Slovakian hound

Welcome to our page dedicated to the breed of dog slovakian hound!

Here, you will find all the useful information about slovakian hound. This descriptive profile will allow you to discover the aspects of this breed. You can notably consult information about the average price, monthly and annual upkeep expenses, their health, name ideas, as well as their official recognition by competent authorities.

Explore this page to discover everything you need to know.

Overall description of the breed

The Slovakian Hound is a reference in the genre, it is one of the medium-sized breeds, solid on its feet and tenacious when at work. It was first introduced several hundred years ago and developed mainly in Slovakia. Its true origins are not well known, but some people agree that the Doberman was one of the founding breeds. Although not widely distributed outside its borders, its popularity grew in its native country around the 1950s and since then the number of births has remained stable over the years.

The International Cynological Federation registered the breed definitively on April 16, 1963, and its official standard has not been updated since.

The Slovakian Hound is a hardy, adaptable, slender, athletic and stubborn dog of medium size, with clearly defined withers, a clean, slightly sloping topline at the loins, and a well developed chest and shoulders, making it an extremely powerful dog with a compact appearance.

The head is slightly rounded at the top, rectangular in shape and well proportioned overall, coupled with a moderately long, square muzzle. The tail is thick and carried in the continuation of the topline, always pointing upwards when the dog is in action, it is never placed over the back. The coat is short, silky and smooth, the only colour permitted by the breed standard is black and tan.

Determination is one of his main traits, mainly used for hunting, he is not really adapted to family life even if he appreciates the presence of his owners. He also enjoys playtime, especially if it is related to tracking or searching for objects. Reliable in his work, he proves to be an efficient team player and will still enjoy being with his family circle to share good times, once his activities are over.

He is initially programmed for bloodhounding and tracking small and big game, but his temperament is generally very independent, even solitary, especially when he spots a serious track, as his hunting instincts are particularly strong. The Slovensky Kopov, as it was originally called, needs to be in constant action, and is truly overflowing with energy and drive, but if its daily energy needs are met, it will be a perfect, faithful and devoted family dog.

Adult: The Slovakian Hound will weigh approximately 15-20 kg (33-44 lbs), with a height at the withers of approximately 45-50 cm (17.5-19.5") for males and 40-45 cm (15.5-17.5") for females.

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Origins

The Slovakian Hound, also known as the Slovenský Kopov, is a native breed of Slovakia. This breed is deeply rooted in the hunting traditions of the region, where it is valued for its endurance and ability to work in difficult terrain. The Kopov is recognized for its robustness and natural aptitude for hunting, especially for medium-sized game such as wild boar.

History

Historically, the Slovakian Hound was bred for hunting in pack or alone, cleverly tracking game through the vast forests of Slovakia. Since the Middle Ages, these dogs were renowned for their exceptional sense of smell and perseverance. Their history is closely linked to the evolution of hunting practices in the region, adapting their skills to the specific needs of local hunters.

Standard

The breed standard, according to the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), describes the Slovakian Hound as having a robust and compact body, with a dense black coat marked with tan. The standard emphasizes a strong structure, a well-proportioned head, and expressive dark eyes, reflecting the intelligence and liveliness of the breed.

Physical characteristics

Physically, the Slovakian Hound is of medium size, with well-developed musculature suitable for the endurance required for hunting. Its coat is generally black with tan markings above the eyes, on the paws and under the tail. Its tail is carried like a saber and its hanging ears accentuate its serious and focused expression.

Character

The Slovakian Hound's character is balanced and determined. It is an energetic and determined dog on the hunting trail, but it can be calm and docile at home. It is known for its loyalty to its master and its ability to adapt to different hunting situations, making it a reliable companion both in the field and in a family environment.

Life expectancy

The Slovakian Hound's life expectancy is typically 12 to 14 years, depending on various health factors and proper care throughout its life. As with any breed, regular veterinary check-ups and a balanced diet are crucial for a long life.

Exercise and activity needs

The Slovakian Hound requires a high level of daily physical exercise due to its natural energy and endurance. Activities such as running, hiking, and of course, hunting, are ideal for maintaining its physical and mental fitness.

Recommended diet

A balanced diet rich in proteins and nutrients is essential for the Slovakian Hound, especially due to its high activity level. It is recommended to consult a veterinarian to determine the most suitable diet for its specific needs, taking into account its age, weight, and level of exercise.

Training and obedience

Education and training of the Slovakian Hound should begin at a young age, focusing on socialization, obedience, and specific hunting skills. This intelligent dog responds well to positive and consistent training, which will reinforce its natural abilities and behavior in society.

Behavior with children

The Slovakian Hound can be an excellent companion for children, especially if properly socialized from a young age. It is important to supervise interactions between dogs and young children to ensure everyone's safety.

Compatibility with Other Animals

With appropriate socialization, the Slovakian Hound can peacefully coexist with other pets. However, due to its strong hunting instinct, it is crucial to monitor its interactions with small animals.

Grooming needs

The grooming needs of the Slovakian Hound are moderate. Its short coat requires regular brushing to remove dead hair and maintain the cleanliness of its coat. Regular care of the ears and nails is also necessary to avoid health problems.

Health

Generally robust, the Slovakian Hound may nevertheless be subject to genetic conditions typical of hunting dog breeds, such as joint problems and certain hereditary diseases. Regular visits to the veterinarian will help monitor and prevent such conditions.

Average price

The price of a Slovakian Hound puppy can vary significantly depending on the breeder, lineage, and region, but on average, it is around 500 to 1000 euros. This cost can increase if the puppy comes from a champion lineage or has particularly sought-after traits.

Expenses

The annual expenses for a Slovakian Hound include food, veterinary care, grooming, and potentially registration for hunting activities or competitions. These costs can amount to around 1000 to 1500 euros or 1100 to 1650 dollars per year, varying depending on specific needs and required care.

Name ideas

Choosing a name for a Slovakian Hound can reflect its hunting heritage or its personality traits. For example, "Orion" evokes the celestial hunter, while "Echo" recalls the tracking ability of the breed. "Astra" means star, suggesting its excellence as a hunter. "Luna" for its ability to work at night, and "Ferox" which means fierce, reflecting its eagerness for hunting. "Vigil" indicates a guardian, perfect for a dog that protects its home. "Blitz" for its speed, "Sable" which evokes the dark color of its coat, "Bram" for a distinctive bark, and "Silva" which means forest, its natural hunting ground.

Legislation and regulation

In Slovakia, the Slovakian Hound is not subject to any particular restrictions. It is important to check the specific laws regarding pets and hunting in other countries or regions when considering adopting this breed.

Official recognition

The Slovakian Hound is officially recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), which ensures the breed standard. It is also registered in various global purebred dog registries. In Slovakia, the official club for the breed is the "Klub chovatelov Slovenských kopovov", which plays a key role in preserving and promoting the breed.

Pedigrees

Pedigrees are available for the Slovakian Hound from recognized breeders and through the official breed club. These documents are essential to ensure the purity of the lineage and are often required for breed competitions and hunting.

Destination and usage

The Slovakian Hound is mainly used for hunting, utilizing its natural skills to track and retrieve game. Its robustness and endurance also make it an excellent companion for outdoor activities and canine sports.

Prohibitions

There are no specific restrictions on the possession or use of the Slovakian Hound in most countries. However, regulations may vary regarding the import and ownership of hunting dogs, so it is recommended to check local laws before importing such a dog.

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