Discover the captivating journey of the Polish Hunting Spaniel (PSM) in this informative video by the YouTube channel TropiDog, part of their series on Polish dog breeds. Learn about the PSM’s historical origins, its role in hunting, and the breeding efforts post-World War II.
You'll hear from many people central to the breed's development such as the founder Dr Andrzej Krzywiński and his wife Krystyna, and representatives from four kennels, providing a comprehensive look at the PSM's journey and current status.
What you'll learn in this video:
The historical origins and significance of spaniel-type dogs in hunting.
The role of the PSM in modern hunting practices.
The extensive breeding efforts to revive the PSM after World War II.
Key characteristics and grooming needs of the Polish Hunting Spaniel.
The breed's current recognition, popularity, and role in hunting and companionship
The video is in Polish, but you can watch it with autotranslated subtitles by first choosing CC in Polish and then going into Settings, and selecting autotranslated subtitles (this only works on computers - not apps or smart TVs). If you choose a language other than English, the translation may be less perfect - there is a complementary transcript translated into English below.
Transcript in English:
The transcript is 3omin long, so it starts a few minutes after the beginning of the video - it is meant as complementary to YouTube's autogenerated subtitles where they might be unclear, or for people who prefer subtitles in other languages. To Google Translate this page and the transcript, click here.
Speaker 1: [00:00:00] The name "falconer" derives from working with birds of prey such as hawks or falcons. During this type of hunting, dogs closely collaborated with birds. What did this cooperation involve?
Speaker 2: [00:00:14] The principle of hunting with birds of prey hasn't changed. The dog hunts, the bird hunts, and the human hunts. It was a grand outing with horses, dogs, and people to assist—it was truly hunting. To this day, the term "hunting with birds of prey" remains in use. Depending on the bird used in hunting, whether it's a high-flying bird like falcons, a pointer dog is better. When hunting with low-flying birds like hawks, we can hunt with spaniels. This can include the Polish Hunting Spaniel, which doesn’t point. It’s inherent in their work.
Speaker 3: [00:01:02] The role of the Polish Hunting Spaniel is to flush out the bird, and then the falconer, once the bird being hunted rises into the air, releases the hawk. The hawk catches the bird, as we call it in falconry, and the hunt concludes.
Speaker 1: [00:01:25] A very interesting description of these four-legged hunters can be found in "Der Fall," commented by Hans Friedrich von Fleming in 1719. It states that the falconer dogs did not need to search wide areas but instead stayed close to the hunter, about 10 or 20 steps ahead. They were trained to search and flush. They were used in hunts so that greyhounds wouldn’t have to chase hares from too far away, allowing the falconer to effectively use his bird and ensuring the hunter wouldn’t miss. Interestingly, in France, these falconer dogs were sometimes called “spies,” as they revealed everything. They were also known as "Spanish Waltzers," a term closely linked to "spaniel." Besides hunting with dogs, hunting with birds of prey was a favourite pastime of the medieval European elite. In a 15th-century book, "Sound Alliance," it is written that the emperor used an eagle, the king a white falcon, and dukes and counts a peregrine falcon. In medieval England, numerous spaniel breeds emerged, gaining significant popularity. They included German spaniels (Wachtelhunds) and French spaniels (Patous). In British literature, spaniel-type dogs appear as early as the 10th century, such as in the laws of King Hywel the Good of Wales, in Shakespeare’s "King Lear," and in "The Master of Game" by Edmund de Langley. In Polish hunting literature and paintings, spaniels first appeared in the late 19th century. During that time, the nobility imported hunting dogs, including setters and hounds, as well as spaniels. Due to their small size and innate qualities, spaniels played various roles in the lives of the wealthy. They participated in hunts for birds and small game, retrieved game from reeds, and retrieved after a shot.
Speaker 3: [00:03:55] Hunting involves searching typically wet areas such as reeds and swamps on the edges of water bodies, ponds, and lakes, as well as rivers. The role of the Polish Hunting Spaniel is to intensively search these areas and flush out the birds. Depending on the terrain and conditions, if the area is very muddy, the dog will get dirty, covered in the scent of the mud. But after hunting, letting the dog swim in clean water will usually remove the smell.
