed. Baths are necessary every 2-3 months, especially if the dog is dirty from outdoor activities.
Exercise Requirements
As a high-energy breed, a Gonczy will need a good deal of exercise. Daily outdoor activities like Frisbee and tag are best; otherwise, at least one hour-long walk each day will be required.
Living Requirements
This breed is best suited for homes with yards, but provided it has plenty of exercise, will tolerate apartment living fairly well.
Gonczy Polski Health
Life expectancy is 10-13 years. Gonczys are exceptionally healthy, but a few dogs of this breed are susceptible to elbow dysplasia, eye problems, and cancer.
Gonczy Polski Health Concerns
Below are potential health concerns associated with Gonczy Polskis.
Cancer
Elbow dysplasia
Eye problems
About this Article
Updated:June 7, 2016