A lively, hard-working hound that takes well to training and enjoys having a job to do.1
how to spot oneLithuanian Hound coat and colours
short, dense coat
A strongly built hound with a big head, deep broad chest, long neck without loose skin, long ears with rounded tips and a long sabre-like tail. The coat is thick and short, around 3 to 5 cm long.1
A typical home-care rhythm for a Lithuanian Hound. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Brushingevery week
Bathevery 8 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year
how busy a day looksLithuanian Hound exercise needs
High. It needs plenty of hard, regular exercise, ideally with chances to use its nose.1
the hands-on bitsLithuanian Hound grooming and care
The short coat is easy to keep; a weekly brush keeps it tidy.1
the things everyone asksOwner questions
How often should I feed my Lithuanian Hound, and at what times?
Feed your adult Lithuanian Hound at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. For exact times, follow your dog's routine and ask your vet for a schedule that suits its needs.2
What should a Lithuanian Hound eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for its age and activity level. Avoid dangerous foods like grapes, raisins, chocolate, onions, garlic, xylitol, and others listed by the ASPCA. Always check with your vet for a tailored diet.3
How often should I bathe a Lithuanian Hound?
Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 56 days, and general guidance recommends at least once every three months. Bathe more often if your hound gets very dirty or has skin issues.4Pet Wiki plan
How often does a Lithuanian Hound need brushing?
Brush your Lithuanian Hound weekly to keep its short, dense coat tidy. Pet Wiki's plan recommends every 7 days, which matches general advice for short smooth coats.14Pet Wiki plan
How do I trim a Lithuanian Hound's nails, and how often?
Trim nails every 28 days, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for help.4Pet Wiki plan
How much exercise does a Lithuanian Hound need?
This lively hound needs plenty of hard, regular exercise every day, ideally with chances to use its nose. Pet Wiki's plan includes daily walks and play to keep it happy and healthy.1Pet Wiki plan
How do I look after a Lithuanian Hound's teeth and ears?
Brush your Lithuanian Hound's teeth two to three times a week (daily is ideal) using dog toothpaste. Check its floppy ears weekly for moisture and dirt, and dry them gently. Never push anything into the ear canal.4Pet Wiki plan
How long does a Lithuanian Hound live?
The lifespan of a Lithuanian Hound varies. For typical expectations, ask your vet or a reputable breeder who knows the breed's history.
Is a Lithuanian Hound good with children and other pets?
Temperament varies. This hound is lively and trainable, but its compatibility with children and other pets depends on early socialization. Ask your breeder or a vet for guidance based on your dog's personality.
Can a Lithuanian Hound be left alone?
This breed's tolerance for being alone varies. As a working hound, it may need company and activity. Ask your vet or a breeder for advice on your specific dog's needs.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
per year, in your countryWhat a Lithuanian Hound costs
Running costs for a Lithuanian Hound, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
by countryIs the Lithuanian Hound legal where you live?
No breed-specific rule names the Lithuanian Hound in the 61 countries we check. General dangerous-dog laws still apply everywhere, and some cities keep their own lists.
Laws change and local rules exist; this is a sourced overview, not legal advice.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
for the dinner tableFun facts
1
The oldest known written mention of these hounds is a 1541 court case about a stolen hound.1
2
Lithuanian hounds are mentioned in the Statutes of Lithuania of 1588.1
3
The breed's first dedicated exhibition, in 1981, brought together 62 dogs.1
the story behind itWhere the name comes from
The Lithuanian Hound is named after its country of origin, Lithuania. In Lithuanian, it is called 'lietuvių skalikas', which translates directly to 'Lithuanian hound'.1
I wake to the scent of pine and damp earth. Before breakfast, I lead my human on a brisk trot through the forest. Every fallen leaf whispers a story, and I must sniff each one. A rabbit darts across the path, I give chase, tail high, until my human calls me back with a laugh. After a good run, we stop by the stream for a cool drink. Back home, I curl on the porch, watching clouds drift. In the evening, I rest my head on my human's knee, ready to do it all again tomorrow.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
where it all beganLithuanian Hound history
Hounds were a valued part of hunting life in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, with written mentions from the 1500s. After the Second World War only a few dozen remained, and breeders rebuilt the population, holding a first show in 1981. It was traditionally used on hare, fox and wild boar.1
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Gończy Polski