DogMatchUp

Australian Kelpie vs Slovensky Kopov

Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.

Australian Kelpie
Medium

Australian Kelpie

Foundation Stock Service

Slovensky Kopov
Small

Slovensky Kopov

Foundation Stock Service

Quick Comparison

Size

Australian Kelpie Medium
Slovensky Kopov Small

Lifespan

Australian Kelpie 10-13 years
Slovensky Kopov 12-13 years

Exercise Needs

Australian Kelpie 4/5
Slovensky Kopov 3/5

Grooming Needs

Australian Kelpie 3/5
Slovensky Kopov 2/5

Breed Overview

Australian Kelpie Overview

Australian Kelpies are medium-sized herding dogs with distinctive athletic builds and remarkable agility. Their double coat features a short, dense undercoat and weather-resistant outer coat, typically in black, red, or chocolate colors. Alert ears, keen eyes, and muscular bodies reflect their working heritage, while their intelligent expression and nimble movement showcase their herding instincts.

Origin: Unknown
Life Expectancy: 10-13 years
Size: Medium
Temperament: Loyal, Alert, Intelligent

Slovensky Kopov Overview

Slovensky Kopov, a robust hunting breed, features a muscular build with a distinctive black coat and tan markings. Standing 40-50 cm at the shoulder, this medium-sized dog displays a balanced, athletic physique. Their alert expression, strong neck, and deep chest reflect their hunting heritage. Characterized by courage and determination, they exhibit keen tracking abilities and remarkable stamina in the field.

Origin: Unknown
Life Expectancy: 12-13 years
Size: Small
Temperament: Courageous, Alert, Determined

Key Differences

  • Energy Level: Australian Kelpies are more energetic than Slovensky Kopovs, requiring more daily exercise.
  • Grooming: Australian Kelpies require more grooming attention compared to Slovensky Kopovs.
  • Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Australian Kelpies tend to be more reserved with strangers than Slovensky Kopovs.
  • Trainability: Slovensky Kopovs may be slightly easier to train due to their Slovensky Kopov's higher intelligence ranking.
  • Living Situation: Slovensky Kopovs adapt better to apartment living, while Australian Kelpies typically prefer homes with more space.

Detailed Comparison

Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Australian Kelpie and Slovensky Kopov, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.

Basic Information

Feature Australian Kelpie Slovensky Kopov
Size Medium Small
Life Expectancy 10-13 years 12-13 years
Country of Origin Unknown Unknown
Breed Group Foundation Stock Service Foundation Stock Service

Physical Characteristics

Feature Australian Kelpie Slovensky Kopov
Height
17-20 inches
43-51 cm
16-20 inches
41-51 cm
Weight
Unknown
Unknown
33-44 lbs
15-20 kg
Coat Type Short, dense coat Short, dense coat
Coat Length Short Short
Shedding Regularly Seasonal

Temperament & Behavior

Feature Australian Kelpie Slovensky Kopov
Temperament Loyal, Alert, Intelligent Courageous, Alert, Determined
Energy Level
4/5
3/5
Intelligence
1/5
2/5

Compatibility

Feature Australian Kelpie Slovensky Kopov
Good with Children
3/5
3/5
Good with Other Dogs
3/5
4/5
Apartment Friendly
3/5
3/5

Temperament & Personality

Australian Kelpie Temperament

Loyal Alert Intelligent

The Australian Kelpie is known for being loyal, alert, intelligent, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.

Slovensky Kopov Temperament

Courageous Alert Determined

The Slovensky Kopov is characterized by being courageous, alert, determined, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.

Temperament Comparison

When comparing the Australian Kelpie and Slovensky Kopov, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:

Sociability with Strangers

Australian Kelpie
3/5
Slovensky Kopov
3/5

Good with Children

Australian Kelpie
3/5
Slovensky Kopov
3/5

Side-by-Side Trait Ratings

GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN

Australian Kelpie

Not Recommended Good With Children

Rating: 3/5

Slovensky Kopov

Not Recommended Good With Children

Rating: 3/5

GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS

Australian Kelpie

Not Recommended Good With Other Dogs

Rating: 3/5

Slovensky Kopov

Not Recommended Good With Other Dogs

Rating: 4/5

ENERGY LEVEL

Australian Kelpie

Low High

Rating: 4/5

Slovensky Kopov

Low High

Rating: 3/5

TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE

Australian Kelpie

Challenging Easy to Train

Rating: 1/5

Slovensky Kopov

Challenging Easy to Train

Rating: 2/5

GROOMING NEEDS

Australian Kelpie

Low High

Rating: 3/5

Slovensky Kopov

Low High

Rating: 2/5

Care & Maintenance

Australian Kelpie Care Requirements

Exercise Needs

4/5

Australian Kelpies require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.

Grooming Requirements

3/5

With their short, dense coat coat, Australian Kelpies require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.

Slovensky Kopov Care Requirements

Exercise Needs

3/5

Slovensky Kopovs need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.

Grooming Requirements

2/5

With their short, dense coat coat, Slovensky Kopovs require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.

Health & Lifespan

Australian Kelpie Health Profile

Average Lifespan: 10-13 years

Common Health Issues:

  • Hip Dysplasia
  • PRA
  • CEA
  • Cryptorchidism
  • Cerebellar Abiotrophy

Slovensky Kopov Health Profile

Average Lifespan: 12-13 years

Common Health Issues:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Eye problems
  • Ear infections
  • Dental issues
  • Allergies

Pros & Cons

Australian Kelpie

Pros

  • Highly intelligent
  • Excellent work ethic
  • Low maintenance coat
  • Exceptional agility
  • Strong herding instincts

Cons

  • Requires extensive exercise
  • Can be too intense for novice owners
  • May herd children and pets
  • Needs constant mental stimulation
  • Can be stubborn if not properly trained

Slovensky Kopov

Pros

  • Excellent tracking abilities
  • Strong hunting instincts
  • Loyal companion
  • Good endurance

Cons

  • Strong prey drive
  • Requires extensive exercise
  • Not suitable for city living
  • Can be stubborn

Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?

Now that you've compared the Australian Kelpie and Slovensky Kopov, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.