Polish Hound

In Poland this hound spent centuries tracking wild boar and other big game through dense forest, work that called for a dog with real toughness. The frame runs heavier than most scenthounds, with males reaching 32 kilograms, and the short, dense coat handles cold and wet ground. The breed nearly disappeared after the Second World War and was rebuilt from the surviving stock, which is why it's still rare outside Poland today. The voice is deep, used to signal the trail to a hunter working out of sight. Its independent streak comes from working the woods largely on its own. At home it needs firm handling and plenty of exercise. Life expectancy runs 10 to 12 years.

Browse dog food sized right for this breed

Polish Hound: how old in human years?

50–65 cmHeight
22–32 kgWeight
10–12 yrsLife expectancy

Alpine Dachsbracke

FCI group: Scenthounds and Related Breeds
FCI section: Section 1.2: Scenthounds, Medium sized
FCI: 52
Country of origin: Poland

Energy level

4/5
Trainability

3/5
Family friendly

3/5
Grooming need

1/5

At a glance

Height

Males 55–65 cm

Females 50–60 cm

Weight

Males 25–32 kg

Females 22–28 kg

Life expectancy

10–12 yrs

Coat

short, dense (short)

Temperament & Family Life

Polish Hound's average temperament and family-life score for this breed is moderate.

Family friendly 3/5
Good with children 3/5
Good with other dogs 4/5
Friendly with strangers 2/5
Intelligence 4/5
Trainability 3/5

Exercise, Energy & Space

Polish Hound's energy and exercise needs are high.

Energy level 4/5
Exercise need 4/5
Apartment friendly 1/5
Prey drive 5/5
Hunting instinct 5/5

Guarding & Alertness

Polish Hound's guarding and alertness traits are moderate.

Guarding instinct 1/5
Watchfulness 3/5
Barking level 4/5

Grooming & Care

Polish Hound's grooming needs are low.

Shedding 2/5
Drooling 2/5
Grooming need 1/5

Living with the Polish Hound

The first time you hear a Polish Hound on a scent trail, you'll understand why hunters call its voice music: a deep, ringing bay that carries across the whole forest. That same voice can startle the neighbours at home, which makes this a dog better suited to a house in the country or the suburbs than to a flat.

It needs a lot of exercise every day: long walks, hikes through fields and woods, and plenty of chances to sniff and follow a trail. Its hunting instinct is very strong, so in open country its nose quickly wins over any recall; use a long line or a fenced area. It is clever but independent, so train with patience, short sessions and treats rather than a stern voice.

Bred to work alongside other hounds, it gets on very well with other dogs. With its family it is calm and devoted; with strangers it is reserved but not hostile, so don't expect a guard dog. Well exercised, it stretches out on its bed in the evening and falls asleep like a felled tree.

Grooming and coat

The Polish Hound's short, dense coat is about as easy as coats come: a rubber mitt or soft brush once a week lifts out the dead hair and brings up a shine. It sheds lightly, and forest mud mostly falls off by itself once it dries, so baths are only needed after the dog has rolled in something truly fragrant.

The drop ears deserve more attention, since they trap moisture and debris: look inside after every long outing and wipe them gently. Check the paws for thorns or seeds between the toes too, and trim the nails when you hear them clicking on the floor.

How to do it:

By age:

Health and possible conditions

We don't have reliable health information specific to this breed, so we don't list conditions here. Keep up regular vet check-ups, and if you are getting a puppy, ask the breeder about the parents' health testing.

This is general information, not veterinary advice. For your own dog's health, tests and treatment, see a vet.

Food for large breeds — cheapest per kg

This list is chosen by the breed's weight (32 kg) rather than the breed itself: shops label food by dog size, so every breed of the same size gets the same list. Prices are updated daily.

≈ 350 g of dry food a day, from €19,04 a month For a neutered, normally active 26,8 kg dog. Calculate for your dog