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Discover everything about Slovensky Kopov
Explore the breed's characteristics, health, and history — and find trusted breeders
Looking for a Slovensky Kopov?
At a glance
Slovensky Kopov overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Health grade
Relative to other breeds
S
A
B
C
D
E
Very healthyHigher risk
The Slovensky Kopov is an extremely robust hunting breed and receives an A grade. Hip dysplasia (HD) is the only relevant hereditary condition known, and it is effectively managed through mandatory health tests in breeding programs. Other serious genetic defects play virtually no role in this primitive breed.
Lifespan
12–14 yrs
Height
40–50 cm
Weight
14–20 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 1,200 – 2,500 €
- Coat: Dense, straight, medium length, with undercoat
- Origin: Slovakia
Typical coat colors
- Black with brown markings
Temperament
Energy
Trainability
Family fit
With kids
Daily life
Care effort
Shedding
Barking
City-friendly
Guard instinct
What matters most
Especially with a Slovensky Kopov, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Is the Slovensky Kopov right for you?
The Slovensky Kopov is a highly intelligent, extremely robust wild boar hunter—bred as a courageous scenthound that tracks, corners, and bays at wild boar in dense forests for hours on its own.
Perfect for you if:
- You are an active hunter or can offer him serious, professional tracking work—as a pure family dog, this breed's hardware will wither away.
- You spend your free time outdoors for hours regardless of the weather anyway and are looking for an indefatigable companion.
- You are a confident leader and have the patience for a dog bred to make its own decisions away from its human.
- You live in a rural area and ideally have a securely fenced property where he can move around freely.
Less ideal if:
- You expect a dog that turns around immediately at a whistle when it has a fresh scent in its nose—it was selected to follow that exact trail to the very end.
- You live in a densely populated neighborhood or apartment where loud baying will lead to problems.
- You have cats or small animals in the household that his deeply ingrained hunting instinct would inevitably classify as prey.
- You are looking for an easy-to-train beginner dog for relaxed strolls in the city park.
The real vibes check
A Slovensky Kopov is not a command-follower that hangs on your every word—he is an autonomous forest worker who will do his job even without you if necessary. If you channel his unbridled passion for the trail into the right paths, you will get a loyal, calm partner. However, if you try to keep him as a mere walking dog, he will find his own tasks—and that usually means he will disappear into the forest to hunt without compromise.
Breed Profile
The Slovensky Kopov, also known as the Slovak Hound, is a medium-sized hunting dog with a strong and robust appearance. He has striking black and brown fur and his eyes reflect his intelligence and attentiveness. Its body is compact and well proportioned, with muscular legs and a strong back. The Slovensky Kopov has a high forehead and a pronounced arch above the eyes, giving it a striking appearance. Its ears are medium-sized and droopy, lying close to its head. He belongs to FCI Group 6, the running and bloodhounds. There is no distinction between performance and show lines in this breed, meaning all Kopovs can perform equally well in both show and field.
- Height
- 40 - 45 cm (Female), 45 - 50 cm (Male)
- Weight
- 14 - 16 kg (Female), 15 - 20 kg (Male)
- Life Expectancy
- 12 - 14 years
- Character
- Loyal, Energetic, Intelligent
- Coat
- Dense, straight, medium length, with undercoat
- Coat Color
- Black with brown markings
- Price
- 1200 - 2500 €
History
The Slovenský kopov, also known as the Slovakian Hound, is a breed with a long tradition dating back to the Middle Ages. In the rugged, forested regions of modern-day Slovakia, these resilient dogs were early on employed for hunting defensive wild boar and tracking wounded game. Over the centuries, breeding focused primarily on hunting performance, stamina, and toughness, resulting in a robust hound with a distinctive baying voice. Targeted purebred breeding and systematic documentation only began in the 1930s, largely driven by the cynologist Koloman Slimák, who established the first official breed standard. International recognition by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) followed in 1963. In 1988, the first official breed club for the Slovenský kopov was founded to further promote the breed's hunting traits and uniform appearance. To this day, the Kopov remains highly valued in its homeland and neighboring countries, primarily kept by hunters and foresters as a tireless, courageous working hunting dog.
Original Use
The Slovenský kopov was bred for hunting wild boar and tracking wounded game in the forests of Slovakia.
