Slovakian HoundCharacteristics, history, training and care
Slovakian Hound. · Svenska Mässan / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0. Cropped and resized.
The Slovakian Hound (Slovenský kopov) is a medium-sized hound from Slovakia, black with tan markings, used mainly to hunt wild boar and predators. The FCI standard says it stands out for following a warm trail for hours on end while giving tongue, and for its boldness, and describes it as a dog with a lively temperament and an extraordinarily well-developed sense of direction.
Quick facts
| Common name | Slovakian Hound (Slovenský kopov) |
| Scientific name | Canis lupus familiaris |
| Country of origin | Slovakia |
| Official recognition | FCI, definitively since 16 April 1963 (group 6, hounds; standard no. 244); the AKC has it in the Foundation Stock Service |
| Lifespan | 12–13 years, according to the AKC |
| Size (males) | 45–50 cm at the withers; 15–20 kg |
| Size (females) | 40–45 cm at the withers; 15–20 kg |
| Coat type | Hair 2–5 cm long, medium-harsh, dense, with a dense undercoat |
| Common colours | Black with brown to mahogany markings on the legs |
| Energy level | High |
| Suited to an apartment? | No |
| Temperament | Lively, independent, friendly, curious |
| Tendency to aggression | Low |
| Good with children | Good |
| Good with other animals | Good with dogs; poor with small animals |
| Genetic predispositions | No breed-specific diseases are known |
- Primary category:Dog breeds
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History and origin
The AKC says it is a type of hunting dog known since ancient times. The first written mentions of the Slovenský kopov date from the 17th and 18th centuries, when crossing it with other breeds was forbidden, a sign that it had already earned the respect of hunters. The name “kopov” comes from the Hungarian word “kopó”, hound.
The AKC adds that more uniform breeding began in 1915, and the FCI recognised the breed in 1963. Wikipedia says the name “Black Forest Hound”, used in North America, seems to have been invented for commercial purposes, as the breed has no link with the Black Forest.
How the breed developed
- 17th–18th centuries – The first written mentions.
- 1915 – More uniform breeding begins.
- 16 April 1963 – The FCI recognises the breed.
Breed rating
| Feature | Stars |
|---|---|
| Training and intelligence | ★★★☆☆ |
| Easy to train | ★★★★★ |
| Intelligence | ★★★☆☆ |
| Independence | ★★★★☆ |
| Stubbornness | ★★★☆☆ |
| Behaviour and temperament | ★★★☆☆ |
| Affectionate with family | ★★★★☆ |
| Friendly with children | ★★★★☆ |
| Good with other dogs | ★★★☆☆ |
| Good with cats and other animals | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Loyalty | ★★★★☆ |
| Tendency to be aggressive | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Tendency to bark | ★★★★★ |
| Needs and care | ★★★☆☆ |
| Shedding | ★★★☆☆ |
| Needs frequent grooming | ★★★☆☆ |
| Activity and lifestyle | ★★★★☆ |
| Energy level | ★★★★☆ |
| Daily exercise needs | ★★★★☆ |
| Suited to apartment life | ★★★☆☆ |
| Health and longevity | ★★★☆☆ |
| Life expectancy | ★★★★☆ |
| Predisposition to genetic diseases | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Working abilities and uses | ★★★☆☆ |
| Good hunting dog | ★★★★☆ |
| Good companion dog | ★★★★☆ |
Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. It is based on the ratings the American Kennel Club gives the breed and on the FCI standard.
Physical characteristics
The AKC describes it as a medium-sized hound of relatively light but solid build, very intelligent, with an excellent nose and sense of direction.
General appearance
The hair is 2–5 cm long, medium-harsh, close-lying and dense, longer on the back, neck and tail. The undercoat is dense, especially in winter, but should not be missing in summer either.
| Feature | Slovakian Hound |
|---|---|
| Size | Medium |
| Height at the withers | males: 45–50 cm; females: 40–45 cm |
| Weight | 15–20 kg |
| Coat | Medium, dense |
| Colour | Black and tan |
| Type | Hound |
The colour is black, with brown to mahogany markings on the legs. The AKC says the coat is always black with tan markings.
Training and socialisation
The standard describes it as a dog with a lively temperament and an extraordinarily well-developed sense of direction. The AKC calls it independent, friendly and curious, and Wikipedia says that at home it is calm, good with children and easy to train.
Like any hound, it may forget its owner when on a scent, so the recall needs a lot of practice.
Tips for effective training
- Practise the recall. On a scent, it forgets about you.
- Keep it on a lead. Its hunting instinct is strong.
- Use rewards. It learns easily.
- Give its nose work to do. Tracking keeps it happy.
Activity needs and lifestyle
The AKC recommends play in a fenced yard or walks several times a day, as well as search games indoors. Hiking, swimming and fetching a ball give it good exercise.
| Activity | How often | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Walks | several times a day | Energy |
| Scent work | several times a week | Hound instinct |
| Hiking | occasionally | Stamina |
Tips for a balanced life
- It is best suited to hunters.
- The fence must be secure.
- Brush it more often during shedding.
Care and health
Coat and skin care
The AKC says the short, close-lying coat only needs occasional brushing; as it has a dense undercoat, it sheds seasonally, when it needs brushing more often. The nails grow quickly and should be trimmed as needed.
Common health problems
The AKC says most dogs are healthy. No specific diseases are known; as with any hound, it is worth watching for:
| Condition | Description | Common symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Ear infections | Infections of the drop ears | Head shaking, unpleasant smell |
| Hunting injuries | Wild boar can injure dogs | Cuts, limping |
Other care
- Check it for wounds after hunting.
- Check for ticks after outings.
- Trim the nails regularly.
Diet and nutrition
The AKC recommends good-quality food suited to the dog's age, and attention to its weight.
Tips for a healthy diet
The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.
| Dog's weight | Calories per day (neutered) | Calories per day (not neutered) | Dry food per day (approximate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 kg | 850 kcal | 960 kcal | 210–270 g |
| 17 kg | 940 kcal | 1,050 kcal | 240–300 g |
| 20 kg | 1,060 kcal | 1,190 kcal | 260–340 g |
- Treats count towards the daily portion.
- Split the food into two meals a day.
- A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs without pressing hard.
Foods to avoid
Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.
Reproduction and development
Physical and emotional maturity
In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months. Most breeds become adults at around 13–15 months.
Mating and pregnancy
Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.
Caring for the puppies
In dogs, a litter has 5–6 puppies on average, and the number rises with the size of the breed. Socialisation starts in the first weeks: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.
Interesting facts
- A Hungarian name. “Kopó” means hound in Hungarian.
- Not from the Black Forest. The American name “Black Forest Hound” is misleading.
- Hours on the trail. It follows a warm trail for hours on end.
- A sense of direction. The standard calls it extraordinary.
- Protected since early times. Crossing it was forbidden in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Frequently asked questions
What does it hunt?
Mainly wild boar and predators.
What colour is it?
Black with reddish-brown markings.
How big does it get?
Males measure 45–50 cm, females 40–45 cm; 15–20 kg.
How long does it live?
The AKC gives 12–13 years.