Speaker 1: [00:04:46] Moreover, due to their pleasant nature and charming appearance, spaniels were already desired as family pets. As I’ve mentioned in previous episodes, purebred dog breeding was rare in the past. The primary value was the dog's usefulness, not its strict appearance. This also applied to spaniels. Thus, they were often crossbred with imported dogs, especially British spaniels like Springer, Cocker, Sussex, and the now-extinct Norfolk spaniel. Occasionally, French spaniels were also imported. Although these dogs differed from today's breeds, they shared one thing: their utility. In the 21st century, this was well described by August Shieldman in "Łowiec Polski," noting that spaniels should not stray far from the hunter as their purpose is to flush out game, not point it out. Spaniels were known for their resilience to harsh conditions, working efficiently in mud, thickets, and reeds. Their brown-reddish coat with white patches blended well with natural colours, making them less visible during hunts. This is depicted in Maurycy Cybulski's 1928 book, which shows a typical Springer Spaniel resembling today's Polish Hunting Spaniel. In the early 20th century, these dogs were widely bred, especially in eastern Poland. One notable breeder was Princess Izabela Radziwiłł in her estate in Markiewicze, Polesie, known for her "Lew" line of spaniels.
Speaker 1: [00:07:08] Based on valuable Springer and Cocker Spaniels imported from England, other well-known breeders included the Kozieł family, and Ignacy Mościcki, the President of Poland, who owned and hunted with a pack of spaniels. One of his favourites was reportedly a chocolate and white spaniel named Tymek. This continued until World War II, which changed everything drastically. After 1945, the eastern lands of Poland were taken by the Soviet Union, and noble estates were nationalised. The residents had to leave, and all their movable property, including dogs, was confiscated. Fortunately, due to the efforts of excellent hunters, some dogs survived the war. By the 1970s and 1980s, spaniels became popular urban pets. Around this time, our guardian angel of Polish Hunting Spaniels, today's guest Dr. Andrzej Krzywicki, emerged. This renowned scientist, long-time employee of the Polish Academy of Sciences, and creator of numerous scientific programs is also a brilliant behaviourist and forest ranger. Since the 1970s, he has been a breeder and enthusiast of hunting dogs, specialising in breeds such as wire-haired terriers and West Siberian Laikas. Thanks to his scientific contacts across the eastern border, he had the chance to see spaniels resembling the old pre-war Polish Hunting Spaniel. This led to the arrival of a dog named Pestka in Poland, now considered the progenitor of all Polish Hunting Spaniels.
Speaker 2: [00:09:11] My husband met a Russian at a symposium in the Komi Republic. This acquaintance led to the Russian visiting Poland and inviting us to Russia. My husband, busy managing a wildlife park, didn’t have time to travel, so I went and was impressed by the spaniels there, particularly a very friendly female. The Russian offered me a puppy, which we named Pestka. She was a lovely, kind dog, quickly settling in here. After school ended, our daughter took her to her father, where she thrived.
Speaker 4: [00:10:18] I knew the history of the breed in Russia. The Russian explained that some good working dogs were retained, and this female had a notably improved head. I made a cast of her head to preserve her appearance. These spaniels, originally found in our old territories, seemed suitable for breeding.
Speaker 2: [00:11:33] Pestka was somewhat atypical, with a strong muzzle, which my husband liked. She had a distinctive brown and white tail tip and many dogs had white spots on their heads.
Speaker 4: [00:11:52] Before the war, a successful spaniel bred by Princess Radziwiłł named "Farmer" sired many puppies brought to her estate by hunters. Efforts were made to maintain this build.
Speaker 1: [00:12:37] Various spaniels contributed to the breed, with the recreation of the old Polish breed focusing on their utility. However, breeders also aimed to solidify the external type.
Speaker 4: [00:12:57] The breed had characteristics like guarding objects, learning quickly, and forming strong bonds with their owners. They were excellent hunters, quickly understanding the connection between hunting and their work.
Speaker 2: [00:13:39] The mother of Pestka was also a hunting dog. Initially brought as a companion for our daughter, she also hunted with us.
Speaker 4: [00:13:49] The mother would ride on the bicycle frame, associating it with hunting, despite the discomfort, showing her unique mentality.
Speaker 2: [00:14:26] Later, we had another very friendly and protective female spaniel. She never strayed far, always within range during walks, unlike terriers that could disappear for weeks. This spaniel loved children and was very sociable.
Speaker 4: [00:15:05] She guarded children and was very friendly.
Speaker 2: [00:15:09] Though I didn’t hunt with her, she learned to climb ladders, which her mother also did.
Speaker 4: [00:15:20] She learned this quickly on her own.
