Learn More About Slovensky Kopov

Summary

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.

Character

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.

What to Expect

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.

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 & Grooming

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.