Are you willing to choose the Slovensky Kopov as your pet? This one is a rare breed, yet if you acquire one for your home, this article will be your perfect guide, giving you detailed information about the same.
Here we provide all the details you require about the Slovensky Kopov. It includes their history, temperament, grooming needs, and health problems. We have also included pictures of the Slovensky Kopov to help you understand their physical appearance better.
[wpdatatable id=131]Breed Characteristics
The Slovensky Kopov stands out because of its scenting abilities and tracking skills. Originating in Slovakia, this breed is an alert and courageous dog known for its great hunting abilities. They have traits of emerging as good family dogs if trained well since their puppy days.
These dogs are intelligent, and this trait of theirs makes training easier, especially if they have an efficient owner. Their endurance level is commendable, as they follow a scent for hours.
History of The Slovensky Kopov
These are hunting dogs. Written references show that they are ancient breeds existing in the 17th as well 18th centuries. They are phenomenal in tracking through scents; their name reflects the same. Kopov comes from ‘kopo,’ a Hungarian word that means scent hound in English. There are several breeds credited with the development of these dogs. These include the Chart Polski, or Polish Greyhound, Magyar agár, or Hungarian Greyhound, Brandlbracke, or the Austrian Black and Tan Hound.
The Solvensky Kopov was mainly developed to track and hunt wild boar, with the dog’s courage and high endurance level making it great at its job. These scent hounds were even engaged in tracking deer.
By 1936 a proper breeding program began. In 1963, the FCI recognized the Slovensky Kopov as a hunting dog under the scent hound category. A few dogs of this breed were selected with no improper variations in their height and color. In 1988, the Slovak Hound Breeders Club developed in Bratislava.
This breed was added to the AKC Foundation Stock Service (FSS) in October 2015. The United Kennel Club recognizes it by the name Slovakian Hound. It’s an English translation of Slovensky Kopov. It’s also known by other names like the Black Forest Hound and Wild Boar Hound.
More About Slovensky Kopov
One look at these dogs gives the impression of a muscular breed with a sturdy build. Their black, almond-shaped eyes account for their lively and intelligent expression. The ears are long and floppy, set flat against the dog’s head. Their tail is low-set tapering near the tip. When the dogs are at rest, the tail hangs downward, but when they are alert, it becomes curved and is raised to the top. Learn more about the breed’s origin, temperament, size, and other details here.
Size
These medium-sized dogs measure between 16 and 20 inches. Their weight ranges from 30 to 45 pounds. The females appear smaller than their male counterparts.
Personality
Some traits that describe the Slovensky Kopov the best are their high-spirited nature, intelligence, and independent-mindedness. They bond with everyone but can develop a special attachment with a single family member, mostly their owner. However, as a family dog, they’ll be loyal to their kith and kin.
The Slovensky Kopov isn’t the breed that can be left alone for long. So, getting the dog as a pet is advisable if you can spend quality time with it. They are territorial and reserved towards strangers at the onset. These dogs protect their family and act the moment they sense any danger. However, aggression isn’t a part of their personality trait.
They are loud and vocal but aren’t excessive barkers like most other hounds. They will only annoy everyone in their vicinity with their nonstop barking if they spot a stranger or something unusual in their territory.
Temperament
These active dogs must be mentally and physically stimulated to be healthy and happy. They are even gifted with the ability of a strong sense of direction. The Slovensky Kopov lives up to its hunting lineage of the past. Its USP lies in its strong sense of smell, and it’ll spend hours following a scent that hits its nose. These are all qualities of a good hunting dog.
You’ll be surprised at their versatility and diversity in temperament. They are powerful hunters in the field. But, when it comes to the comforts of their home, you will notice the laid-back side of this breed.
They share a great rapport with the kids of the family. However, they could get excited when in the company of younger kids and might end up hurting them when playing with them. So, parental intervention is needed when the little ones interact with these active dogs.
They’ll do well with other dogs, especially if brought up with them. But keeping them with cats and other smaller pets in the same household is not advisable. It would trigger their hunting and chasing instincts.
