Slovakian Hound

Also known as: Kopov

The Slovakian Hound is a mountain hunting breed from Slovakia, bred to track large game across the Carpathian slopes, calling out the trail to the hunter in a loud voice. The short, dense, black and tan coat handles the cold, damp mountain environment well. A build up to 20 kilograms stays compact but tireless, suited to a long working day over steep terrain. The breed remains almost exclusively a working dog and is rarely seen as a companion or show dog. At home it needs plenty of space and a clear job to do. Life expectancy runs 12 to 14 years.

Browse dog food sized right for this breed

Slovakian Hound: how old in human years?

40–50 cmHeight
13–20 kgWeight
12–14 yrsLife expectancy

Smalandsstovare

FCI group: Scenthounds and Related Breeds
FCI section: Section 1.2: Scenthounds, Medium sized
FCI: 244
Country of origin: Slovakia

Energy level

5/5
Trainability

2/5
Family friendly

3/5
Grooming need

1/5

At a glance

Height

Males 45–50 cm

Females 40–45 cm

Weight

Males 15–20 kg

Females 13–18 kg

Life expectancy

12–14 yrs

Coat

short, dense, black and tan (short)

Temperament & Family Life

Slovakian Hound's average temperament and family-life score for this breed is moderate.

Family friendly 3/5
Good with children 3/5
Good with other dogs 3/5
Friendly with strangers 2/5
Intelligence 4/5
Trainability 2/5

Exercise, Energy & Space

Slovakian Hound's energy and exercise needs are high.

Energy level 5/5
Exercise need 5/5
Apartment friendly 1/5
Prey drive 5/5
Hunting instinct 5/5

Guarding & Alertness

Slovakian Hound's guarding and alertness traits are moderate.

Guarding instinct 2/5
Watchfulness 3/5
Barking level 4/5

Grooming & Care

Slovakian Hound's grooming needs are low.

Shedding 2/5
Drooling 2/5
Grooming need 1/5

Living with the Slovakian Hound

In the morning mist between the spruces it slips away without a sound, and a few minutes later a high, rhythmic baying starts up: the trail has been found. The Slovakian Hound was bred in the mountain forests of Slovakia to track game, wild boar included, and it is a dog that relies on its own judgement at work. It has so much energy and stamina that half an hour round the block is a warm-up; it needs long hikes, tracking or hunting every day.

It is clever but independent, and training it takes patience, a sense of humour and plenty of treats. Its nose matters more to it than your commands, and its prey drive is very strong, so off-lead running belongs in a securely fenced area and small pets need to be kept safe. It generally gets along with other dogs, is wary of strangers, and announces visitors loudly and with conviction.

A flat is cramped for it, and long hours alone send it looking for things to do and singing about them to the neighbours. It does best in the countryside or a house with a garden, with an owner who hunts or at least loves long walks in the woods. With its own family, children included, it is devoted and calm once its legs and nose have had their day's work.

Grooming and coat

Black with tan markings, short and dense, the Slovakian Hound's coat looks like a tidy work suit, and it asks for about as little upkeep. Go over it once a week with a rubber mitt or a stiff brush, and after a muddy hike let the mud dry and simply brush it out. It sheds moderately, so there will be hair, but not clouds of it, and baths are rarely needed.

The real check-up happens after the forest. Look for ticks in the coat, scratches from the undergrowth on the legs and chest, and needles caught between the paw pads. Lift the hanging ears and look inside: redness, discharge or an odd smell is a reason to see a vet. Trim the nails if hard paths don't wear them down.

How to do it:

By age:

Health and possible conditions

We don't have reliable health information specific to this breed, so we don't list conditions here. Keep up regular vet check-ups, and if you are getting a puppy, ask the breeder about the parents' health testing.

This is general information, not veterinary advice. For your own dog's health, tests and treatment, see a vet.

Food for medium breeds — cheapest per kg

This list is chosen by the breed's weight (20 kg) rather than the breed itself: shops label food by dog size, so every breed of the same size gets the same list. Prices are updated daily.

≈ 240 g of dry food a day, from €13,24 a month For a neutered, normally active 16,5 kg dog. Calculate for your dog