Also called Slovakian Hound, Slovak Hound, Black Forest Hound · Slovakia
A spirited, persistent and brave hunter in the field that is relaxed and good-natured at home.
| Size | Medium |
|---|---|
| Weight | 15 to 20 kg (33 to 44 lb)1 |
| Height | 40 to 50 cm (16 to 20 in)males 45 to 50 cm, females 40 to 45 cm1 |
| Coat | Short, dense coat with undercoat |
| Origin | Slovakia, Central Europe.23 |
| Group | FCI group 6 |
A spirited, persistent and brave hunter in the field that is relaxed and good-natured at home. It is clever and trainable, loyal to its family and watchful over its property, and fairly quiet for a hound.134
short, dense coat with undercoat
A light, agile hound with a close-fitting, moderately coarse coat about 2-5 cm long, a little longer on the back, neck and tail, over a dense undercoat that thickens in winter.1
A typical home-care rhythm for a Slovenský kopov. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
High: bred to follow a trail for hours, so it needs long daily walks or runs and scent work or hunting to keep it content.14
Gets on well with children and bonds with its family, while keeping an eye on the home.3
Feed your adult Slovenský kopov at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. Consistent times like morning and evening work well. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.5
Your Slovenský kopov should eat a high-quality dog food suited to its age and activity. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onion, garlic, and xylitol, these are especially harmful to dogs. Always consult your vet for a safe diet.6
Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests bathing every 56 days, and general guidance recommends at least once every three months. Bathe more often if your dog gets dirty or has skin issues. Use a gentle dog shampoo.7 Pet Wiki plan
Brush your Slovenský kopov weekly to keep its short, dense coat healthy and reduce shedding. During shedding seasons, you may need to brush more often. This also strengthens your bond.7 Pet Wiki plan
Trim your Slovenský kopov's nails every 28 days, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for guidance.7 Pet Wiki plan
Your Slovenský kopov needs high daily exercise, long walks, runs, and scent work to stay happy. Pet Wiki recommends daily walks and play. This breed thrives with an active owner.14 Pet Wiki plan
Brush your Slovenský kopov's teeth at least every other day, ideally daily, using dog toothpaste. Check ears weekly and dry them gently, floppy ears can trap moisture. Never insert anything into the ear canal.7 Pet Wiki plan
Lifespan varies for this breed; consult your vet or a good breeder for typical expectations. They can give you the best guidance for your individual dog.
Yes, the Slovenský kopov is good-natured and gets on well with children, bonding closely with its family. It is also watchful over its home. Early socialisation helps with other pets.314
This breed bonds closely with its family and may not enjoy long periods alone. It's best to ask your vet or a good breeder for advice on leaving it alone, as needs vary.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
Running costs for a Slovenský kopov, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
No breed-specific rule names the Slovenský kopov in the 61 countries we check. General dangerous-dog laws still apply everywhere, and some cities keep their own lists.
Laws change and local rules exist; this is a sourced overview, not legal advice.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
It can follow a warm trail for hours, giving voice as it goes, and is prized for wild boar hunting.1
The breed standard highlights its unusually strong sense of direction, helping it find its way back to the hunter.1
The name 'Black Forest Hound' used in North America seems to be a marketing name with no link to Germany's Black Forest.3
It always comes in the same colours: black with rich tan markings.1
The name 'Slovenský kopov' translates to 'Slovakian Hound' in English, reflecting its origin in Slovakia. The breed is also sometimes called 'Black Forest Hound' in North America, but this name was created for marketing and has no connection to the Black Forest.3
This morning I sniffed the frosty trail behind the cottage, my nose full of wild boar and pine. After a good run through the meadow, I checked every fence post, all safe. Back home, I curled on the rug while my human read. Later, I gave a low woof at the mailman, then wagged hello. Evening came with a gentle head on my human's knee. A good day.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
Hounds of this type have hunted in the Slovak forests for a very long time, probably shaped by Austrian, Polish and Hungarian hounds. The modern breed was described from the 1870s, the FCI recognised it in 1963, and a breed club was set up in Bratislava in 1988.32
Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].
Text is written in our own words from these sources.
Transylvanian Hound
Gończy Polski
Austrian Black and Tan Hound
Serbian Hound