Lithuanian Hound is originated from Lithuania but Nenets Herding Laika is originated from Russia. Both Lithuanian Hound and Nenets Herding Laika are having almost same height. Both Lithuanian Hound and Nenets Herding Laika are having almost same weight. Both Lithuanian Hound and Nenets Herding Laika has almost same life span. Lithuanian Hound may have more litter size than Nenets Herding Laika. Lithuanian Hound requires Low Maintenance. But Nenets Herding Laika requires High Maintenance
This attractive dog hails from Lithuania.This is an old dog breed that has been used as a hunting dog.
It is believed that this dog dates way back to the 16th century and that it was developed from the mixing of hound breeds – Bloodhounds, Beagles, Polish Hounds and Russian Hounds.
The numbers of the dogs decreased and in the late 1970s, the Lithuanian Cytological Council developed a kennel facility for restoring Lithuanian Hound numbers, and a standard was also written. This breed is rare and is not usually found outside the Republic of Lithuania.
There is a large variety of Laika dogs as the word is almost a generic term for a type of Russian hunting dog. They are found in Northern Russia and Siberia and there are several recognized by the Federation Cynologique International including the East Siberian Laika, the Russian European Laika, and the West Siberian Laika. These Siberia Laika are crosses between the aboriginal dogs of Siberia and northern Russia. The word Laika means a barking dog and comes from the word meaning to bark. These laikas are working dogs, hunting pointers that were bred specifically for their barks.
All the dogs in this category are loyal and affectionate. They are hard workers and hunters/herders and sled dogs. Of the official Laika groups including the Nenets Herding Laika, there is the Karelo-Finnish Laika, the Northeasterly Siberian Laika, the West Siberian Laika, The Russian European Laika, Eastern Siberian Laika. The Laika are wary of strangers, noisy and rowdy.
The Laika breed known as the Nenets Herding Laika is also called the Reindeer Herding Laika. The breed is pretty ancient, developed by the Nentry tribe at about the same time that the nomads were developing the Samoyed. Like the Samoyed breed, the Nenets Herding Laika herded Reindeer. The artic breed originates from Russia and can be used for transportation and hauling as well.
While their temperament and history are very much the same as the Samoyed, they are recognized as separate breeds. However there are many aficionados of both breeds believe that the Samoyed and the Nenets Herding Laika are the same breed. For many the Samoyed are simply a white version of the Nenets Herding Laika.
The Nenets Herding Laika is also know as the Samoyed Laika, so you can see how close if not the same, these two breeds are. The Nenets Herding Laika was bred by the Nenet peoples. The Samoyed is all white while the Nenets is any variation of black, gray, piebald, red, white, sable and brown.
The dogs herd and guard reindeer, keeping the herd together and moving them from one pasture to another. They will also stay with a stray reindeer until they are found. They will do this whether they have food or water. They will bark to try to bring the people’s attention to the lost reindeer. They are also an excellent hunting and retrieving, swimming dog.
The Nenets are also known as Yurak Samoyeds and they are the largest group of Samoyedic peoples today. They live on both sides of Russian Ural Mountains in northern Russia and the Yamal Peninsula. They move large herds of reindeer to the winter lands south of the Artic Circle from the north – about 600-900 miles. It is believed that the Herding Laika originated with this group of people but spread beyond them. They were shipped to far northeast Siberia to be bred and shared with reindeer herding tribes there.
There is a longhaired or rough coated variety and a shorthaired variety. The Nenets consider the work routine of both varieties the same, but they believed that the shorthaired version was a more ancient than the longhaired version.
The Lithuanian Hound is a medium-sized dog which stands at between 53 - 61 cm in height and weighs between 27 to 32kg.
He is a well proportioned, sturdy dog, heavily boned and muscular with straight, strong legs. The coat of the dog is short, smooth and essentially black with some tan markings. He has a large head, bright brown eyes, black nose, deep, broad chest and long, floppy ears with rounded tips. The tail of the dog is long and held low.
The attractive Lithuanian Hound is a sighthound known for his hunting skills which he does with great determination and stamina.
