Compound Path not exporting correctly from Illustrator to .svg

[robertb58116061]

I am attempting to export a very simple 1-color icon/mark as an .svg file. When I export as .svg, I get black filled in shapes instead of the proper strokes/outlines in the design. I'm uploading an image of the design in Illustrator as well as what it looks like when I export. 

I have already converted all text to outlines and have attempted to use object>expand on the shapes before export, and that has not solved my problem. No matter how I export to .svg, the shapes are messed up. 

[Monika Gause]

If this is for cutting you might not need the compound path.

If it's not for cutting: are all paths closed? Is the fill rule Non-zero applied to the compound path?

[robertb58116061]

It is going to be used for a potter's mark-- so I'm assuming yes, cutting will be required. The design needs a compound path so that it's not filled in all black. Not sure how else to accomplish that within Illustrator. 

The paths are all closed. I don't know what fill rule non-zero means or how to apply it. What is that?

[Anna_Lander]

If possible, please provide the original AI file. Sometimes there are issues when we export AI to SVG, but it's difficult to say something without seeing the workflow.
In your case, I would try:
- release the compound file and create some simpler units (e.g. just dog's head) using Pathfinder > Minus Front feature, and then group or unite it with the letters;
- check your strokes and, if needed, expand them with the "Outline Strokes" command.
Finally, you should have a set of black-filled shapes, no complex strokes (e. g. variable width), and no effects. 

[Monika Gause]

Fill rules can be applied via the Attributes panel. Select Show options from the panel menu