The Otterhound is an old British dog breed, with Bloodhound ancestors, and who is in turn one of the ancestors of the Airedale Terrier.
History: The Otterhound is a rather old breed obtained from crossing among the Bloodhound with rough-haired Terriers, Griffons and Harriers. Otterhounds were used in packs for controlling the otter population, since otter competed with fisherman for the natural trout supply in rivers. 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. By 1978, the otter became a protected species and the Otterhound’s existence was threatened. The breed has been recognized by the American Kennel Club since 1910, but a puppy may be difficult to find.
Appearance: The Otterhound is a large, rough-coated hound with an imposing head showing great strength and dignity, and the strong body and long striding action fit for a long day’s work. The otterhound’s feet are large enough to tread on rough terrain and webbed for the purpose of swimming. The skull (cranium) is long, fairly narrow under the hair, and only slightly domed. The muzzle is square, with no hint of snippiness. The eyes are dark with rosy conjunctiva. Its ears are long and droopy, and its tail curls up and out. The Otterhound has a long double coat. The outer coat of this breed should be dense, coarse, rough and crisp giving a shaggy appearance, while the undercoat should be soft and wooly. This breed comes in all hound colors, however grizzle or wheaten with black markings are most common.
Size: Height: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm)
Weight: 66-115 pounds (30-52 kg)
Temperament: The Otterhound is a bold and exuberant dog. Friendly, cheerful, loving and devoted, he makes a good companion. Because Otterhounds were originally bred for hunting, their most important characteristic is their ultrasensitive nose. As a result, new owners of Otterhounds often find that their new dog gets into everything and that the dog needs to be supervised or confined when unsupervised. It can be quite affectionate to its family and is good with older children. It is not recommended for young children and infants. Because it is a pack hound, it gets along fine with other dogs. It may chase small pets and needs to be socialized with other family pets, such as cats.
Health: This breed is prone to only a few health concerns: hip dysplasia, thrombocytopenia, hemophilia, bloat, bleeding disorders.
Life expectancy: 10-13 years
Grooming: The otterhound gathers dirt and debris in its shaggy coat, making it a bit of a messy breed. It is an average shedder, and its coat should be brushed weekly to prevent matting. Beard must be washed frequently to prevent caking and debris.
Puppy price: $250.00 - $800.00