The Otterhound is a large, strong breed of dog built for a long days work both in the water and on the land. They have been described as a "rough sort of dog, somewhere in between a hound and a terrier". In fact, the Airedale terrier is a decendant of the Otterhound, which explains the Airedales even-tempered demeanor, a trait that is innate to the Otterhound. Owners of this dog should be energetic, outdoorsy, but not "a neat freak", as the Otterhound is a joyful playful dog and can mess up an organized living area.
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Temperament and Personality
They are basically big, friendly dogs with a deep bass voice that they sometimes flaunt. Because Otterhounds were originally bred for hunting, their most important characteristic is their ultrasensitive nose. Consequently, new owners of Otterhounds are sometimes dismayed to find that their new dog leaves no stone unturned as it runmmages about. Therefore it may need supervision - or confined when not being observed. The Otterhound's hunting background means that it has energy and endurance, requiring more energetic exercise than simply walking around the block. This is a good breed for active people who have a lively sense of humor!
Otterhounds are affectionate but don't demand attention all the time. They are generally quite willing to include most two and four legged members of the household in their notion of their "pack". While Otterhounds can be good with kids, a young Otterhound is big and likely to be klutzy and may not be the best companion for a wobbly toddler or a frail elderly person.
Formal Breed Standard
Formal AKC Breed Standard
History and Origins
Though references to "otter dogges" in England date back to the 12th century, the breed does not appear to have reached its current form until some time late in the 18th century . Otterhounds were used in packs to hunt river otter, initially as a way to keep otters from destroying a needed food source, and only later as a sport. King John of Magna Carta fame hunted otter with large shaggy dogs, described at that time as a "rough sort of a dog, between a hound and a terrier". Queen Elizabeth I was the first "Lady Master of Otterhounds".
The modern Otterhound is documented to have Bloodhound and several of the rough-coated French hound breeds in his background, as well as the now extinct Southern Hound. Otterhounds and terriers were bred to create the Airedale Terrier.
Otter hunting reached its peak of popularity in the years preceding World War I. At that time there were more than 500 hounds in 24 packs which hunted otter, though most of those dogs were not purebred Otterhounds. Indeed, the hunt packs continued to cross-breed their hounds well into the 20th century to improve hunting abilities. One of the results is that all current purebred Otterhounds pedigrees go back to a Bloodhound/Griffon Nivernais cross done in 1958. A drastic drop in otter population, due to water pollution, caused otter hunting to be banned in England in 1978 and in Scotland 2 years later. The purebred Otterhounds in the remaining packs were dispersed to private owners, with some going to the mink hunting packs.
The first Otterhounds were apparently brought to the US early in the 20th century, with six Otterhounds exhibited at an AKC show in 1907. Veterinarian Dr. Hugh Mouat began the first serious breeding program in the US in 1937. A bitch and dog, Bessie's Countess and Bessie's Courageous from Dr. Mouat's first litter became the breed's first AKC champions in 1941. The Otterhound Club of America was founded in 1960 and held the breed's first National Specialty in 1981.
There are fewer than 1000 Otterhounds world wide, with the largest numbers in the UK and US, and smaller populations in the Netherlands, Scandinavia, Germany, Switzerland, Canada, and New Zealand. Currently it's estimated that there are about 350 Otterhounds in the US and Canada.
Size & Weight
This is a large, strong breed ranging in size from 65 pounds and 24 inches at the shoulder for a small female to 125 pounds and 28 inches for a large male.
Grooming Requirments
The Otterhound's coat could mat if not groomed weekly - this assumes an active outdoor dog, otherwise bi-weekly will suffice. The coat is suppose to look naturally shaggy, but neat. Medium shedding should be expected.
Exercise Needs
The Otterhound is an activity lover and seeker. Off leash is ideal, if you have a safe place to do it. They love watter, so happiness for this breed would mean a nice swim a few times a week. This breed is bred for endurance, and thus good for outdoor atheletes as running or jogging companions.
Health Issues
Be aware of hip and elbow dysplasia, thrombocytopenia, hemophilia. Large breeds in general have a propensity toward bloat. Watcth the diet as it tends to put on pounds easily.
Trivia
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