The Kopov Hound in Portrait

The wild boar hound, also known as Slovensky Kopov, is a medium-sized dog breed that is mainly found in Slovakia and other parts of Central Europe. It was originally developed for hunting wild boar, but it is also kept as a family dog.

The wild boar hound has a strong, athletic build with short, dense fur that can come in colors such as black, red, and brown. It has a strong muzzle and drooping ears, giving it a distinctive appearance. They are very intelligent and learn quickly, making them excellent hunting dogs, but they are also loyal and affectionate, making them well-suited as family dogs.

The wild boar hound needs a lot of exercise and movement to stay happy and healthy, and it also requires regular grooming, including brushing and bathing, to keep its short coat in good condition. In general, the wild boar hound is a robust and durable dog breed that is not very prone to health problems. If properly cared for, it can live to be 11-13 years old.

Key Data on the Kopov Hound

Origin of the Slovensky Kopov

The Slovensky Kopov originally comes from Slovakia and was used as a hunting dog for wild and game animals as well as a guard dog. Especially in drive hunting for wild boar, these game sharp dogs are very popular in both Slovakia and Germany. The ancestry of the Slovensky Kopov is traced back to the Celtic hound. The Slovensky Kopov is often known simply as Kopov or as the Slovak Wild Boar Hound. Under the latter name, the breed has been officially recognized by the FCI since 1963. 

Nature & Character of the Slovensky Kopov

The Slovensky Kopov is very self-confident and willful. Therefore, it is generally not recommended for inexperienced dog owners to start with a Kopov hound. Kopov hounds are very intelligent, cheeky, independent, and alert. They work very confidently and need to be trained very consistently. The Kopov will test its limits, so a certain and consistent, authoritative training is essential. Of course, Kopovs should not be trained with violence and coercion, but with patience, consistency, and reward. Their limits must be shown to the dog from the very beginning. The Slovak Wild Boar Hound is generally child-friendly and friendly and is also well-suited as a family dog. Those who enjoy the trust of a Kopov have gained a very affectionate and loyal friend and hunting companion. 

Appearance of the Kopov Hound

At first glance, the dog breed looks very similar to the Doberman - and is often confused with it. The coat is very similar, and both dogs are slim and have a similar build. However, the Slovensky Kopov is significantly smaller. The shoulder height is about 40 to 45 cm, and the weight is 15-20 kg. Males are only slightly larger than females. 

The legs of the Kopov are short in relation to the length of the back, giving the dog a stable and strong appearance. The dog looks very alert, with its tail and ears hanging down. The coat is short and smooth and is mainly black, with brown and tan markings on the chest, head, and paws.

Training & Care of the Slovensky Kopov – What to Consider

Training a Kopov hound is generally described as demanding. Experienced, patient dog owners find it much easier than complete beginners. Kopov hounds like to test their limits and question the commands given to them. Therefore, it is essential for dog handlers to build a trusting relationship with their dog and to train their dog with patience and consistency. Strictness or even physical punishment is counterproductive - the hound will refuse to serve and will no longer trust its owner. 

Kopov hounds are very active, enduring dogs that can hunt for several hours. Therefore, they need a lot of exercise and physical activity. Ideally, they should be kept in a house with a fenced yard. 

Nutrition of the Slovensky Kopov

The Slovak Wild Boar Hound is a robust dog with a resilient stomach. The food should still be of high quality, as with all other dog breeds, since it is the most important factor in keeping the dog healthy. In principle, the Kopov can be fed wet food, dry food, or raw meat according to the BARF method. Those who feed the enduring dog meat should ensure that fats and carbohydrates are also included. Therefore, the meat should be supplemented with vegetables, rice, or pasta. If unsure about how to feed their dog, owners should seek advice from a veterinarian. Also important: The dog must drink enough - always have a well-filled bowl of fresh water within the dog's reach!

Health – Life Expectancy & Common Diseases

Healthy Kopov hounds can live up to 15 years. The health of the Kopov is described as robust and resilient, with no hereditary diseases. However, sensitive areas can be the drooping ears of the dogs, which can become inflamed. The active Kopovs can also hardly become overweight, as they are very active and can easily lose fat. They are insensitive to cold and rain, but care should be taken in the summers of recent years to ensure that the dog is not exposed to excessive heat.

How Should I Care for My Kopov?

The shiny coat of the Slovak Wild Boar Hound is short and smooth and requires little grooming. However, it is advisable to brush the dog from time to time. If the dog becomes very dirty or rolls in something, it can be bathed, but only dog shampoo and clear, warm water should be used. If the nails become too long, they need to be trimmed occasionally.

How Should the Kopov Be Occupied?

Kopov hounds are very active, energetic dogs and need a lot of exercise. Therefore, daily active engagement is very important to maintain the physical and mental health of the dogs. For non-hunters, the dog is not recommended, as it has a strong hunting instinct. Outside of hunting season, dog sports are recommended for the dog. Those who wish can also jog or cycle with their dog. However, care should be taken that the dog's endurance increases with training and that it must be exercised accordingly.

Strengths of the Kopov

The Kopov is an active hunting dog and should only be kept by hunters. The hunting instinct of the Kopov hound is very strong and should be expressed. In its element, the drive hunting, the Kopov hound is an active, fearless hunter, primarily of boar, but also of deer and wild boar. 

Does a Slovensky Kopov Fit My Needs?

The Slovak Wild Boar Hound is only suitable for experienced owners due to its activity. Unexercised dogs can easily behave conspicuously, which can affect the coexistence of humans and animals. Those who keep a Kopov hound should be aware of this and have space, time, and possibly financial resources. Kopov hounds can be good family dogs if they are exercised; they are child-friendly and patient. 

When Should the Hunting Training of the Kopov Begin?

When to start the hunting training of Kopov hounds will vary depending on the owner and breeder. The hunting instinct is very strong in Kopov hounds, and introducing them to hunting too early can make the dogs so game sharp that it negatively affects their sociability. Some experienced owners therefore say that contact with warm game in the first year of life is not necessarily required. The earlier the puppy is trained for hunting, the sharper it will pursue game and the more difficult it will be to control.

The Kopov Hound on YouTube