Other Names: Slovak Hound, Black Forest Hound.

The Slovenský kopov (translated into English as Slovak Hound) is a medium-sized breed of hunting dog of the scenthound type. The breed originated in Slovakia, in Central Europe, and is bred for boar hunting. The name Black Forest Hound seems to have been created in North America for marketing purposes since the breed has no connection with the Black Forest.

Appearance

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 short coat is always black, with tan markings (black and tan). Dogs should be around 16 kg (35 lbs) in weight and 46 cm (18 ins) at the withers, with bitches somewhat smaller. The ideal size is described in the breed standard to discourage the breeding of overly large or excessively small dogs. Other measurements for the ideal hound are given in the Standard, to preserve breed type. The breed is more heavily built than the similarly marked American Black and Tan Coonhound but is more lightly built than the otherwise similar Ogar Polski, the more strongly built hound from Poland. The eyes are always dark, deep-set, and have a look of liveliness and courage.

History and use

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, and Magyar Agar (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 in Bratislava in 1988.

The Slovenský kopov was developed and is used as a hunting dog, not a pet or show dog. It is bred for hunting large game, especially wild boar. Although extremely common in its area of origin, it is rarely seen in other countries. The Slovenský kopov is similar to other East-European scenthounds in appearance and hunting style.