Sabujo Eslovaco

The slovenský kopov (translated into English as Slovakian 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 deer tracking and 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. The German name for this breed is Schwarzwildbracke which translates to Wild Boar Hound and not Schwarzwaldbracke which would be Black Forest Hound.

The Slovakian Kopav is fairly rare in North America with only one known importer / breeder; Chris Goegan of Hi-Point Kennels, located in Alliance, Ohio. Most commonly used for tracking downed deer the breed makes an exceptional house pet with its laid back demeanor. They are good with children and easy to train. They tend to become protective of the property and of family members but are not known to be an aggressive breed. Unlike a typical hound, they are not vocal unless a stranger comes onto your property or at a carcass find. As to their tracking abilities, the Slovaks cut no corners in only breeding proven stock and culling all others. Their tracking abilities are some of the best in the world for deer and hogs.

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 in colour, 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. 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, in order 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.

Though known to be independent, it is intelligent, and is easy to train. Also, it has a good sense of direction.