If the thought of a super-skilled hunting dog who loves to be part of a family appeals to you, you should check out the Slovenský Kopov Hound temperament.
If you don’t hunt but would like a partner for active outdoor adventures, he might fit the bill there, too.
Read on to learn more about the Slovenský Kopov Hound.
Slovenský Kopov Hound Temperament
1. Intelligent
Like most hunting dogs, the Slovenský Kopov Hound is smart and learns easily.
2. Independent
The Slovenský Kopov can be very strong-willed, particularly the males. They need a trainer who can make them understand who’s in charge.
3. Loyal
The Slovenský Kopov Hound temperament if faithful and people-oriented. He loves to be with his human family.
But he will usually form an especially strong bond with his primary trainer or caretaker.
4. Happy
He has a cheerful disposition and is fun to be around.
5. Playful
He is very good with kids and loves to play with them. His exuberance is sometimes too much for small children, though. He may need to be supervised with them.
6. Energetic
He has a high energy level, like most hunting breeds. But if he’s well-exercised, he can relax nicely at home.
7. Loving
The Slovenský Kopov Hound temperament is very affectionate. He will love all of the members of his family, adults and children alike.
8. Adaptable
These dogs do well in the house or in an outside kennel. They even adapt to apartment living as long as they get enough exercise.
9. Calm
When he’s not working, the Slovenský Kopov Hound temperament is relaxed and easygoing.
10. Courageous
This is one of the defining features of the Slovenský Kopov Hound temperament. He is tenacious and fierce when facing a wild boar.
11. Alert
This breed makes a very good watchdog and guard dog. This is due to the Slovenský Kopov Hound traits of intense loyalty to family and distrust of strangers.
Aggression is not typically a component of the Slovenský Kopov Hound temperament. But he has been known to attack if provoked.
12. Hard-working
The Slovenský Kopov dog loves his job. He has excellent stamina and enthusiasm for the hunt.
13. Determined
He is a very passionate hunter who will track game for miles. And he’ll love every minute of it.
14. Hardy
The Slovakian Hound is strong and has great endurance. He’s not bothered by challenging terrain or cold weather.
15. Vocal
He is a natural bayer with a loud voice. If you have nearby neighbors, this may be an issue.
Slovenský Kopov Hound History
The Slovenský Kopov Hound (also known as the Slovakian Hound or Black Forest Hound) is an ancient breed that goes back to the Dark Ages.
Historians believe that his ancestors include the Austrian Black and Tan Hound (Brandlbracke), the Hungarian Greyhound (Magyar Agar), and the Hungarian Greyhound (Chart Polski).
This dog is beloved in its homeland. It is officially the national breed of Slovakia.
In the late 18th century, the Czechoslovakian government passed a law making it illegal for Slovenský Kopov Hound breeders to cross the Slovakian Hound with any other breed.
Following World War II, the Slovenský Kopov Hound population was dramatically reduced. A Slovakian named Koloman Slimak started a selective breeding program to restore the breed.
Ten years later, the program was considered successful, and the Slovenský Kopov Hound breed standard was written. The Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) accepted the Slovenský Kopov Hound in 1963.
As of recently, the Slovenský Kopov Hound is slowly gaining a presence in North America. The American Kennel Club (AKC) accepted this breed into their Foundation Stock Service in 2015.
His prey is now deer and elk rather than wild boar.
Slovenský Kopov Hound Training
The Slovakian Hound is very intelligent, so he learns quickly and easily. But, like most hounds, he is also independent-minded and can be stubborn.
For this reason, he needs firm obedience training from the very beginning. The Slovenský Kopov Hound traits that make him a great hunter may be challenging to deal with at home.
It may take many repetitions before he will obey a command perfectly. Consistency and patience will be key with this breed. Positive reinforcement works well with the Slovakian Hound.
He also needs a fairly high level of socialization to prevent shyness. This dog should be exposed to a lot of people and many situations from an early age.
He should also be socialized to small animals, particularly if he is to live with them. Although he specializes in large game, he will chase smaller creatures.
Depending on where you live, you may also want to train him to control his barking.
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Slovenský Kopov Hound Appearance
General Appearance
The Slovenský Kopov Hound is a medium-sized dog with a light but solid build. He is rectangularly shaped (length longer than height). His overall appearance is sleek and elegant.
The Slovenský Kopov Hound color is always black with tan markings. He has a short topcoat that is dense and coarse. His undercoat is also dense and thicker in winter.
His head is fairly long and rectangular in shape with a slight dome. The ears are large, triangular, and hang down beyond his lips.
He has deep-set, almond-shaped brown eyes with a lively expression. His nose is black.
His muzzle is long but not too broad. The neck is short and muscular neck.
He has a straight back that is medium in length and a broad chest. His legs are fairly short but muscular.
He has a strong, low-set, tapered tail that hangs down at rest. He carries it saber-style when he is moving.
Slovenský Kopov Hound Size
Slovenský Kopov Hound height averages 18 to 20 inches for males and 17 to 19 inches for females.
Average Slovenský Kopov Hound weight is 33 to 44 pounds.
Slovenský Kopov Hound Information
Slovenský Kopov Hound Lifespan
The life expectancy of this breed is 12 to 13 years.
Other Names
The Slovakian Hound and the Slovak Hound.
At some point, he came to be known as the Black Forest Hound in North America. But this dog has no connection with the Black Forest.
