The Slovak Hound is an ancient breed developed in Slovakia, historically used for hunting. It is a robust and energetic dog, designed to track game in difficult terrain, with an excellent sense of smell.
✨ Breed Characteristics
- Origin: Slovakia
- Hypoallergenic? No
📊 Quick Facts
- Weight: 15-20 kg (male and female)
- Height: 45-50 cm (male), 40-45 cm (female)
- Lifespan: 10-12 years
- Exercise needs: 2 to 3 hours per day
- Apartment living: ⭐☆☆☆☆ (Preferable in a house with a garden)
🧠 Personality (out of 5 stars)
- Intelligent: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (Although intelligent, it can sometimes be stubborn)
- Affectionate: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (Affectionate but quite independent)
- Protective: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (Moderate, more focused on its hunting function)
- Playful: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (Playful and energetic, especially with active owners)
- Vocalizations: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Barks often and loudly)
- Obedient: ⭐⭐☆☆☆ (Can be difficult to train due to its independence)
- Hunter: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Excellent hunting ability, very persistent)
- Calm: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (Fairly calm outside of hunting activities)
- Athletic: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (Very active, requires a lot of exercise)
- Independent: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (Less dependent, but still attached to its owner)
🐾 Compatibility with
- Children: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (Can get along with children but requires an experienced owner)
- Other animals: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (Can get along with other animals, but its hunting instinct is strong)
- Strangers: ⭐⭐☆☆☆ (Can be reserved with strangers)
- Apartment living: ⭐☆☆☆☆ (Can hardly adapt to apartment living)
🧼 Maintenance & care
- Ease of maintenance: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (Moderate maintenance, with regular brushing)
- Maintenance cost: ⭐⭐☆☆☆ (Moderate cost)
- Care frequency:
- Brushing: Regular, especially during shedding
- Ear and paw inspection: After each outing, to prevent infections
- Exercise: Daily exercise needed for health and well-being
💰 Budget
- Purchase price: 500-1000 €
- Average annual cost (veterinary, accessories, food): 450-650 €
🏡 Important note
The Slovakian Hound is primarily a hunting dog, designed to be active and very energetic. It requires a lot of space to expend energy, and is therefore better suited to homes with large, enclosed gardens. Its hunting instinct is highly developed, which can make it difficult to train for novice owners. However, with an experienced and active owner, it can be a loyal and devoted companion.
👉 An excellent dog for hunters or owners with an active outdoor lifestyle. 🏞️🐕
