Often confused with both the Rottweiler and the Black and Tan Coonhound, the Lithuanian Hound is an energetic and obedient breed. But how do you know whether you are ready to purchase a pet and if this breed is right for you? This information is absolutely necessary in making the decision to purchase a pet.
History
The origin of the Lithuanian Hound can be traced back to early 20th century Lithuania Republic, when local breeders began experimenting with crossing various Hound breeds, in hopes of developing a superior hunting dog. Enthusiasts believe that the Lithuanian Hound is the result of mating such breeds as the Beagle, Bloodhound, Polish Hound, and the Russian Hound, though this has never been proven scientifically or otherwise.
Throughout its history, the Lithuanian Hound has been most commonly used for hunting, scenting, and tracking game such as fox, rabbit, and wild boar, proving its incredible abilities to work in the harshest of terrain while providing companionship.
Today, while the Lithuanian Hound has attained a regional popularity as both a hunting and companion dog, the breed remains extremely rare outside of its native Lithuanian Republic.
Personality Traits
Best known for its energetic and outgoing nature, the Lithuanian Hound loves to keep busy with work and play. These active dogs thrive on strong and dependable relationships with humans, and often require leadership and assurance. This breed is very intelligent and generally easy to train. As a pet, the Lithuanian Hound is obedient, loyal, loving, and affectionate. The Lithuanian Hound is not suited for full-time indoor or apartment living, as it enjoys spending time outdoors, taking long walks, and having plenty of room to roam, run and play.
Train-ability
Due to its need for human leadership and eagerness to please and impress its owner, the Lithuanian Hound generally responds well to basic training and commands. This bright breed has the ability to learn to perform most any task its trainer is willing to take the time to teach.
Establishing immediate dominance, trust, and respect is key to successfully training the Lithuanian Hound. These dogs can be somewhat sensitive to criticism and respond best to positive reinforcement and reward-based training.
Benefits and Disadvantages of the Breed
There are many benefits to owning a Lithuanian Hound, such as its no hassle, low maintenance coat. These intelligent dogs are easy to train, obedient by nature, and capable of learning to perform many impressive tricks and tasks. When properly socialized from a young age, the Lithuanian Hound gets along well with small children and other pets, often making friends quickly due to its outgoing nature. This breed is alert, aware of its surroundings, and possesses an incredible sense of smell, thus serving as an effective watch dog by announcing the arrival of guests and unwanted visitors. The Lithuanian Hound is obedient, loyal, loving, and affectionate, making an excellent hunting dog, family pet, and companion alike.
Unfortunately, there are also disadvantages to owning a Lithuanian Hound. This energetic and athletic breed requires large amounts of daily exercise and room to run and play outdoors, especially when under two years of age. Anyone wishing to purchase this breed lacking the adequate amount of time and space to dedicate to the dog is strongly advised against doing so. A Lithuanian Hound not receiving the proper amount of exercise and space will often act out by destroying property, chewing, barking, whining, and ignoring basic training such as housebreaking.
The Lithuanian Hound has a strong instinct to hunt and will occasionally indulge in a good chase. When on the run, these dogs are rather quick, and may pose a threat to other animals, neighborhood pets, and small woodland creatures. These dogs must be leashed or properly secured at all times when outdoors.
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.
As previously mentioned, this breed remains extremely rare outside of its native Lithuanian Republic and can prove difficult to obtain. Individuals seeking to purchase this breed often encounter such challenges as inability to locate a breeder, high prices, and being placed on long waiting lists.
Common Health Concerns
While the Lithuanian Hound is typically known as a healthy and hearty breed, they do suffer from a few health problems, including: hip dysplasia, chronic kidney infection, kidney stones, digestive issues, cataracts, cryptorchidism – failure of one or both of the testicles to fully descend, sensitivity to anesthesia, and bloat.
Now that you know all about the breed, do you think you are ready to own a Lithuanian Hound? Remember, purchasing a pet is a big decision and should be discussed thoroughly and seriously with your entire family.
Sources:
http://www.heydogs.com/l/lithuanian-hound.html
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/lithuanianhound.htm
