Polish Hound (Brachet Polonais)

The tireless adventurer, ideal for adventurers who love action and wide open spaces.

🏞 History

The Polish Hound has a rich history! This dog has existed since the 13th century, used by Polish nobles to track large game. In terms of origins, it is a mix between the Saint Hubert Hound and local breeds. The result? An ultra-enduring hunter, built for adventure and always ready to go on an expedition.

🐕 Breed Profile

Muscular but not massive, the Polish Hound is designed for endurance, not for sprinting. It has an exceptional tracking instinct, but if you’re looking for a playful dog… pass your turn! It’s a hard worker above all, not a lap dog. It loves to follow a trail, explore, and let off steam in nature.

🔍 In Brief

• Hypoallergenic: No

• Weight: 25-32 kg (males), 20-26 kg (females)

• Height: 56-65 cm (males), 54-60 cm (females)

• Life expectancy: 10-12 years

• Need for physical activity: 2 to 3 hours per day (and that’s non-negotiable)

❤️ Personality & Compatibility

• Intelligent: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

• Affectionate: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆

• Protective: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

• Playful: ⭐☆☆☆☆ (clearly not a fan of frisbees)

• Vocalizations (barking): ⭐☆☆☆☆ (rather quiet)

• Obedient: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

• Hunter: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (that's its job)

• Calm: ⭐⭐☆☆☆

• Athletic: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (marathon level)

• Independent: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆

Compatibility:

• Children: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (okay if well-trained)

• Animals: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (socialization needed)

• Strangers: ⭐☆☆☆☆ (rather wary)

• Apartment: ⭐☆☆☆☆ (next! It needs a garden or better... a forest!)

🏡 Lifestyle

The Gonczy Polski is a true hunting dog, not a couch dog. It needs a large space to explore and let off steam. Confinement = frustration, anxiety, and possible destruction (RIP your furniture). To avoid this, a fenced garden and plenty of exercise are essential.

🛠 Hygiene & Care

• Maintenance difficulty: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆

• Maintenance cost: ⭐⭐☆☆☆

• Maintenance frequency: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆

💰 Budget

• Purchase price: 500-700 €

• Average annual cost: 1000-1500 € (food, veterinary, accessories)