He loves going on the hunt and forms a strong bond with his hunting handler, being reserved with people he doesn’t know. Lithuanian Hounds are generally easy to train and are eager to please. Training and socialization will be easy with a dog like this as he is intelligent and keen to please.They respond well to an owner who is confident, fair, patient and consistent.
His attachment to the family makes him a good watchdog too. After the hunt, he becomes an amicable, friendly, loving dog, loving to spend a quiet evening with his human family. He is energetic and doesn’t take too kindly to sitting around for long periods. He loves to be on the go and will require a good deal of vigorous exercise.
This is a medium sized dog , muscular and strong. Slightly smaller than the Samoyed, the Nenets Laika weighs about 40-55 pounds and is 18 inches tall. The ears are typical Spitz ears and the tail is carried up over the back. The Nenets Herding Laika can have gray, piebald, black or tan coats and some can be solid white and look just like a Samoyed. The coat is a thick, double coat with the undercoat very wooly.
The Lithuanian Hound has always been a dog used for hunting, so he wants to belong to a family where hunting is still practiced or where there is a large garden.
He is smart and easy to train, and what’s more he’s a healthy, robust, low maintenance dog. He’s an amicable dog too, calm, independent and confident, and will make a splendid companion to his human family. He gets on well with children and is willing to share his space with other dogs too.
By choosing the Lithuanian Hound, you’re allowing a wonderful canine friend into your home and heart.
Lithuanian Hounds can reach 12 – 14 years of age when they’re loved and well cared for. You won’t find many medical problems with this robust dog breed, but it pays to know some of the more common dog illnesses.
This is a genetic condition that affects the hips and which can lead to painful arthritis. Dogs prone to hip and elbow dysplasia always benefit by avoiding obesity.
Deep chested dogs are more prone to Bloat, occurring when gas builds up in the stomach and can’t escape. This is a life threatening illness and immediate medical attention will be required.
For the most part the Nenets Herding Laika is a healthy breed and very hardy. They do however have some propensities for some illnesses and conditions.
Diabetes Mellitus – can be treated with medication and is usual seen in middle age -after 7 years of age.
PRA – Progressive Retinal Atrophy – Slow loss of vision and this is a genetic disease – leads to blindness.
This energetic dog is going to want a lot of exercise as he has always been a hunting dog. While a long, brisk walk will be excellent for him, he will want more activity than that. He’ll want to be included in all your activities – walks, hikes, camping trips and swimming.
A big positive with the beautiful, sleek Lithuanian Hound is that he is looked upon as a low maintenance dog. The short coat will require a good brush down twice a week.
He sheds a couple of times during the year. He’s the kind of dog who thrives on these grooming sessions and it’s a time to check him over for ticks and fleas as well as for odd lumps.
Look inside his ears too, particularly since he is a floppy eared dog. Open his mouth too and keep his teeth brushed and clean. There is special canine toothpaste and toothbrush for this purpose. Never try to use human toothpaste as it can be toxic for your dog.
There are a number of things to consider when it comes to feeding your dog, but it goes without saying that the best, most nutritious food will ensure health and longevity.
If you feed your pet commercially manufactured pet food, use the feeding guidelines found on the packaging labelling. With any new food types you give your dog, keep an eye on him for reactions.
Your dog’s metabolism and energy levels as well as his age will determine how much to feed him.
There are many excellent dog foods available – choose an excellent one and make sure to feed your dog some tasty, nutritious home-made food too.
You can’t go wrong with some cooked chicken, brown rice or pasta and some raw and cooked vegetables. Chop up and add to his dry kibble from time to time and he’ll be happy and healthy. Raw meat is expensive but try and include some every now and then as it contributes to allergy-free skins, bright eyes, shiny coats, wet noses and wagging tails.
Be careful that your pup doesn’t grow too fast. They are open to injuries if they grow too fast. Low calorie with protein and not a lot of fat. half a cup of high quality medium breed dog food 3X a day.
1 1/2 cups high quality medium breed dog food.
athletic and agile
At leaset a walk or two every day. Don’t get overheated as they are used to cold weather. Would be good at agility and herding exercise.