Slovakian Hound

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Breed Rating

Breed Details

General

Known as Slovensky Kopov in its country of origin, Slovakia, the dog is also called Black Forest Hound. Declared national dog of Slovakia, the medium sized Slovakian Hound has typical hound dog appearance. Though solidly boned, the dog has light build and elegance appearance. It has a height and weight between 17-22 inches and 42-55 lbs respectively.

This dog has a flat domed head and a rather long rectangular shaped skull. Not too broad muzzle has a straight nasal bridge. The nose that is always black in color is rather large and has moderately opened nostrils. The tight fitting lips are noticeably open at the corners of the mouth. A Black forest Hound has firm regularly shaped jaws and well developed complete bite. Almond shaped eyes are rather deep set. Dark colored eyes and black pigmented eyelids show the dog?s courageous and lively temperament. Medium length ears have rounded tips. Ears are set on above the level of the eyes and carried flat against the side of the head. The short muscular neck is well set and covered with close fitting skin. The Black Forest Hound has a lightly built body. The medium length back is strong; the broad loin is firm and muscular. The suitably broad chest is well developed. Ribs are arched and the belly is moderately tucked up. The strong tail that tapers to the tip is low set and reaches the hock. The tail hangs down when the dog is relaxed and carried upwards in the shape of a saber when the dog is alert or on the move. This breed has short but well developed forequarters and well muscled hind quarters. Oval shaped feet have lightly arched toes, black nails and dark pads. This breed has dark brown to black skin that closely fits the body forming no folds. The skin is densely covered with slightly coarse 2 to 5 cm hair. The back the neck and the tail is covered with longer hair. The gleaming black coat and the mahogany and tan colored markings give the dog its impressive and elegant appearance.

The Black Forest Hound is NOT recognized by AKC however it is recognized by other kennel clubs such as FCI, UKC and CKC among others.

Color

Color is one of the most distinguishing features of the Slovakian Hound. It has glossy solid black color with tan markings.

Coat

The Slovakian hound has double coat. The outer coat is one to two inches long, medium coarse, close fitting and dense. The undercoat is dense, especially in winter.

Personality

The Slovakian Hound has excellent temperament to be a great family dog. This tireless and very energetic dog is an excellent companion for the whole family. Loyal and devoted to its family, the Slovakian Hound makes an excellent playmate for children with its playful and gentle nature. The dog shows very kind and patient attitude towards children. Very friendly and loving to its family, the dog is wary of strangers. It is alert and attentive to its surroundings and makes very good watch and guard dog; ready to take on any potential threat to its family and property. The dog has an excellent direction sense besides very sensitive sniffing ability. It can be used to track smells to its origin. This dog is an excellent family pet but is hard to come by.

Care

The Slovakian Hound requires very little grooming when it is used solely as family dog. The short coat would need to be brushed thoroughly twice a week to keep it clean and in top condition. When the dog is used for hunting, the grooming needs would rise as the coat would require thorough brushing after every hunting expedition to clean off the dirt and external parasites from the coat. The teeth should be cleaned regularly and ears checked for infection. Toe nails will need to be kept trimmed.

Training

Though thought to be independent and free spirited, the Slovakian Hound is very trainable with gentle yet firm training sessions.

Activity

This dog will need lots of exercise to keep its high energy levels under control. This is not a breed for small houses or apartment life style; rather the dog will be happiest when kept in house with large space to run and play. Daily walking is must along with ample playing opportunities to keep the Slovakian Hound happy and content.