Origin
Slovakia
Date
1700
Character & Temperament
The Slovensky Kopov is a dog with a strong character and a high work ethic. He is an exceptionally loyal and reliable hunting dog known for his courage and determination. But he is not only a working and hunting dog, but also a loving and affectionate companion dog who feels very connected to his family. Its nature is shaped by its use for hunting. He is a determined, persistent dog with an excellent sense of smell and a strong prey and tracking sound. When hunting, he is brave, fearless and stubborn. At home, however, he appears to be a calm and relaxed dog who seeks and enjoys being close to his people. The Kopov is intelligent and capable of learning, but it also shows a certain independence that comes from its use as an independently working hunting dog. Therefore, he needs a loving but consistent hand and a lot of patience when raising him. This makes him more of a dog for more experienced dog owners. He is an active dog that needs a lot of exercise and activity. Long walks, hiking tours and trips into the countryside are just right for this dog. He loves exploring his surroundings and using his sense of smell. In relation to other animals, the Slovensky Kopov shows pronounced hunting behavior. This means he doesn't necessarily live well with smaller pets unless he's used to them from a young age. Dealing with other dogs can also be problematic, especially if they are dogs of the same gender. Despite his passion for hunting, the Slovensky Kopov is a very people-oriented dog. He loves his family and is very loyal and protective towards them. He can learn to stay alone, but this should be practiced gradually and with a lot of patience and understanding. The Slovensky Kopov is a vigilant dog that guards his home and family well. He is initially reserved and suspicious of strangers, but warms up as soon as he realizes that they pose no danger. His strong protective instinct and vigilance make him a good watchdog. All in all, the Slovensky Kopov is a great dog for people who are looking for an active, loyal and intelligent companion and who are willing to invest the time and energy this strong-character dog requires.
| Trainability Has its own ideas and will test limits. | Strong-willed |
| Watchfulness Strong territorial instinct — may actively confront intruders. | Very high |
| Openness to Strangers Neither pushily friendly nor suspicious. | Neutral |
| Hunting or Herding Drive This drive runs deep — no amount of training eliminates it. | Very strong |
Fun Fact!
The Slovensky Kopov is the only dog breed recognized in Slovakia and is highly valued there due to its remarkable hunting skills.
What Awaits You
The Slovensky Kopov is an intelligent and enduring hunting dog, especially valued for wild boar hunting. It is characterized by its high enthusiasm for work and pronounced sense of smell. These dogs are robust, eager to learn, and require consistent but loving training. The Slovensky Kopov is a loyal companion that is well suited as a family dog if it receives sufficient exercise and activity.
Housing & Care
The Slovensky Kopov is more of a dog for country life than city life. His need for physical and mental exercise can often be difficult to fulfill in the city. Smaller children shouldn't be a problem as long as they learn to respect the dog and not harass it. Caution should be exercised around other pets, especially cats and small animals, as the Kopov's hunting instincts can certainly come through.
- Family Friendly
Loves family life and thrives in a group.
Family-oriented - Child Friendly
Gets on well with children — with adult supervision.
With supervision - Dog Friendly
Usually gets on fine with other dogs.
Generally tolerant - City Friendly
Can manage in the city, but only with very active owners.
Difficult in cities
Owning a dog is a privilege, but it's also a real responsibility. Before you bring one into your life, be honest with yourself about the commitment it takes.!
Training & Education
Raising and training the Slovensky Kopov requires patience, consistency and a good understanding of the character and needs of this breed. The Slovensky Kopov is intelligent and willing to work, but also independent. It is important to respect this independence and still set clear boundaries. As an active dog with a hunting instinct, the Slovensky Kopov needs plenty of activity and mental stimulation. Hunting activities or nose work can be very good here. However, care should be taken to ensure that the dog is not “over-busy”. to avoid stress and hyperactivity. Learning impulse control and frustration tolerance is particularly important for the Slovensky Kopov to control his hunting behavior and make him a pleasant companion.
Nutrition & Care
A balanced diet is very important for the Slovensky Kopov to keep him fit and healthy. High-quality food with a high meat content and no artificial additives is preferred. Since this breed is quite active, the energy content of the food should be adjusted accordingly. Caring for the Slovensky Kopov is comparatively uncomplicated. Its coat is medium long, dense and straight, with a dense undercoat. It should be brushed regularly to remove dead hair and keep the skin healthy. The Slovensky Kopov sheds moderately and tolerates the German climate very well.
| Care Level Minimal effort — occasional brushing and bathing. | Low-maintenance |
| Exercise Needs Needs several hours of serious exercise every day. | Very active |
| Shedding Regular shedding — dog hair on clothes is now normal. | Moderate |
| Trainability Has its own ideas and will test limits. | Strong-willed |
Our experts are still reviewing this information. Spotted something wrong? Email us at info@honestdog.de.!
