Slovakian Hound
sloh-VAK-ee-an hound
Slovakia· Slovakia, Carpathian mountains
The Slovakian Hound, or Slovensky Kopov, is a tenacious black-and-tan scenthound developed for trailing and baying boar and deer in the mountainous Carpathian forests.
At a glance
Quick facts
Size
Medium
Exercise needs
2 hours+ per day
Home size suited to
Medium or larger
Grooming frequency
Weekly brush
Coat length
Short
Sheds
Yes
Lifespan
12-13 years
Town or country
Country preferred
Garden size needed
Large, secure
Where it comes from
Origins of the Slovakian Hound
The steep, densely forested terrain of the Carpathian mountains demanded a tenacious, sure-footed hound able to trail boar and deer over difficult ground and hold larger quarry at bay, working closely with hunters navigating rugged, wooded slopes.
- Region
- Slovakia, Carpathian mountains
- Climate it was bred for
- Cold winters, mountainous forest
- Original job
- Trailing boar, deer and fox in mountainous Carpathian forest
The long read
About the breed
Its working role against dangerous quarry such as wild boar shaped a bold, courageous dog with a loud voice, used to hold game at bay until the hunter arrives, alongside a strong nose for trailing over difficult mountain ground.
It is fiercely loyal and protective of its family, but its boldness and prey drive mean it is not an easy first dog; it needs an experienced, active owner and substantial exercise and mental engagement.
It remains Slovakia's national hunting breed and is used extensively there, with a small following in neighbouring Central European countries.
Living with one
Temperament & needs
Our own ratings, based on the breed standard and how these dogs behave in ordinary homes.
Friendliness
3/5
How openly the Slovakian Hound greets people it does not know.
Trainability
3/5
How readily the breed takes to training in an ordinary home.
Energy
3/5
How much daily exercise and stimulation the breed expects.
Barking
3/5
How vocal the breed tends to be day to day.
Grooming
3/5
How much coat work the breed needs to stay comfortable.
Suits a first-time owner
3/5
How forgiving the Slovakian Hound is for someone taking on their first dog.
Illustrated breed standard
The points of the breed
Hover or tap a numbered point to read what the standard asks for.
Point 1
Skull
The Slovakian Hound's skull is judged on balance rather than size — proportionate to the body, with a clean cheek and a stop typical of the breed. Coarseness or an over-refined head are both faulted.
Timeline
History & development
1800s
Carpathian hound stock
Regional black hounds were used by mountain hunters for boar and deer work.
1950s
Standardisation efforts
Slovak cynologists worked to fix a consistent type from surviving local hounds.
1963
First breed standard
A formal standard for the Slovensky Kopov was established.
1995
FCI recognition
The breed received official recognition under the FCI.
2000s
National symbol status
The breed became firmly established as a symbol of Slovak hunting tradition.
Reference
Breed standard summary
- body
- Muscular and compact, deep chest, strong straight legs.
- coat
- Short, dense, harsh and weatherproof.
- ears
- Medium length, set high, hanging close to the head.
- eyes
- Dark brown, with a bold, penetrating expression.
- head
- Broad skull with a pronounced stop and strong, deep muzzle.
- size
- Dogs 45-50cm, bitches 40-45cm
- colour
- Black with tan markings above the eyes, on the cheeks, chest and legs.
- temperament
- Bold, tenacious and fiercely loyal, with a strong protective instinct.
- general appearance
- A medium-sized, powerfully built black hound with tan markings, bold and courageous in bearing.
Health
What to screen for
Green means little to worry about, amber means ask the breeder for test results, red means manage it actively.
General information only — always speak to your vet about your own dog.
From real owners
Dogs like this
Slovakian Hounds added by PawPoint members through their pet passports. Share yours to appear here.
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Made for the Slovakian Hound
The book, plus prints, hoodies and mugs using our own Slovakian Hound illustration — and one everyday accessory that suits any dog.
The book
Pawpoint: The Complete Dog Breed Book
Every officially recognised breed plus the unofficial ones nobody else documents. 400+ pages, hardback, printed and shipped from the UK.
Own stock — shipped by us
Framed poster
Slovakian Hound Framed Poster
Museum-weight print of our Slovakian Hound illustration, framed or unframed.
Printed to order
Hoodie
Slovakian Hound Hoodie
Heavyweight hoodie carrying the Slovakian Hound illustration on the chest.
Printed to order
Mug
Slovakian Hound Mug
Ceramic mug with the Slovakian Hound illustration wrapped around it.
Printed to order
Accessory
Stainless Dog Bowl
Weighted, non-slip base. Dishwasher safe.
Fits any dog
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