
The Slovakian Hound is a breed that's steeped in history and tradition, originating from the Carpathian Mountains of Slovakia.
They're a medium-sized dog with a muscular build and a short, dense coat that's often a combination of brown and white.
Slovakian Hounds are known for their exceptional hunting ability, with a strong prey drive and incredible tracking skills.
They're a relatively low-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming, requiring only occasional brushing to keep their coat in good condition.
Coat Color and Grooming
The Slovakian hound has a short, dense coat that requires occasional brushing, making it a low-maintenance dog.
Their coat is usually black with a few tan spots, and it's straight, smooth, and short. This means they don't shed much, so a weekly brushing should be enough to keep them looking their best.
In terms of climate, Slovakian hounds can fare well in many different types of weather. However, during the warmer months, make sure they have access to plenty of fresh water to stay cool and hydrated.
Their ears are a bit of a concern, as they flop forward and can be prone to ear infections. Regularly checking and cleaning their ears can help prevent this, and if you notice any signs of infection, consult a vet right away.
Family and Pets
The Slovakian Hound is a breed that can get along well with children in the home, but it's essential to supervise play sessions, especially with very young kids. Early socialization is key to a harmonious household.
However, this breed may not be the best fit for households with existing domestic pets, especially small ones that the dog might see as prey. Introducing a Slovakian Hound to a household with cats or other small pets can be challenging.
As a hunting canine, the Slovakian Hound has a strong instinct to chase and hunt, making it unsuitable for inactive households. This breed requires lots of exercise and mental stimulation to thrive.
To make the most of owning a Slovakian Hound, it's crucial to provide a great deal of attention, exercise, and mental stimulation.
Origins and History
The breed was developed as a hunting dog with a keen sense of smell, specifically for tracking and tracing wild boar. It's believed to have descended from other local breeds, including the Brandlbracke and the Ogar Polski.
The Slovakian Hound was considered a rare breed for many years, but after the Second World War, a breeding program was commenced to popularize the breed. This effort led to the breed's official recognition by the FCI in 1963.
The breed's population dramatically declined during the period of the World Wars, but a Slovakian man named Koloman Slimák is credited with bringing the breed back from the brink of extinction through successful breeding programs.
Character and Temperament
The Slovakian Hound is a very affectionate breed that loves to be involved in family life, certainly not aloof. They thrive on interaction and can become quite playful, but be aware that they may nip when excited.
This breed has boundless energy, so be prepared for a lively companion. They can easily knock over a child when playing, so it's essential to supervise their playtime.
The Slovakian Hound is an intelligent breed with a brilliant sense of direction and smell. They are naturally skilled hunters, but they can also make loyal family pets with proper socialization and training.
As a hunting dog, the Slovakian Hound works with great courage, character, and endurance. They can be suspicious around strangers, but they're not overly aggressive.
Here are some key characteristics of the Slovakian Hound:
- Very affectionate and playful
- Intelligent with a brilliant sense of direction and smell
- Boundless energy and requires regular exercise
- Naturally suspicious around strangers
- Can be protective of their family
As an independent breed, the Slovakian Hound needs minimal human interaction, but they're still obedient and will go along with their master's plans when required. They make good watchdogs due to their constant alertness and observance, but excessive barking can be a common issue.
Care and Maintenance
The Slovakian Hound is a robust breed that requires regular exercise to stay healthy. They are strong hunters that thrive on physical activity.
To ensure your Slovakian Hound stays healthy, provide shade if they're outdoors in high temperatures. This breed prefers a cooler climate, and they can adapt well to cooler weather climates.
As a working breed, Slovakian Hounds are prone to weight gain when they stop working and become sedentary at home. Regular exercise and a balanced diet can help prevent this.
Some potential health issues to watch out for in Slovakian Hounds include hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, eye problems, ear infections, and field injuries.
For another approach, see: Are Basset Hounds Good with Kids
Purchase and Recognition
The Slovakian Hound is recognized in its country of origin as the Slovenský kopov, and is listed in the Fédération Cynologique Internationale under that name as breed number 244.
The breed is classified as a Scenthound and is part of Group 6, Scenthounds and Related Breeds, Section 1.2 Medium-sized Hounds. This classification is important to note if you're considering showing your Slovakian Hound in international dog sports competitions.
In the United States, the breed is recognized by the United Kennel Club under the English translation of its name, the Slovakian Hound. This means that if you're planning to register your Slovakian Hound in the US, you'll need to use this name.
Here are some key points about the recognition of the Slovakian Hound:
- Recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale as breed number 244
- Classified as a Scenthound in Group 6, Scenthounds and Related Breeds, Section 1.2 Medium-sized Hounds
- Recognized by the United Kennel Club in the United States under the name Slovakian Hound
Purchase Price
Purchasing a dog can be a significant investment, and it's essential to consider the costs involved. The Slovakian Hound, for instance, will cost anywhere from £400 to upwards of £1,000 to purchase.

The monthly budget to raise this hound will be in the region of £80 to £120. This will cover the cost of meals, veterinary care, and pet insurance, ensuring your furry friend gets the care they need.
It's crucial to factor in these costs to ensure you can provide the best life for your new companion.
Recognition
The Slovakian Hound, also known as the Slovenský kopov, is recognized in its country of origin. It's listed as breed number 244 in Group 6, Scenthounds and Related Breeds, Section 1.2 Medium-sized Hounds by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale.
The breed is recognized under the English translation of its name, the Slovakian Hound, by the United Kennel Club in the United States. This allows for international dog sports competition.
You might also come across the breed listed under various translations of its name or created English names like the Wild Boar Hound. This is because some minor kennel clubs, hunting clubs, and internet dog registry businesses recognize the breed under these names.
The breed is categorized as a Scenthound, which falls under the broader category of Hounds.
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Appearance and Temperament

The Slovenský Kopov is an athletic dog with a sturdy build, reaching heights of around 40-50cm.
Their black coat is short and coarse with tan markings on the face, chest, and limbs. They have a long tail and floppy ears.
Their dark nose should have wide nostrils to allow for good scenting abilities, while their dark brown eyes are soulful and almond-shaped.
Size
Slovensky Kopovs typically stand between 15 to 20 inches at the shoulder.
Female Slovensky Kopovs are often slightly smaller than males.
Some dogs can be smaller or larger than average for their breed.
Appearance
The Slovenský Kopov is a breed that's often mistaken for the Black and Tan Coonhound, but it's actually shorter and more robust. They have a sturdy build with long limbs, a long tail, and floppy ears.
Their coat is short and coarse, with a beautiful black color and tan markings on the face, chest, and limbs. Their dark nose has wide nostrils that allow for excellent scenting abilities.
Their dark brown eyes are truly soulful and almond-shaped, giving them a unique and endearing look. Dogs of this breed typically reach heights of around 40-50cm.
They usually weigh between 15 and 20kg, making them a medium-sized dog that's perfect for active families or individuals.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the national dog of Slovakia?
The Slovensky Kopov is the national dog of Slovakia, developed as the country's only native scent hound breed. Learn more about this unique breed and its origins.
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