At a glance the quick version
The FCI standard gives no weight; Wikipedia gives 22-26 kg.
Coat and looks how to spot one
short dense coat
Harsh hair lying close to the skin over a generous undercoat that thickens in winter, with short, soft hair on the head and ears. The build is strong and athletic, made for long days on steep ground.1
Personality what they are like
A steady, gentle and genuinely courageous hound that learns well. It is not aggressive but keeps a watchful distance from strangers, so it also makes a good guardian. On the trail it gives voice, with females calling at a higher pitch.12
Daily activity how busy a day looks
High. A working scent hound bred to track game over difficult terrain, it needs plenty of daily exercise and scenting work.12
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Low-maintenance short coat; regular brushing, especially when the winter undercoat sheds.1
Home where they are happiest
Adaptable to different homes as long as its exercise needs are met.2
Food basics what goes in the bowl
A complete, balanced commercial or vet-guided diet suited to the dog's size, age and activity level, with portions adjusted to keep a lean, athletic shape and fresh water always available.
Company who they like around
Responds well to confident, consistent guidance and enjoys working with its owner.21
The story where it all began
Hunting with scent hounds is recorded in Polish writing from the 13th century, and two distinct types were known by the 17th century. After near loss following the Second World War, Józef Pawlusiewicz (1903-1979) revived the breed and wrote its first standard; FCI recognition followed in 2017.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
Recognised by the official bits
- FCI
- Standard no. 354, Group 6 (Scent hounds and related breeds), Section 1.2 Medium sized hounds. Standard dated 2017; recognised by the FCI in 2017.1
- The Royal Kennel Club
- Recognised from 1 April 2024.2
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Gończy Polski. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Bathevery 8 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
- Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- FCI Standard No. 354, Gończy Polski fci.beused for recognition, height, coat, colours, temperament, use, history
- Gończy Polski, Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for names, RKC recognition, weight, lifespan, history, fun facts
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.