Scenthound Large size 25-32 kg
Polish Ogar
A steady, deep-voiced tracking hound that needs space and daily scentwork - its independence and baying are trade-offs for close-neighbor living.
Match with your household
See match detail → Quick overview
Large
Size
25-32 kg, 55-65 cm tall
High
Activity
Endurance hunter that needs long daily exercise
Low
Alone-time tolerance
A pack hound happiest in company
Moderate
Handling
Independent and nose-driven
Low
Coat care
Short coat, minimal upkeep
Good
Fit with kids
Gentle and even-tempered with family
Good
Other pets
Social with dogs; strong prey drive to small animals
Moderate
Health burden
Hip dysplasia, bloat risk
The Polish Ogar typically weighs 25-32 kg, stands 55-65 cm, and lives 10-14 years.
Consider this breed if…
you want a calm, even-tempered family hound with real stamina,
you can offer long daily walks plus scentwork or tracking,
you have a house with space rather than a small city flat,
a deep, carrying voice will not upset close neighbors.
Do not consider this breed if…
you need a dog that is reliably off-leash around wildlife,
the dog would be alone for long workdays,
you live where a baying hound would disturb the neighbors,
you want quick, precise obedience over independent tracking.
A typical day with a Polish Ogar
- 6:30 · MorningLong walk or run, on-leash near wildlife
- 9:00 · MidmorningRest after exercise; a settled hound sleeps
- 12:30 · NoonScent game or tracking practice
- 16:00 · AfternoonShort walk and basic training reps
- 18:30 · EveningAnother long walk or family time outdoors
- 21:00 · NightCalm indoors once its nose and body are tired
Family and environment
Kids Good
Gentle and even-tempered; a sturdy family hound.
Dogs Good
Pack hound that is generally social with other dogs.
Cats Conditional
Strong prey drive; safest with cats it was raised with.
Apartment Not suited
Size, exercise needs, and loud voice all work against flat life.
House with a yard Suitable
A secure fence helps; a yard does not replace long walks.
City Conditional
Difficult; the baying and exercise needs suit rural life better.
Countryside Ideal
Space and scent to follow are exactly its element.
Health data provided by RealVetCost Overall health burden Moderate
Detailed health data - inheritance, prevalence, course, and typical treatment costs - lives in a separate expert database. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice - confirm any decision with your vet.
View the full health profileTop health concerns
Hip dysplasia Screen breeding stock for hip scores
Bloat (GDV) Deep-chested; feed smaller meals, avoid exercise right after eating
Chronic ear infections Long ears need routine cleaning
Hypothyroidism Manageable with daily medication once diagnosed
Similar breeds - by reason
Not visually similar - similar in what they mean for you.
Classic large tracking scenthound
Bloodhound
The ultimate tracking nose in a gentle giant - loving with family, but drooly, stubborn, prone to bloat and one of the shorter-lived large breeds.
View profile →
Similar sized European scenthound
Hamilton Hound
An elegant, good-natured Swedish scenthound - affectionate and fairly trainable, but a strong nose and high stamina still demand real exercise.
View profile →
Another regional working hound
Slovakian Hound
A tenacious black-and-tan scenthound bred for tough game - high-drive and vocal, best for active, outdoor homes rather than city flats.
View profile →Frequently asked questions
How much does a Polish Ogar cost?
The Polish Ogar (Ogar Polski) is rare outside Poland, so availability is limited and buyers should expect waitlists or importing from a European breeder, plus transport costs. Puppy prices vary widely and are hard to pin down for such an uncommon breed. Over its life, feeding a large hound and covering routine and emergency vet care matters more than the purchase price, so budget for insurance or an emergency fund.
Is a Polish Ogar good with children?
Generally yes. It is a calm, even-tempered hound that is typically gentle and patient with family children. As with any large dog, supervise interactions with small kids and teach respectful handling. Its steady nature makes it a reasonable family dog for an active, spacious home.
Does a Polish Ogar bark or howl a lot?
It has the deep, carrying voice typical of scenthounds and will bay, especially on a scent or when bored. That noise can be a real issue for close neighbors or apartment living. Enough exercise and mental work reduce it, but you cannot fully train the voice out of a hound.
Can a Polish Ogar be let off the leash?
Cautiously and rarely. Once it locks onto a scent, its nose overrides recall, so it can range far and ignore you near wildlife or roads. Most owners keep it leashed or use a long line in unfenced areas, and rely on a secure fence at home.