Tatra HoundCharacteristics, history, training and care
Tatra Hound. · Canarian / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0. Cropped and resized.
The Tatra Hound (Tatranský durič) is a small, light Slovak hound, used mainly to trail and find wounded game. Wikipedia says it is the youngest Slovak breed. The FCI standard describes it as intelligent, full of temperament, easy to handle, balanced, with no aggression or fear, friendly towards people, yet keen to work and brave in front of game.
Quick facts
| Common name | Tatra Hound (Tatranský durič) |
| Scientific name | Canis lupus familiaris |
| Country of origin | Slovakia |
| Official recognition | FCI, provisionally since 2026 (group 6, leash (scent) hounds; standard no. 377); the Slovak club since 2016 |
| Lifespan | No published data for the breed; small breeds usually live 12–15 years |
| Size (males) | 38–42 cm at the withers |
| Size (females) | 36–40 cm at the withers |
| Coat type | Harsh, close-lying, glossy, shorter on the head and legs |
| Common colours | Black and tan; solid red |
| Energy level | High |
| Suited to an apartment? | Yes, if it gets work |
| Temperament | Intelligent, balanced, friendly, brave |
| Tendency to aggression | Very low |
| Good with children | No specific data; the standard describes it as friendly |
| Good with other animals | Good with dogs |
| Genetic predispositions | No major hereditary diseases, according to Wikipedia |
- Primary category:Dog breeds
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History and origin
The FCI standard says that hounds for mountain hunting have long been bred in Slovakia. In the 1930s, the medium-sized ones were selected from them and became the Slovenský kopov. Their litters sometimes included smaller puppies or puppies of a different colour, which were used as the basis for a smaller hound. To broaden the base and avoid inbreeding, other breeds were also used, which improved its nose.
Wikipedia says the Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound, the Slovenský kopov and the short-haired Dachshund contributed to its creation. The breed was approved by the Slovak club on 14 June 2016 and provisionally accepted by the FCI in 2026.
How the breed developed
- The 1930s – The Slovenský kopov, from which the breed starts, becomes fixed.
- 14 June 2016 – The Slovak Kennel Club approves the breed.
- 2026 – Provisional FCI recognition.
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. The breed has no AKC profile, so the rating is based on the FCI standard.
Physical characteristics
The standard describes it as a small, light, clearly rectangular dog with strong bones, a straight back and a straight or sabre-shaped tail. Wikipedia says that, being small, it is easy to transport and does not need much space or food, so it also suits hunters who live in town.
General appearance
The coat is harsh and close-lying, with enough sheen, shorter and softer on the head and legs.
| Feature | Tatra Hound |
|---|---|
| Size | Small |
| Height at the withers | males: 38–42 cm; females: 36–40 cm |
| Coat | Harsh, glossy |
| Colour | Black and tan or red |
| Body | Rectangular |
| Type | Scent hound |
The standard accepts two colours: black with tan markings, clearly defined on the head, muzzle, chest and legs (with white allowed on the chest, legs and top of the head), and solid red, from light tan to “deer red”, with a little black tolerated.
Training and socialisation
The standard describes it as intelligent, full of temperament and easy to handle, balanced, with no aggression or fear, friendly towards people, yet keen to work and brave in front of game. It is persevering, with an excellent nose and sense of direction.
Wikipedia says it gives voice on a warm trail and near the game. Like any scent hound, it needs regular work on tracks.
Tips for effective training
- Work it on tracks. It is made for trailing.
- Use rewards. It is easy to handle.
- Keep it on the lead. It works on the lead, on the trail.
- Be consistent. It has plenty of temperament.
Activity needs and lifestyle
As a scent hound, it needs daily walks and, several times a week, work on blood or scent tracks.
| Activity | How often | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Walks | daily | Fitness |
| Track work | several times a week | Instinct |
| Play | daily | Energy |
Tips for a balanced life
- Suits hunters above all.
- Easy to transport.
- Check the ears often.
Care and health
Coat and skin care
The short, harsh coat should be brushed once a week. Check the ears regularly, especially after hunting.
Common health problems
Wikipedia says the breed has no major health problems, notably no hereditary diseases. As with any hunting dog, it is worth watching for:
| Condition | Description | Common symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Ear infections | Infections of the ears | Head shaking, bad smell |
| Injuries and ticks | Risks while hunting | Cuts, ticks |
Other care
- Check for ticks after outings.
- Check the paws.
- Clean the ears regularly.
Diet and nutrition
Wikipedia says it does not need much food. Good-quality food suited to its workload is enough.
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) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 kg | 530 kcal | 600 kcal | 130–170 g |
| 11 kg | 680 kcal | 760 kcal | 170–220 g |
| 14 kg | 810 kcal | 910 kcal | 200–260 g |
- Split the food into two meals a day.
- Treats count towards the daily portion.
- 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. Small breeds become adults faster than large ones, usually at around one year.
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 small breeds, a litter has 3–4 puppies on average. The puppies are very small and fragile in the first weeks, so they must be kept warm and handled with care. Socialisation starts early: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.
Interesting facts
- The youngest Slovak breed. Approved in 2016.
- From the kopov's smaller puppies. The smaller puppies were the basis of the breed.
- Three parent breeds. The Bavarian hound, the Slovenský kopov and the Dachshund.
- Good for town life. It does not need much space.
- Very new to the FCI. Provisionally recognised in 2026.
Frequently asked questions
What does it do?
It trails and finds wounded game.
How big does it get?
Males measure 38–42 cm, females 36–40 cm.
What colours does it come in?
Black and tan, or red.
Is it recognised by the FCI?
Yes, provisionally, since 2026.