Speaker 1: [00:15:28] The first attempts to describe the breed standard began in the 1990s. Thanks to the dedication of Dr. Krzywicki and his wife, breeding work quickly led to established characteristics. Their dogs participated in experimental behavioural programs in Estonia, Sweden, and Warsaw's SGGW, showing consistent and heritable traits. This demonstrates that breed work is primarily scientific, supported by extensive research and breeding experience. It’s not enough to cross two dogs of different breeds. The breeding results of Dr. Krzywicki were first presented to the public at the Second Festival of Hunting Dogs in Spała in 2015, showcasing several uniform dogs and bitches. The following year, 30 Polish Hunting Spaniels were measured and photographed, confirming the breed's consistency. In the same year, the Polish Kennel Club decided to open the preliminary book for Polish Hunting Spaniels from January 1, 2017, allowing them to participate in shows as an unrecognised breed.
Speaker 5: [00:17:10] A pedigree dog must meet three criteria: resemble the breed standard, have behaviour consistent with the standard, and have four to five generations of the same breed. The Polish Pedigree Book accepts four generations, and the International Cynological Federation (FCI) accepts three generations. The preliminary book records the first generation with unknown parents.
Speaker 2: [00:18:22] The dog must be examined by an international judge with the relevant breed or group qualifications. If the dog meets the standard and has the necessary behaviour, it’s recorded as part of the breed. The fourth generation receives a full pedigree. The preliminary book is open for Polish Hunting Spaniels as we’re recreating the breed. This was once the case for all Polish breeds. For established breeds with many pedigrees, the book is closed.
Speaker 5: [00:19:25] When a new breed or a recreated breed is being established, the dogs must conform to the appearance and behaviour specified in the standard. Once enough generations are built, the breed is recognised by the FCI and can compete internationally. Until then, the breed is recognised by the national kennel club and can achieve national champion status.
Speaker 1: [00:20:27] Currently, the Polish Hunting Spaniel is provisionally recognised by the FCI in Group 8, which includes retrievers, flushing dogs, and water dogs. The breed is gaining popularity internationally and is now present in 26 countries. The Polish Hunting Spaniel is a medium-sized dog with a rectangular silhouette, robust build, and strong limbs, facilitating movement and resilience. They have drooping ears covered with long hair, feathering on the tail, belly, and legs, and their coat is usually chocolate with various shades of brown or tan markings, often with a white tail tip.
Speaker 2: [00:21:24] Grooming the Polish Hunting Spaniel is not difficult but requires regular care. Compared to a poodle, spaniels are easier to maintain, but they still need attention. Their ears, in particular, need monthly washing and brushing to prevent matting. The feathers on their tail and legs are less dense and easier to manage. Bathing and drying the entire spaniel before a show takes about two hours. Unlike poodles, they don’t need trimming; they should have naturally fluffy feet. While grooming can be done at home, it requires the right setup to avoid straining your back.
Speaker 1: [00:23:12] Balanced and calm, yet intelligent, spaniels are relatively easy to train. They move silently, sniffing for birds and waiting for a command before flushing. They excel in various activities beyond hunting, including agility, obedience, and nose work, which builds a strong bond with their owners. Since 2015, a Facebook fan page for the Polish Hunting Spaniel has been seeking dogs from Kadzidło to establish a group of enthusiasts. Recognition by the Polish Kennel Club has increased awareness of the breed, and we encourage owners of these dogs to register them in the preliminary book to help develop the breed further.
Speaker 1: [00:26:05] These dogs tirelessly work in difficult terrains, both on land and in water, tracking warm and cold scents. They stay close to their handlers, ensuring they don’t get lost or run away.
Speaker 3: [00:26:22] Tracking involves following the trail left by an animal. There are various types of tracks, including warm tracks left recently and cold tracks left 8 to 24 hours ago. The Polish Hunting Spaniel’s large ears help them track by capturing scents. They excel at following warm tracks but can also work on cold tracks. Staying within 30-40 meters of the handler is crucial, maintaining control in hunting and daily life.
Speaker 2: [00:28:07] Their dietary requirements aren’t complex. We feed our dogs mainly beef with dry food, a practice we’ve followed for over thirty years with good results. Our dogs are healthy and long-lived. Puppies should have access to food to grow properly, avoiding issues like dysplasia. We balance the diet based on their appetite, ensuring they don’t overeat.
Speaker 5: [00:29:03] Our dogs live long, healthy lives. So far, we haven’t identified any breed-specific health issues, only common conditions seen in both purebred and mixed-breed dogs.
Speaker 1: [00:29:30] The Polish Hunting Spaniel shouldn’t be aggressive but may be wary of strangers. They are excellent hunting dogs, guards, and companions. Thank you for watching. If you enjoyed the film, don’t forget to subscribe to the channel. We’ll see you soon.
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