Health
A
Robust
Health grade
The Slovensky Kopov is an extremely robust hunting breed and receives an A grade. Hip dysplasia (HD) is the only relevant hereditary condition known, and it is effectively managed through mandatory health tests in breeding programs. Other serious genetic defects play virtually no role in this primitive breed.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-generated by our veterinary-genetics model.
In daily life this can mean
With joint-friendly exercise, a healthy weight, and regular veterinary check-ups for the eyes and thyroid, you can effectively support his health in everyday life.
The breeder's role
Reputable breeders have the hips, elbows, eyes, and thyroid of the parent animals tested to specifically reduce hereditary risks in the line.
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
What owners say about the Slovensky Kopov
Thomas B., Jäger aus dem Sauerland (Rüde, seit 2021)
Ich habe mich damals bewusst für einen Kopov-Rüden entschieden, weil ich einen robusten, kurzhaarigen Hund für mein Waldrevier mit hohem Schwarzwildvorkommen gesucht habe. Er sollte jagen, stöbern, auf Nachsuchen glänzen, aber nach getaner Arbeit auch ein entspannter Familienhund sein.
In Jägerkreisen hört man ja oft das Vorurteil, Kopovs seien unkontrollierbare 'Fernaufklärer', die kilometerweit abhauen und stundenlang wegbleiben. Meine Erfahrung zeigt: Das ist eine Frage der Erziehung und Führung. Wenn man von Anfang an konsequent und fair mit ihnen arbeitet, jagen sie hervorragend im Team und bleiben absolut führig.
Zuhause ist mein Rüde extrem anhänglich, verträglich mit Mensch und Tier und ein echter Kumpel. Man darf nur nicht vergessen, dass diese Hunde eine enorme Arbeitsmoral haben – ohne echte jagdliche Auslastung verkümmern sie oder suchen sich selbstständig Beschäftigung.
Sabine W., Hundeführerin aus der Lüneburger Heide (Hündin, seit 2012)
Für mich ist der Slovensky Kopov der beste Stöber- und Familienhund, den man sich vorstellen kann, aber man muss wissen, worauf man sich einlässt. Ein erfahrener Jagdkollege nannte sie mal liebevoll 'Berufsverbrecher' – und das trifft es im positiven Sinne perfekt. Diese Hunde sind extrem intelligent, denken ständig mit und wollen von ihrem Führer überzeugt und gefordert werden.
Unsere Hündin läuft in der Saison locker 40 Drückjagden und ist den Rest des Jahres fast täglich im Revier, am Fahrrad oder beim Joggen dabei. Trotzdem merken wir sofort, wenn mal weniger zu tun ist: In nachsuchenarmen Monaten neigt sie dazu, sich selbst Alternativen zu suchen und auf eigene Faust loszuziehen.
Wer einen Hund sucht, den er nur gelegentlich mal auf eine Jagd mitnimmt und ansonsten als reinen Begleithund hält, wird mit dieser Rasse unglücklich werden. Der Kopov braucht eine Aufgabe, die seinen Kopf und seine Nase fordert, sonst wird er kreativ.
Michael S., Jäger aus Thüringen (Rüde, seit 2018)
Ich muss ganz ehrlich sagen: Wer den Kopov als netten, optisch schicken Familienhund halten will, ohne ihn jagdlich auszulasten, steuert auf eine Katastrophe zu. Ich habe vor der Anschaffung eine Züchterin besucht, bei der mehrere Kopovs im Haus lebten – die temperamentvolle Bande hat gefühlt die ganze Bude auseinandergenommen. Das sind Energiebündel pur.
Ihr Jagdtrieb ist gigantisch und gepaart mit einer ordentlichen Portion Sturheit und Eigensinn. Mein Rüde testet auch heute noch regelmäßig seine Grenzen aus und hinterfragt Befehle, wenn er meint, eine Situation selbst besser einschätzen zu können. Man braucht unendlich viel Konsequenz und eine ruhige, erfahrene Hand.
Viele Halter, die ich kenne, leben auch damit, dass die Hunde beim Freilauf im Wald plötzlich für ein paar Stunden weg sind, weil sie eine Fährte aufgenommen haben. Als reiner Begleithund auf dem Hundeplatz ohne echte Nasenarbeit ist diese Rasse meiner Meinung nach völlig unterfordert.
Paraphrased from real owner reports
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Frequently asked questions about the Slovensky Kopov
Is a Slovensky Kopov the right dog for me?
The Slovensky Kopov is an active dog that needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
How long does a Slovensky Kopov live?
The average life expectancy of a Slovensky Kopov is 12-14 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
How much grooming does a Slovensky Kopov need?
Slovensky Kopov grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a Slovensky Kopov good for families with children?
The Slovensky Kopov can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
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