Lithuanian Hound

Short History of the Lithuanian Hound

Lithuanian forests, then and now are teeming with wild animals so that hunting with dogs has always been a popular sport. Deer, wild bear, elks beaver, wolves, foxes and a variety of birds make is possible for a hunting enthusiast to indulge in his favorite pastime all year round although the busiest hunting month in this country starts from November to January. The Lithuanian Hound is one of the hunting dogs highly valued for their excellent hunting abilities.

Dogs have been the companion of man for millions of years. Dogs have been utilized in a lot of ways… one of these is hunting. A hunter uses different types of dogs. A hunter would make use of a gun dog to identify the location of the animal being hunted. After the shot, a retriever will be used to recover the quarry. A hound on the other hand is a dog type that that is utilized by a hunter to track the quarry. Once the track of the animal being hunted is found, a hound will begin the chase. A breed of dog is highly valued by Lithuanian hunters for its beautiful voice and impressive eyesight that proven to be most valuable assets in hunting wild boars and other game. This breed is the Lithuanian Hound.

A Lithuanian Hound is a rare breed. This excellent hunting dog is relatively unknown outside its country of origin. Not much is known how this breed developed as very few written documents about the breed’s origin exist although several varieties of hounds were mentioned in the 16th century Statutes of Lithuania. Lithuanian dogs are believed to have existed at the end of the ice age. The Lithuanian Hound though, a breed that came from Russia is considered to be the newest among the Russian scenthounds. A preference for hunting with hounds was adapted by the Lithuanian hunters from the French nobles they have hunted with during the 16th century. Lithuanian hunters utilized their local hounds for big game hunting. In an attempt to recreate the Curlandish Hound, these hunters crossed their hounds with Bloodhounds, Beagles, Polish Hounds and Russian Hounds. The Lithuanian Hound was born. The Lithuanian Hound has several breeds of SSoutstanding hounds for its ancestors thus it would not be surprising for the breed to manifest the excellent hunting abilities of its forebears. This breed is highly valued by Lithuanian hunters. The dog is considered to be as valuable as gold. The breed became very popular in Lithuania but after the Second World War, the breed is already close to extinction.

Efforts to restore the breed were started in 1957. In 1966, a provisional breed standard was made for the Lithuanian Hound. Restoration efforts had a major setback when a lot of dogs were killed by boars during the 1976-77 hunting season. A special kennel devoted to raising Lithuanian Hounds was created by the Lithuanian Cynological Council. In 1981, the first exhibition for the breed was organized. The exhibition was attended by 62 dogs. The Lithuanian Hound is a hardy hunter. This breed is an integral part of Lithuania’s history. Efforts to have the breed recognized by FCI are underway.

Temperament

The Lithuanian Hound was bred exclusively for hunting purpose so it’s usually persistent and relentless in performing its hunting responsibilities. The dog is praised for its good adaptability and it will make a wonderful companion dog. Despite its somewhat independent character it tends to develop a close attachment to its master and his family. The well-socialised dog will also show proper attitude towards children though it may be too big for a toddler.

The Lithuanian Hound is usually calm and reserved in communication with unfamiliar people but some specimen can become a bit aggressive if a strange person intends to pet it. The dog is apt to be highly alert and possesses an excellent nose so it will quickly detect a peculiar sound or smell and forewarn about it its owner. That’s way it will constitute a reasonable watchdog, trusty and attentive.

As a hunting dog the Lithuanian Hound has developed good sociable skills, which help it to get along with other canine animals. It hasn’t been noticed in manifestation of any form of aggressive behaviour therefore it will gladly share its life with one or more other dogs. On the other hand even if this dog and a home cat have been living together since the early age there is no guarantee of their unproblematic coexistence in maturity. As thoroughgoing hunter the Lithuanian Hound is going to chase everything that even slightly resembles a prey and it should never go unleashed unless it’s not in a safely enclosed territory.