The
Otterhound is a large rough-coated dog
with a shaggy face and bushy eyebrows.
The head underneath the hair is large
and deep, but wide, somewhat like a Bloodhound's.
The neck is muscular, with an abundant
dewlap. The eyes are dark with rosy conjunctiva.
The ears are long and dangling and the
tail curves up like a saber. The nose
is large and dark, either black or liver
depending on the color of the dog. The
lips are thick and pendant. Under the
3-6 inch (8-16 cm.) long, oily outer coat
is a dense wooly undercoat for protection
in frigid water. All hound colorations
are acceptable, but the coat usually comes
in grizzle or wheaten with black markings.
Like many other pack hounds, the feet
are webbed for swimming.
Temperament
The
Otterhound is a bold and exuberant dog.
Friendly, cheerful, loving and devoted,
he makes a good companion. This breed
is quite good with children, but may be
clumsy with small children and therefore
is not recommended for infants. They are
a friend to all other dogs, family pets,
children and people in general, however
it will chase non-canine animals (it can
get along with cats in the family). They
are affectionate, intelligent, and independent
with a mind of their own. Because the
Otterhound was never traditionally kept
as a pet, it is not among the most responsive
of breeds. Training the Otterhound takes
patience, because it tends to be quite
willful. The best results are achieved
with a soft but consistent hand. Use the
classic "Iron fist in a velvet glove"
approach when training this dog. The Otterhound
is a low-key dog that can function as
a quiet companion. They like to roam and
sniff and have a tendency to snore. Otterhound
have a harmonious, boisterous and powerful
voice that carries for long distances.
It likes to bay; though he doesn't bark
excessively.
Some
lines are prone to hip dysplasia, thrombocytopenia,
hemophilia and bloat. Do not overfeed
for it will gain weight easily. A minor
concern is elbow dysplasia
Living
Conditions
The
Otterhound is not recommended for apartment
life. They are relatively inactive indoors
if they have sufficient exercise. They
do best with at least a large, well fenced
yard. It can sleep outdoors in temperate
or cool climates if given a good shelter.
Exercise
The
Otterhound needs a lot of daily exercise
in a safe area or on a leash, and if possible,
frequent swimming. They need to
be taken on a daily walk or jog. They
have a tendency to forget everything in
the chase after an interesting scent is
discovered, so therefore they should only
be allowed to run free off the leash where
they can be controlled and kept safe.
They should have a well fenced yard and
make excellent jogging companions.
Life
Expectancy
About
10-12 years.
Grooming
To
avoid matting, the Otterhound's weather-resistant
coat should be combed or brushed at least
weekly. It may need its beard washed more
frequently. The coat is suppose to look
natural and therefore should not be clipped.
This breed is an average shedder.
Origin
The
Otterhound is a rather old breed obtained
from crossing among the Bloodhound with
rough-haired Terriers, Griffons and Harriers.
The otter, as the breed's name suggests,
is this dog's preferred prey. Otterhounds
were used in packs for controlling the
otter population, since otter competed
with fisherman for the natural trout supply
in rivers. Several British Kings were
titled "Master of Otterhounds," including
King John, (1199-1216), Richard III, Charles
II, Edward II and IV, Henry II,
VI, VII and VIII and Elizabeth I. In the
late 1800's there were sometimes more
than a dozen packs operating in Britain
during every hunting season. The
Otterhound has a sense of smells so acute
that it can smell in the morning an otter
that passed through the water the night
before. In the 20th century, as the otter
population diminished, so did the Otterhound's
popularity. By 1978, the otter became
a protected species and the Otterhound's
existence was threatened. A concerted
effort by several dedicated breeders
saved the breed and brought these dogs
to the show ring. The Otterhound is a
great swimmer with the ability to swim
for hours without stopping. Defying the
cold water and wet, it will dive into
the water seeking its prey and its prey's
den. The breed has also been used successfully
to hunt raccoon, bear and mink. It has
a good sense of smell and is ideally suited
to drag-hunting or searching. He can also
make a fine family companion.