Experts believe that this name was given to the Slovakian Hound by rare dog marketers as a selling gimmick.
Hunting with a Slovenský Kopov Hound
The Slovenský Kopov dog is a scenthound with exceptional skills. He is an accomplished blood tracker with an excellent nose. He also has remarkable endurance and passion for the hunt.
This dog is a wild boar specialist. The boar has traditionally been the only game he hunts in his homeland. Although he’s not a large dog, he is fearless and tenacious.
But he is careful when he’s facing a large animal. He’s brave but not aggressive or impulsive.
He is also prized for his speed and agility and an extraordinary sense of direction.
Hunters also appreciate that even though he is comfortable to relax at home, when it’s time to work, he’s more than ready.
Slovenský Kopov Hound Health Issues
The Slovenský Kopov Hound has no known breed-specific health conditions. However, there are some conditions to look out for that are common in many working dogs and/or hounds.
- Hip dysplasia – a malformation of the ball-and-socket joint of a dog’s hip.
- Elbow dysplasia – similar to hip dysplasia but in the dog’s front legs.
- Patellar luxation -a displaced kneecap.
- Eye problems – can include ectropion and ectropion.
- Ear infections – common to all breeds with pendulous ears.
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Caring for the Slovenský Kopov Hound
Slovenský Kopov Hound Grooming
Because of this dog’s short coat, he needs only occasional brushing, unless he is hunting. Then he needs his coat cleaned after every outing. He will pick up debris and parasites in the field.
This dog is a shedder, so he will need more frequent brushing during molting season. He needs only a rare bath.
His ears need to be checked and cleaned regularly. They also need to be kept dry, as he is prone to ear infections.
He also needs his nails trimmed regularly and routine toothbrushing.
Slovenský Kopov Hound Diet
This dog will do well on a high-quality dry-food diet. If he’s hunting, though, you may want to consider a working-dog formula. You will need to keep an eye on his weight to be sure he’s not getting too many calories.
Slovenský Kopov Hound Exercise
The Slovenský Kopov is a high-energy dog. He needs plenty of exercise every day to stay healthy and happy.
He is a rare hunting dog who can live in apartment setting as long as he gets enough exercise. This dog needs room to run.
Because of his high intelligence, he also needs mental stimulation. If he’s not hunting, he will need another activity to keep him busy. Dog sports such as rally and hunting trials would be an ideal way to meet his physical and mental stimulation needs.
Finding a Slovenský Kopov Hound
Buying a Slovenský Kopov Hound from a Breeder
The Slovenský Kopov Hound is not yet common in North America. But it’s beginning to be marketed here as a rare breed.
There are several Slovenský Kopov Hound breeders in the US and Canada. An Internet search should turn them up.
Hunting clubs, magazines, and online hunting forums are other possible sources for Slovenský Kopov Hound breeder information. These sites often have classified ads for puppies and upcoming litters.
Our best estimate of Slovenský Kopov Hound price is $450 for females and $400 for males.
Avoiding Online Scams
If you find a breeder online, proceed with caution. There are a lot of scam “breeders” out there who will take your money and leave you with no dog.
The most important thing you can do to protect yourself is to get trustworthy recommendations from other Slovenský Kopov Hound owners. This will help you to avoid scammers as well as puppy mills.
A good way to do this is to join an online owner group for your breed. Facebook has these groups for almost every breed you can think of.
Make connections with breed owners there. Find out where they bought their dogs.
When you find a breeder, first check with the Better Business Bureau. Then ask good questions. Do they allow site visits? Can you see the parents? What kind of health guarantee are they offering?
Are they too accommodating? For example, do they say they have many breeds to choose from? Or that there are no waiting lists?
Reputable breeders usually deal in just one breed, occasionally two or three similar ones. They are not likely to have Slovenský Kopov Hound puppies available on demand (though it does happen with lucky timing). They plan their litters carefully, and the best ones usually have waiting lists.
And is the price too good to be true? If it is…well, you know what they say. It definitely applies here.
Most of all, never agree to pay up front with a cash, check, or a bank account number. As soon as you give your payment information, you may never hear from these people again.
If you pay by credit card, you are protected from fraud by the card issuer.
Slovenský Kopov Hound Rescue/Adoption
If you would prefer to find a Slovenský Kopov Hound for adoption, it will probably be hard to find one. You’re not likely to find one of these rare dogs at your local shelter.
(Although as this breed becomes more popular in North America, they may become more available, especially if you’re willing to travel.)
An online search for Slovenský Kopov Hound rescue organizations may be the best way to find an adult dog. The Facebook groups mentioned above could also be a good resource for this.
Is the Slovenský Kopov Hound the Right Breed for You?
The Slovenský Kopov Hound is a unique hunter with a wonderful disposition. He can be a nearly ideal blend of best friend, adventure partner, and loving family dog.
Of course, there are some less desirable Slovenský Kopov Hound behaviors. But they are very trainable.
If you are not able to commit to firm training methods, proper socialization, and plenty of exercise, you would do better with a different breed.
But if you are, your family will be delighted with the Slovenský Kopov Hound temperament.
Paula is an experienced writer who loves dogs and had many of them through the years. Her family always had large dogs—Border Collies, Labs, and Golden Retrievers. When her beloved Golden died of cancer, she decided to practice what she preached and do some research before choosing her next breed. She now shares this knowledge with thousands of dogtemperament.com readers worldwide.