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Slovensky Kopov
Health grade A- Shoulder height40–50 cm
- Weight14–20 kg
- Life expectancy12–14 yrs
- Puppy price1,200–2,500 €
- Energy4/5
The essentials at a glance
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.
- Health grade A: The Slovensky Kopov is considered a very robust breed, in which the risk of hip dysplasia (HD) in particular must be kept in mind.
- 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 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.
How the health grade is calculated
Sources for required breeding screenings. Schwarzwildbrackenverein (Slovensky Kopov) e.V.
Self-check
Would the Slovensky Kopov really fit your life?
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Is the Slovensky Kopov right for you?
At a glance
Slovensky Kopov overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Lifespan
12–14 yrs
Shoulder height
40–50 cm
Weight
14–20 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 1,200 – 2,500 €
- Coat: Dense, straight, medium length, with undercoat
- Origin: Slovakia
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 →Colors & coat
What colors does the Slovensky Kopov come in?
The coat colors that occur in the Slovensky Kopov — including which ones fall outside the breed standard and which carry genetic risk.
Eye colors
Brown
Coat type
Medium
Double coat
Perfect for you if:
- 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 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.
All measurements in detail
- Height
- 40 - 45 cm (Female), 45 - 50 cm (Male)
- Weight
- 14 - 16 kg (Female), 15 - 20 kg (Male)
- Life Expectancy
- 12 - 14 yrs
- Character
- Loyal, Energetic, Intelligent
- Coat
- Dense, straight, medium length, with undercoat
- Coat Color
- Black with brown markings
- Price
- 1200 - 2500 €
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 drive and tracking bark. 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.
| 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 one of the few native Slovak dog breeds 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-occupied” 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 & hereditary diseases
Health
A
Robust
Health grade
The Slovensky Kopov is considered a very robust breed, in which the risk of hip dysplasia (HD) in particular must be kept in mind. Responsible breeders therefore specifically have their breeding animals X-rayed and also examine them for heart disease. The Schwarzwildbrackenverein (Slovensky Kopov) e.V. makes these tests mandatory and only permits dogs with HD results of A to C1 and without signs of heart disease for breeding. Have the official certificates of both parent animals presented to you before buying a puppy in order to minimize the risk of joint problems in your dog.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-assisted and editorially reviewed.
Methodology and data: HonestDog Dog Breed Health Report 2026
What matters most for this breed
Tap any item to see details.
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
Responsible breeders mandatorily test parent animals for hip dysplasia (HD) and heart diseases to consistently avoid hereditary predispositions.
Note: This health overview is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. It is for orientation only and does not replace veterinary advice.
Health risks for this breed
What matters most for this breed — what's common, how much it affects the dog's life, and how to protect yourself as a buyer.
3
Risks tracked
2
Core standard
2
High severity
Heart & circulation
Most affected area
Where this breed is vulnerable
Tap a body region to see the inherited conditions linked to it.
The three most important risks
Pick a region on the map to explore other areas.
severemoderatemild
How thoroughly does the breeder test?
Tier 1 is the core standard: the tests Schwarzwildbrackenverein (Slovensky Kopov) e.V. requires, plus further tests from the recommended health standard for this breed. Tiers 2 and 3 show how responsible breeders go beyond.
Core standard. Tests marked “Club standard” are required by Schwarzwildbrackenverein (Slovensky Kopov) e.V. for breeding approval; the others are part of the recommended health standard for this breed. Ask any reputable breeder for the results.
No entries in this tier.
Note: This health overview is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. It is for orientation only and does not replace veterinary advice.
Costs & where to find one
How much does a Slovensky Kopov cost?
A Slovensky Kopov costs around ~€170 per month (€90 – €310, depending on your setup). The first year adds up to roughly ~€4,700 including purchase, equipment and puppy school; across the dog's life (13 years) it comes to about ~€28,970.
With surgery cover, running costs come to about ~€160 per month — in return, your share of a major operation drops from several thousand euros to around 20 percent.
Per month
~€170
In the first year
~€4,700
Across the dog's life
~€28,970
Estimated purchase price from a breeder: €1,200 – €2,500
Estimate at a mid-range setup (suburban, dry food, 1–2 hours of daily exercise), average German prices, as of July 2026.
Calculate your personal costs1-minute self-check with your own answers
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Appearance, variants & origin
Variants of this breed
History
The full 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
Owner experiences
At home, owners usually experience the Slovensky Kopov (Slovakian Hound) as a surprisingly calm, affectionate and unobtrusive housemate t…Summarized from publicly shared owner experiences
At home, owners usually experience the Slovensky Kopov (Slovakian Hound) as a surprisingly calm, affectionate and unobtrusive housemate that seeks close contact with its people. Within its own family it is patient, cuddly and very good with children. Around the house and yard, though, its guarding instinct is clearly noticeable. Unfamiliar visitors are at first sized up attentively or with reserve, and reliably announced on its own turf.
How balanced it is at home, however, depends entirely on the right amount of exercise and work. Owners and breeders agree that this wild boar hound is not simply a companion dog for leisurely walks. Without a real job to do, ideally hunting, or at least intensive scent work, it quickly gets frustrated and restless and tends to get noisy indoors. Living with smaller pets such as cats also requires strict management from puppyhood, because it instinctively sees unfamiliar small animals as prey.
In owner accounts of training, owners regularly point to the breed's strong independence and willfulness.Summarized from publicly shared owner experiences
In owner accounts of training, owners regularly point to the breed's strong independence and willfulness. Bred as a scent hound that makes its own decisions in thick cover and follows game over long distances, the Kopov shows no automatic will to please. It likes to question commands, and in the experience of many hunters and handlers, training with excessive harshness or pressure only makes the dog dig in its heels and stop cooperating altogether.
Handling it successfully therefore takes a lot of patience, clear consistency and a calm, self-assured person. Loose-leash walking and off-leash time remain a particular everyday challenge. As soon as a fresh trail hits its nose, many Kopovs check out mentally. Owners report that a reliable recall in unfenced woodland is very hard to establish and that some dogs turn into real wide-ranging hunters, which is why a long line often has to be used in normal daily life.
Sources:tackenberg.dejaegermagazin.deagila.deforum.wildundhund.deedogs.de
When it comes to health and grooming, owners describe the Slovensky Kopov as very robust, weatherproof and hardy.Summarized from publicly shared owner experiences
When it comes to health and grooming, owners describe the Slovensky Kopov as very robust, weatherproof and hardy. The breed is considered largely unspoiled by breeding and highly resistant to the weather. The dense, firm short coat repels dirt and is very easy to care for with an occasional brushing. Only during the seasonal shed do these dogs shed noticeably.
According to breeders and clubs, specific inherited diseases are fairly rare, but as is typical for the breed, the floppy ears need regular checks, since infections or ticks can easily take hold after outings through brush and damp undergrowth. According to reports from the field, the biggest health risk is mainly injury. Because of their intense passion, toughness and all-or-nothing approach when hunting or tracking wild boar, these dogs sometimes suffer blunt and tear injuries, which is why good physical condition and protective vests are standard for many handlers.
Sources:tackenberg.dejaegermagazin.de
Paraphrased from real owner reports · translated from German
FAQ & more
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.
What colors does the Slovensky Kopov come in?
The Slovensky Kopov comes in these colors: Black and tan.
Are you a Slovensky Kopov breeder?
Showcase your kennel on HonestDog and reach families searching for a responsibly bred Slovensky Kopov.