History of the
Lithuanian Hound
Purpose of the Lithuanian Hound
The Lithuanian Hound has been a vital part of traditional hunting practices since ancient times, particularly valued for its role in pursuing large game such as deer, elk, and wild boar. Its primary functions include:
- Locating fresh animal tracks or detecting the animal directly.
- Flushing the game from its den and driving it toward the hunter.
- Baying melodically while tracking, providing audible cues during the chase.
- Slowing down wounded prey and alerting hunters by barking at fallen game.
Versatility in the Field
While primarily bred for large game, Lithuanian Hounds are also highly effective in
hunting smaller animals such as hares, foxes, roe deer, and even ducks. Their
adaptability makes them a reliable companion across a wide range of hunting
scenarios.
Distinctive Vocalisation
Hunters especially admire the breed for its melodic voice and the expressive modulation in its baying, which varies depending on the freshness and size of the animal’s trail—an invaluable auditory signal during hunts.
Exceptional Blood Tracking Ability
Lithuanian Hounds are exceptionally responsive to training for tracking wounded animals. Their keen sense of smell and focused temperament allow them to follow blood trails with precision, making them indispensable as blood trackers in both dense terrain and open fields.
Today, Lithuanian Hounds are being actively trained to adapt to urban environments. Their preparation includes learning to navigate city life, participate in human search operations, and engage in various competitions and cynological activities. One area gaining significant popularity is mantrailing, a scent-based tracking discipline that showcases the breed’s natural abilities. As a result, Lithuanian Hounds are increasingly considered for roles in police and military work.
These dogs are not only powerful and intelligent — they’re also remarkably gentle, kind, and deeply loyal to their owners and families. Their affectionate nature makes them ideal family companions. They get along well with all members of the household, including children and other animals, such as cats. Their balanced temperament and versatility make them a standout breed for both working roles and loving homes.
Historical Background of Lithuanian Hound Hunting
According to written sources, hunting with scent hounds began in Lithuania as early as 1566. The Lithuanian Hound was first mentioned in 1541 during the trial of the Grodno Defender. During the prosperous era of manorial estates in the Middle Ages, it was considered an honour for every noble to raise a pack of hounds. This tradition remained largely confined to the manors of Lithuania, which were numerous throughout the Kingdom of Lithuania and Poland.
Lithuanian nobles who hunted with St. Hubert Hounds adopted this practice from France, with whom they maintained close ties starting in the 16th century. Today, descriptions of Lithuanian hounds are found primarily in Russian hunting publications. A wealth of information is available in L. Sabanejev’s 19th-century book Hunting Dogs: Kurts and Hounds, where he describes both large and smaller breeds of hounds.
The larger breed, referred to as Lithuanian Ogars, consisted of strong, robust dogs well-suited for hunting large game in open plains, though they were less effective in hilly terrain. The most frequently mentioned types were black and rusty-coloured hounds.
Between 1957 and 1958, the cynologist Z. Goštautas began efforts to restore the Lithuanian Hound breed. At that time, the population had dwindled to approximately 78 individuals. Since these hounds were not used as guard dogs, they were valued primarily by hunters, which helped prevent crossbreeding and preserve the breed's purity.
The hounds of the previous century were descendants of the Saranejevo, Vilinski, and V. Korsakas lines. The modern Lithuanian Hound was reconstructed from the remnants of these varieties. In 1966, a temporary breed standard was adopted, initiating the formation of a breeding group and the beginning of a consistent selection process. A permanent breed standard was established in 1988.
During the Soviet era, Lithuanian breeders aimed to achieve international recognition for the Lithuanian Hound. Unfortunately, these efforts were unsuccessful. Soviet authorities pressured Lithuanians to abandon the name "Lithuanian Hound" in favour of "Curlandish Hound." However, Lithuanians resisted this change, and as a result, the breed was not granted official recognition.
The first Lithuanian Hound exhibition was organised in 1981; it had 62 dogs participating. The number of registered and documented dogs reached around 350 in 1987. After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the breed decreased to around 150 individuals by 1998. The decrease in popularity is explained by changing hunting habits: the Lithuanian Hound is best suited for hunting large animals in large open areas, but modern hunting plots are decreasing in size. Due to the small population, inbreeding is a major concern for the breeders. A study in 2008 calculated the coefficient of inbreeding at 2.09% and relatedness at 6.74%.
In June 2011, during a city festival, a sculpture of the Lithuanian Hound was unveiled in Telšiai. Zigmas Goštautas, who was instrumental in reviving the breed in the 1950s, was a resident of Telšiai. In May 2015, a sculpture of three hounds by Rimantas Keturka and Feliksas Volčakas was unveiled near the Vilnius Castle Complex. In 2017, the Bank of Lithuania issued a commemorative coin (in 10 and 1.5 euros denominations) that depicts two Lithuanian Hounds and a Žemaitukas (a Lithuanian horse breed).
Population Trends of the Lithuanian Hound
- The first official exhibition of Lithuanian Hounds was
held in 1981, featuring 62 participating dogs.
- By 1987, the number of registered and documented
individuals had grown to approximately 350.
- Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the breed's population declined sharply, dropping to around 150 individuals by 1998.
Causes of Decline
- The decrease in popularity is largely attributed to changing hunting practices.
The Lithuanian Hound is best suited for pursuing large game in expansive open areas, but modern hunting plots have become increasingly smaller and fragmented, reducing the breed’s practical utility.
Due to the limited population size, inbreeding has become a significant concern among breeders.
Lithuanian Hound Birth and Registration Statistics (2010-2023)
From 2015 to 2023, approximately 466 Lithuanian Hounds were born. Since 2010, there hasn't been much variation in the number of dogs born each year, with only slight changes in individual counts.
As of 2023, the Lithuanian Kennel Club had 402 registered Lithuanian Hounds. This suggests a stable population and a high rate of registration, reflecting ongoing efforts to preserve and monitor the breed.
We can take comfort in knowing that the efforts of handlers and hunters have not been in vain-their dedication ensured that work with Lithuanian Hounds continued even after 1990. While the breed's population has fluctuated over time, rising and falling, public interest in these hounds has only grown stronger.
It is heartening to witness the resurgence of the Lithuanian Hound breed, which originated in the 15th century and endured the geopolitical and historical upheavals of the 19th and 20th centuries, particularly challenging times for Lithuania. Remarkably, the breed has not disappeared; instead, it is now reclaiming its long-forgotten glory, honour, and abundance.