The Complete Guide to Lithuanian Hound Care and Ownership

Lithuanian Hounds are a relatively low-maintenance breed, requiring only occasional brushing of their short coats.

Their short coats mean they shed minimally, making them a great choice for people with allergies or who prefer less dog hair.

To keep your Lithuanian Hound happy and healthy, it's essential to provide regular exercise and mental stimulation.

A daily walk or run, combined with playtime and training sessions, will help keep your Lithuanian Hound physically and mentally fit.

The Lithuanian Hound is a sturdy and heavy-boned breed with a sleek and muscular build.

Its short black coat has some brown on the snout, chest, ears, and forehead, with a small white spot allowed on the chest but not on the toes.

The fur is thick and short, typically up to 3-5 centimeters in length.

The dog's long tail is sword-shaped and naturally low.

Here are some key characteristics of the Lithuanian Hound:

They have long ears with rounded tips that hang close to the cheeks, and a quite long and strong neck with no dewlap.

Their feet are straight, strong, and round, with compact toes that help them be a fast and agile pursuer.

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The Lithuanian Hound is a hardy and sturdy breed, making it a great companion for active owners. Unlike other working dogs, this breed has a less heavily boned body, but still has a sleek and muscular build.

A Lithuanian Hound measures from 21 to 24 inches at the withers and weighs from 60 to 75 pounds, so make sure you have enough space for it to move around. This breed is not recommended for apartment living due to its high energy level.

The Lithuanian Hound has a naturally glossy coat that requires very little grooming, just occasional brushing to maintain its good condition. However, owners must thoroughly check the dog for ticks, fleas and other parasites after it's hunted.

To keep your Lithuanian Hound happy and healthy, it needs a small yard where it can use up its excess energies, and regular long walks or jogs would be ideal.

The Lithuanian Hound is a highly trainable breed, thanks to its obedient and stable demeanor. This means you can expect it to pick up tricks and commands with ease.

To keep your Lithuanian Hound happy and in top form, you'll need to commit to regular exercise and training sessions. Aim for at least an hour-long brisk walk each day, and consider incorporating activities like jogging or cycling for extra fun.

Lithuanian Hounds are naturally eager to please, making them a joy to train. However, they do require a confident and strong leader to guide them.

Daily long, brisk walks are a must for these energetic dogs, and they'll also appreciate opportunities for vigorous running or off-lead playtime. If you're considering bringing a Lithuanian Hound into your family, be sure to have a large, fenced yard where they can safely run around.

With consistent training and plenty of exercise, your Lithuanian Hound will thrive and become a loyal companion.

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The Lithuanian Hound has a rich history dating back to at least the 16th century, where it was mentioned in the Statutes of Lithuania.

It's believed that the breed originated from the mixing of bloodhounds with several other hound breeds, although the exact timeline is unclear.

In the 19th century, authors described up to five different local breeds or types of hounds used for hunting in Lithuania, which differed in size and were used to hunt different animals.

The breed was first mentioned in written sources in 1541 when a forester from Hrodna sued over a stolen hound.

After World War II, the population of Lithuanian Hounds decreased drastically, from a popular breed in Lithuania to just 78 individuals.

Thanks to dedicated breeders, the hound was revived and standardized, with a provisional standard established in 1966 and revised in 1983.

Unfortunately, the breed has continued to face challenges, including a decline in popularity after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, which reduced the number of individuals to around 150 by 1998.

Efforts to selectively breed these dogs began in the 20th century by crossing local Lithuanian scent hounds with Bloodhounds, Beagles, and Polish Hunting Dogs, along with other regional hound breeds.

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The Lithuanian Hound is best suited for hunting large animals in large open areas, but modern hunting plots are decreasing in size, which has contributed to the breed's decline in popularity.

Inbreeding is a major concern for breeders, with a study in 2008 calculating the coefficient of inbreeding at 2.09% and relatedness at 6.74%.