Training them is relatively easy since they are great learners and can quickly grasp new things. At the same time, these dogs have a mind of their own, which might sometimes make training challenging. A firm handler who could train these dogs tactfully without being too lenient or overly harsh on them is recommended.
Health
The Slovensky Kopov is a healthy breed but could encounter certain health challenges like any other dog. Let’s look into some of the health problems common in these dogs.
Hip Dysplasia
Breeds on the larger side are more prone to this condition. It is hereditary, and the symptoms become prominent when the dogs reach 1-2 years of age. If your dog has hip dysplasia, it will make incoherent movements and find climbing the stairs or even walking a problem. That’s why purchasing your dog from a reputable breeder is always advisable.
Elbow Dysplasia
It’s similar to hip dysplasia, except that the elbow is affected instead of the hips. When your dog has this condition, its elbows will appear stiff. In extreme cases, the elbows could even become swollen and puffy. As a result, they will show less interest in exercise.
Ear Infections
Since their ears are floppy, these dogs are more susceptible to ear infections. It’s because ears that are flapping down trap moisture easily. Moist ears are a favorable place for yeast, bacteria, and other germs to grow. That’s why cleaning your dog’s ears at least once a week is important.
Care
These dogs have high exercise requirements and need work out to stay physically and mentally healthy. Walking them two to three times daily, with sufficient playtime in a fenced yard, will help.
If outdoor activities aren’t possible, involve them in some indoor activities. These include interesting games like fetch ball, hide and seek, etc.
You may even teach them new tricks like doing a handshake or a high five. If you have a decent-sized apartment, giving your dog a brisk walk in the hallway during unfavorable weather is also an option. Taking your Slovensky Kopov to accompany you on a hiking or swimming spree can also be a good option.
Whenever you take these dogs out, remember to make them wear a leash else they’ll get carried away by any scent they detect on their way.
They have floppy ears, so you must take extra care in cleaning them, or else your dog may be at risk of ear infections. When cleaning their ears, use a moist cloth or cotton ball dipped in a vet-approved ear solution. Ensure dental hygiene and brush your dog’s teeth twice or thrice weekly. Also, trim your dog’s nails once or twice a month.
Feeding
Make sure that the diet you are giving the Slovensky Kopov has all the essential nutrients. These include vitamins, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, fiber, etc. Store-bought food gives you the advantage of providing your dog with a balanced diet. On the other hand, a homemade diet means fresh food each day.
Both variations have their pros and cons. So, consider all the factors before deciding what diet you would give your diet – homemade or commercially-manufactured. Whatever you do, always consult a vet before making a decision.
Coat Color And Grooming
These dogs have a short, close-fitting, coarse outer coat and a dense undercoat. They have black coats with tan markings on their face and legs. They are seasonal shedders, so brushing them weekly or bi-weekly would be fine. However, brushing them regularly would help when they shed their undercoat. It mostly happens in fall and spring.
FAQ’s
This breed is common in Slovakia, where it originated. However, it’s quite rare in other parts of the world. For instance, in North America, there is said to be just a single breeder for this breed (to date).
The name is a misnomer as this breed has no connection with the Black Forest. It’s a marketing strategy created by breeders and dog fanatics in North America to make this breed appear attractive.
Conclusion
Slovensky Kopov is a very rare breed. It’s not readily available. However, if you are lucky enough to get one home, you’ll be in for a fabulous experience. It would help if you were double cautious when you take them out, lest their scent-tracking skills may land them in severe trouble.
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Hi, I’m Walter,
I live in Oklahoma City, USA, and have extensive dog caring and grooming expertise. In addition, I provide dog training tips and tricks through my blogs in Canine Weekly. I have a Dog Behavior and Training diploma and have previously worked as a Dog Trainer at ROC Animal Training and Behavior and Tip Top K9 of OKC Dog Training.
Apart from writing on Canine Weekly, I share my views on Twitter and Linkedin.