| Slovenský kopov Slovak Hound | |||||||||
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 Slovenský kopov/Slovakian Hound | |||||||||
| Other names | Slovak Hound, Black Forest Hound | ||||||||
| Origin | Slovakia | ||||||||
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| Dog (domestic dog) | |||||||||
Theslovenský kopov (translated into English asSlovakian Hound) is a medium-sizedbreed ofhuntingdog of thescenthoundtype. The breed originated inSlovakia, in Central Europe, and is bred for deer tracking and boar hunting. The nameBlack Forest Hound seems to have been created in North America for marketing purposes, since the breed has no connection with theBlack Forest. The German name for this breed is Schwarzwildbracke which translates to Wild Boar Hound and not Schwarzwaldbracke which would be Black Forest Hound.
The Slovakian Kopav is fairly rare in North America with only one known importer / breeder; Chris Goegan of Hi-Point Kennels, located in Alliance, Ohio. Most commonly used for tracking downed deer the breed makes an exceptional house pet with its laid back demeanor. They are good with children and easy to train. They tend to become protective of the property and of family members but are not known to be an aggressive breed. Unlike a typical hound, they are not vocal unless a stranger comes onto your property or at a carcass find. As to their tracking abilities, the Slovaks cut no corners in only breeding proven stock and culling all others. Their tracking abilities are some of the best in the world for deer and hogs.
The Slovenský kopov or Slovakian Hound is a typical hunting hound in appearance, with a muscular body, long legs, a long tail, and long drop ears. The shortcoat is always black in colour, with tan markings (black and tan). Dogs should be around 16 kg (35 lbs) in weight and 46 cm (18 ins) at thewithers, with bitches somewhat smaller. Ideal size is described in thebreed standard to discourage the breeding of overly large or excessively small dogs. Other measurements for the ideal hound are given in the Standard, in order to preservebreed type.[1] The breed is more heavily built than the similarly marked AmericanBlack and Tan Coonhound, but is more lightly built than the otherwise similarOgar Polski, the more strongly built hound from Poland. The eyes are always dark, deep-set, and have a look of liveliness and courage.
Though known to be independent, it is intelligent, and is easy to train. Also, it has a good sense of direction.
A well-known type of hunting dog since antiquity, today's breed was first recognised in the 1870s. The breeds of Brandlbracke (Austrian Black and Tan Hound), Chart Polski (Polish Greyhound), andMagyar agár (Hungarian Greyhound) are believed to have been used in the breed's background. The etymology of the name seems to refer to the dog's colour. The breed club was established inBratislava in 1988.
The Slovenský kopov was developed and is used as ahunting dog, not apet orshowdog. It is bred for hunting large game, especiallywild boar. Although extremely common in its area of origin, it is rarely seen in other countries.[2] The Slovenský kopov is similar to other East European scenthounds in appearance and hunting style.
The breed is recognised in its country of origin with the nameSlovenský kopov, and is listed for international dog sports competition with theFédération Cynologique Internationale under that name as breed number 244, in Group 6, Scenthounds and Related Breeds, Section 1.2 Medium-sized Hounds. Exported to North America, the breed is recognised under the English translation of its name, the Slovakian Hound, by theUnited Kennel Club in the United States. The breed also may be registered under a variety of translations of the name, or created English names such as theWild Boar Hound (from the German Schwarzwildbracke),[3] with minor kennel clubs, hunting clubs, and internet dog registry businesses, and promoted as arare breed for those seeking an unusual hunting dog or a unique pet.
