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The Lithuanian Hound is a rare, medium-size hunting dog; it is sturdy and heavily-boned with a short coat, glossy black with little white, brown, and tan markings . The dog is robust, sleek but with muscular proportions, and the long tail is naturally low. The head is large, chest is broad, deep and low. Ears are long with rounded tips, and hang close to cheeks. Neck is quite long and strong with no dewlap. The feet are strong and round, with compact toes, helping it be a fast, very agile, and determined pursuer. The Lithuanian hound has been traditionally used to hunt hare, fox, and boar.

This newest of the Russian scenthounds is a product of the present century. Lithuanian hunters crossed local big game hounds with Beagles, Bloodhounds (St. Hubert), Polish Hounds and later Russian Hounds, in an attempt to recreate the old-type Curland Hound (associated at one time with the Latvian Hound). Although progress was made at first, the breed was gasp- ing for life in the 1970s and very low in numbers. During the 1976-77 hunting season, many fine dogs were killed by boars, and the breed was threatened with extinction. That year the Lithuanian Cynological Council appointed a specialist to be responsible for perpetuation of the breed, created a special kennel facility for raising them and adopted a standard. The breed seems to be on its feet now, although it is still found only in the Lithuanian Republic. This hound is a good-sized, robust dog of clean, sleek, yet muscular proportions. He has the fervor, speed and persistence to track hare, fox and even boar, and is known for his glorious voice.