Slovak Hound
A compact black and tan Slovak hound, brave enough to work wild boar and watchful at home.
At a glance
- Size
- Medium
- Height at the withers
- Males 45–50 cm · Females 40–45 cm
- Weight
- 15–20 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12–14 years
- Exercise
- 90–120 min a day
- Grooming
- Once a week
- Coat
- Smooth, short
- Colours
- Black and tan
- Bred for
- Hunting by scent
- Country of origin
- Slovakia
- FCI
- Group 6, no. 244 · Scent hounds
Breeders on Kuldo
No breeders on Kuldo have this breed yet.
Living with the breed
| Affectionate with family | 4/5 – High |
|---|---|
| Good with children | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Good with other dogs | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Good with cats | 2/5 – Low |
| Open to strangers | 2/5 – Low |
| Energy | 4/5 – High |
| Playfulness | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Needs mental stimulation | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Easy to train | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Prey drive | 5/5 – Very high |
| Watchful and protective | 4/5 – High |
| Barking | 4/5 – High |
| Shedding | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Grooming effort | 1/5 – Very low |
| Drooling | 1/5 – Very low |
| Good for first-time owners | 2/5 – Low |
| Suits apartment living | 1/5 – Very low |
| Adaptability | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Copes with being alone | 2/5 – Low |
| Copes with heat | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Copes with cold | 4/5 – High |
Kuldo's own guidance from the breed's typical traits. Every dog is an individual, so talk to the breeder.
Is it the right breed for you?
Great if you …
- hunt or want a tracking dog
- want a watchful companion
- live in the country
Think twice if you …
- have small pets
- are a first-time owner
- cannot give a lot of outdoor time
Care
Temperament
Lively, brave and loyal, with a watchful, sometimes protective side. Determined and independent when hunting.
Exercise
Needs long daily walks and regular work such as hunting, tracking or mantrailing.
Grooming
The short, dense coat needs only a weekly brush.
Training
Clever but independent; consistent, reward-based training and early socialisation are important.
Health
A healthy, hardy working breed with few reported problems; hip screening of breeding dogs is sensible. Ask the breeder for results.
Health tests breeders usually do
- Hips (HD)
Ask the breeder to show you the parents' results.
About the breed
The Slovak Hound, or Slovenský kopov, comes from the forests and mountains of Slovakia, where hunters relied on it for wild boar and other game. It has a strong sense of direction and is valued for both tracking and driving game.
It is a medium-sized, black and tan dog with a lively temperament and a courageous attitude, which also makes it a watchful guard. Most dogs live with hunters in central Europe. At home it is loyal to its family, often reserved with strangers, and needs plenty of exercise and a job to do.
Did you know?
Slovak Hounds are especially valued for hunting wild boar, which requires real courage from a dog of its size.