Tibetan Mastiff vs Lithuanian Hound - Breed Comparison

The Tibetan Mastiff is still considered to be a primitive breed originating in Tibet centuries ago. The breed was developed to guard property and livestock. They still do this as well as being a much loved family dog and a show dog as well. There is very little history that is documented for the breed prior to the 19th century.

Believed to be centuries old with ancestors who are mastiff like dogs that developed into two different types of Tibetan Mastiffs. These types are the Tsang-Khyi and the Do-Khyi. The Tsang Khyi were guardians for Tibetan monks, while the Tsang-Khyi guarded flocks for nomadic shepherds and in villages.

The first Tibetan Mastiff was imported in 1847 to England and presented as a gift to Wueen Victoria, from India’s Viceroy. By 1873 there was an English Kennel Club and the breed was labeled a large dog from Tibet and entered into the EKC Stud Book.

The next year the future King Edward VII, brought another two Tibetan Mastiffs to the United Kingdom to show in 1875. The first breed club began in 1931. The world wars interfered and no new dogs were imported to England until 1976. Two dogs were given to the President of the United States in the late 1950’sbut were not bred and it wasn’t until 1970 that any more were imported. The US Tibetan Mastiff Club was not founded until 1974 and they were first entered in a National Specialty show in 1979.

In 2007 the AKC recognized the breed as a working dog since 2007. It’s hard to find a purebred Tibetan Mastiff in Tibet anymore.

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.

Both types of Mastiffs can be present in the same litter, so that both larger and smaller pups are present. Both types are well-muscled and structured. Today’s dogs being developed in China and the West are much larger than the previous ones. These dogs would be less useful to the nomads and cost too much to feed. Today’s dog is very large with a large head and a long double coat. This coat can be black, brown, gold, and blue, with or without tan markings. There are now a few white Tibetan Mastiffs being bread.

The breed standard for the Mastiff is different in the West than in the East. In the East the breed is broken into two categories – the Lion Head and the Tiger head.

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.

Temperament:

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.

Children friendliness

With extreme caution and only if raised together

Special talents

Guard dog

Adaptability

Not good. No apartments and cant deal with heat

Learning ability

Highly intelligent very stubborn and independent

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.

Though considered a primitive dog and isolated for several centuries, so they should not have as many genetic or inherited conditions as other dogs with more cross and in-breeding. These are the potential health issues they might develop:

Elbow and Hip dysplasia – can lead to lameness and arthritis.

OCD Osteochondrois Dissecans – this is also an orthopedic condition when the soft tissue growth is abnormal in the joints. It is painful and the joint is stiff. Don’t breed a dog that has this condition.

Panosteitis – Canine growing pains. Inflammation of the long bones in large dogs as they grow. They will eventually out grow it. Pain can be managed through medication.

Autoimmune Hypothyroidism – Hormone deficiency leading to flaky skin, weight gain and lack of energy. Can be managed through medication.

Canine Inherited Demyelinative Neuropathy – If your Tibetan Mastiff is going to have this condition, they will have it by six weeks of age. Weakness in the hind legs leading to paralysis.

Bloat – deadly if not treated immediately and related to dietary habits.

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.

Hip Dysplasia:

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.

Bloat:

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.

Feeding the puppy

Don’t feed the puppy too much protein as you want to prevent Panosteitis and growing too quickly. Do not overfeed. Feed 4-5 cups of high quality large breed puppy food in 3-4 meals day.

Feeding the adult

4 to 6 or more cups of a high-quality dog food daily, divided into two meals. To avoid bloat do not feed before or after vigorous exercise.

Points for Good Health

Calm and laid back when inside.

Games and Exercises

They need 20-30 minutes of vigorous exercise and play daily. They prefer to play with other large dogs.

Exercise:

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.

Grooming:

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.

Diet:

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.