7 Polish Dog Breeds: A Complete Guide (With Pictures)
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The gorgeous country of Poland is mostly known for pierogi, Chopin, and Kielbasa sausages, but they have also provided the world with some beautiful dogs.
Here are 7 dog breeds that originated in Poland in alphabetical order:
The 7 Polish Dog Breeds
1. Polish Greyhound
The Polish Greyhound is a part of the United Kennel Club’s (UKC) Sighthound & Pariah Dog Group. It also goes by the name of Chart Polski. The Polish Greyhound was used for hunting roe deer, wolf, bustard (medium to large game birds), fox, and hare.
They are large, powerful dogs and tend to be more muscled and heavier than most other sighthounds. The Polish Greyhound has a rough but short coat, and it comes in blue, beige, and black and tan. They are confident, courageous, and energetic dogs that are reserved with strangers and other animals but get along nicely with children.
2. Polish Hound
The Polish Hound also goes by the name Ogar Polski and is classified in the UKC’s Scenthound Group. They originated as a mix of Bloodhounds with local Polish hounds and are a more athletic and lighter version of the Bloodhound.
The Polish Hound is large in size with typically long, hound ears and is usually bi-colored in black and tan, brown and tan, or gray and tan with a short, smooth double coat. They are gentle, friendly, and affectionate dogs that are great with children and have lots of energy to burn.
3. Polish Hunting Dog
The Polish Hunting Dog is also called the Gończy Polski and is a member of the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI), which is the World Canine Organisation. The FCI has classified the Hunting Dog as a Scent Hound and Medium-Sized Hound. They have been used as tracking dogs since the 13th century and are large and strong dogs.
The Polish Hunting Dog has a double coat that is smooth and short and is black and tan, red, and brown in color. They are brave, gentle, and intelligent dogs that are reserved with strangers but affectionate with their families.
4. Polish Hunting Spaniel
The Polish Hunting Spaniel (also called the Polski Spaniel Myśliwski) is classified by the FCI as Retrievers, Water Dogs, and Flushing Dogs. They were developed in the 19th century for searching, flushing, and retrieving ducks.
The Polish Hunting Spaniel is medium-sized with feathering on its long ears, underbelly, backs of the legs, and tail. They have a double coat with medium-length fur that is usually roan (a darker color that is lightened with a mixture of white hairs) with larger patches in chocolate, and the tail is usually tipped in white. They are intelligent, brave, and energetic dogs that make amazing family pets.
5. Polish Lowland Sheepdog
The Polish Lowland Sheepdog is the only fully Polish dog recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and is also known as Polski Owczarek Nizinny, or PON, and falls into the Herding Group. It is believed to be a contributor to the genetic makeup of the Scottish Bearded Collie.
The PON is medium in size and has a double coat with a very shaggy outer coat and is water-resistant and comes in a large variety of colors. They are lively, gentle, and confident dogs that are wary of strangers but enjoy playing with children and other animals.
6. Polish Tatra Sheepdog
The Polish Tatra Sheepdog is also known as the Owczarek Podhalanski and is classified by the FCI as a part of the Guardian Dog Group. They have acted as guardians of livestock in the mountains of Podhale for hundreds of years but have also been guard dogs as well as working for the military and police.
The Polish Tatra Sheepdog is quite large and is a robust, muscular dog. They have dense, double coats that are all white with wavy, long fur. They are independent dogs that might remain aloof unless they are raised to be companions for the family. The Polish Tatra is intelligent, calm, and gentle.
7. Pomeranian Dog
The Pomeranian is a Polish and German breed and is the smallest spitz dog. They were especially popular with Queen Victoria, who bred and exhibited these tiny dogs, which led to their current popularity.
The Pomeranian only weighs about 3 to 7 pounds and has a thick double coat with its famous “lion’s mane” of fluff around its neck and shoulders. They come in a very wide variety of colors but are most commonly seen in red or orange. Poms are lively, intelligent, and active dogs that love to play with older children.
Additional Info
Conclusion: Polish Dogs
Perhaps one of these dogs will make the perfect companion for you and your family, but bear in mind that many of these breeds are rare in North America. Polish dogs all have double coats that come in a wide variety of colors and textures, and they are as unique and beautiful as the country they come from.
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Featured Image: Roman Mikhailiuk, Shutterstock
