The Tatra Hound, a New Hunting Dog Breed Recognized by the FCI

Eleven years ago, breeders of this hound warned: “One of the conditions is to breed at least one thousand puppies from eight independent bloodlines. And that takes time and patience.” After this period, the objectives have finally been met, and the Fédération Cynologique Internationale has just publicly announced the official international recognition of this dog breed, which joins those that had already received this honour: the Slovak Chuvach, a white-coated mountain shepherd; the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog, born from crossing the German Shepherd with Carpathian wolves; the Slovak Hound (Kopov), a specialist in wild boar hunting; and the Slovak Wirehaired Pointer, a pointing dog resulting from crossbreeding the Weimaraner with rough-haired breeds.

The Origins of a Small but Great Hunting Dog

Facing tough competition from the four Dachshund varieties, the predominant breed among Central European hunters, the Tatra Hound has achieved one of the milestones pursued by breeders and enthusiasts of a breed seeking official recognition from the highest authority responsible for granting it.

Its origins lie in the Slovak Hound. The selection of smaller puppies was used as the basis for creating a smaller tracking dog. To broaden the breeding stock and avoid the serious problem of excessive inbreeding, other breeds were used for strategic crosses. Among them, the Smooth-haired Dachshund and the Bavarian Hound stood out. It quickly won over many hunters, especially those who did not have enough space to accommodate the dog. These dogs, with males measuring between 38 and 42 centimetres at the withers—an average of two centimetres taller than females—are ideal for living in flats and apartments in towns and cities, as well as for travelling comfortably by car to the hunting grounds.

A Rectangular Body

The Tatra Hound is a breed with a rectangular body, defined by a ratio of height at the withers to body length of 1:1.25 in males and 1:1.35 in females. For optimum performance, the distance from the ribcage to the ground is important and must equal half the height at the withers.

Its temperament is characterized by its ability to learn easily while showing plenty of character, yet it is easy for its owners to handle. This is due to a balanced character, with no signs of aggression or fear of its surroundings. It is friendly with people. Despite its affable nature, it is very hard-working and brave when facing quarry. It is persistent in its work and has an excellent sense of smell and a strong sense of direction in the field.

Coat Type and Accepted Colours

The coat is thick, close-lying and sufficiently glossy. It is shorter and softer on the head and limbs.

As for colour, the Tatra Hound comes in two colour varieties.

Black and tan. Black, with a clearly defined tan or reddish marking on the head, above the eyes; on the sides of the muzzle and lips, the chest and limbs, around the anus and on the underside of the tail. White markings are permitted on the chest and limbs, as is a white spot on top of the head. On the limbs, between the white and black coat, there is some tan-coloured hair, a legacy of an ancient type of hound.

Red. Solid red. The shade ranges from light chestnut to deer red. Some black admixture is permitted. An unmasked face is preferred; however, a black mask on the front of the face is tolerated.

How It Hunts

Breeders and hunters who work with this breed highlight, among its main abilities, its persistence at work, excellent sense of smell and orientation in the field. An ideal companion for pursuit and tracking. It barks loudly on a hot trail and also when facing quarry. One significant difference in the work of this type of hound is its shorter “operating range” when pursuing.

Its howl is slower, but also more persistent, systematic and powerful, as is its tracking of the trail of wounded prey, which is also slower, deliberate and persistent. When hunting alone, this breed is especially useful for finding downed quarry.