Lithuanian Hound

Breed Rating

Breed Details

General

The Lithuanian Hound is a rare hunting dog originating in Lithuania. It is the newest of the Russian hound breeds. This dog is purposely developed for hunting large game like fox, hare and boar by crossing local hounds with Saint Hubert Bloodhounds, Beagles, Polish Hounds and later with Russian Hounds. The resulting Lithuanian Hound is noted for its exceptional hunting skills, tireless stamina and persistence in getting the job done.

This breed can be easily mistaken for the Black and Tan Coonhounds due to similarity in glossy black coat and tan markings. This medium size dog stands between 21-24 inches and weighs about 60-75 lbs. Large wedge-shaped head starts off this hardy and sturdy breed. It has broad forehead and medium length muzzle. Oval shaped and medium size eyes are brown to dark brown in colour with vibrant expressions.Black nose is wide and large. Medium length triangular shaped ears with rounded tips hang close to the cheek. The dog has a level topline, a long, deep and broad chest with well developed ribs. Front and hind legs are straight. Thighs are muscular. Strong round feet have compact toes with strong black nails. Well developed pads are black in color. Sword shaped tail is thick at the base. Tail is raised above the backline when the dog is excited and lowered to the level of the hocks when the dog is relaxed. The tail is densely covered with hair. Dense and glossy hair grows from 3 to 5 cm on the back and longer on the neck and tail. Hair that covers the ears and tail are shorter. A Lithuanian Hound is a black coated breed. Some specimens may have brown colored hair in the forehead, ears, snout and chest. A small white spot may also be found on the chest.

This breed is NOT recognized by AKC or any other major kennel club.

Color

The dog comes in predominantly black colour with some brown on snout, chest, ears and forehead. A small white spot on chest is permissible.

Coat

This dog has short and glossy coat.

Personality

The Lithuanian Hound is well noted for its excellent hunting capabilities among Lithuanian hunters. It is highly valued as a great sighthound companion in the game rich Lithuaian. The dog is brave, fast and vigorous. It has a beautiful voice which it uses during hunting. Its exceptional sight and scent qualities make it an adept hunter of hares, foxes, boars and similar size game. It is a relentless hunter who will not let go of a game easily with its fast speed. As a family pet, the dog is loving, affectionate, friendly and obedient to its master. It is an eager to please breed that will do anything to impress its family. It forms an strong bond with its human family. With high levels of intelligence, the dog is easily trainable though it will need leadership and assurance. With a balanced temperament, the dog is equally good with children, being loving and gentle with them. It gets along well with other dogs but may need training not to harm other non-canine pets due to its high prey drive. It is an energetic breed that will need lots of room to play and run. It is not an apartment dog and will require an active owner or family who has time and space for this breed. The Lithuanian Hound makes very good family and hunting companion.

Care

The coat of Lithuanian Hound is no hassal and low maintenance in nature. It will require once or twice a week brushing to keep clean and dirt free. This breed's sense of smell can often lead to trouble. It is not unusual for a Lithuanian Hound to dart out of doors or tear open bags of garbage in order to chase a scent. Proper training can reduce these behaviors in the Lithuanian Hound. The dog should be leashed all times when taken outdoors for its propensity to chase after small animals.

Training

With an eager to please and impress nature, high levels of intelligence and generally obedient temperament, the Lithuanian Hound is an easy to train breed. However the dog will require proper leadership and guidance from its trainer. This dog can become stubborn and willful if the owner does not show true packleader skills. This bright and intelligent dog can easily learn to respond to basic commands and can be taught simple tricks which the owner has time to teach to this dog.

Activity

This breed is NOT for apartment dwellers. The Lithuanian Hound is a very energetic breed with high demands for exercise. The dog will need ample time and space to roam, run and play. It is best suited to a family with a large yard. The dog is happiest when assigned a task to do. It does not like to sit idle doing nothing. This dog may not suit an inactive or very busy owner who can not take time to provide this dog with plenty of exercise.