Description: Otterhound
The Otterhound, a large and affable dog, is known for its shaggy coat and amiable disposition. This rare breed originated in England, primarily bred for hunting otters to protect fishing waters. The Otterhound's most distinguishing features are its rough double coat, which is waterproof, and the large webbed feet that make it an excellent swimmer. They possess a keen sense of smell and can work both on land and water. Despite their size and strength, Otterhounds are known for their friendly and even-tempered nature, making them good companions for active families. However, due to their hunting instincts and powerful build, they require plenty of exercise and space to roam.
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Properties
The Otterhound is a breed of dog that is known for its unique combination of strength, ruggedness, and a shaggy, water-resistant coat. This breed was originally developed in England for hunting otters, a practice that has since ceased, leading the Otterhound to become quite rare. Despite its hunting origins, the Otterhound is known for its friendly and affable nature, making it a beloved companion for those who choose to embrace this large breed.
One of the Otterhound's most distinctive features is its dense and rough double coat, which is waterproof and perfectly suited for swimming in cold waters. The coat can come in any color or combination of colors, although grizzle and tan, blue and tan, or sandy are particularly common. This coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting and to keep it clean, as the breed is known for its love of mud and water.
The Otterhound's body is large and muscular, with a deep chest and strong limbs that make it an excellent swimmer and a resilient working dog. This breed typically stands about 24 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between 80 to 115 pounds, with males generally being larger than females. The breed’s large, webbed feet contribute to its exceptional swimming ability, a trait that was invaluable in its traditional role in hunting.
Known for its boisterous and cheerful demeanor, the Otterhound is friendly and gets along well with children and other dogs. However, due to its strong hunting instincts, it may not be suitable for homes with smaller pets unless raised with them from a young age. This breed possesses a deep, melodious bark and a keen sense of smell, which can sometimes lead it to follow a trail oblivious to commands, demonstrating a trait known as 'selective deafness'.
The Otterhound's intelligence and independent nature can sometimes translate into stubbornness, requiring consistent and patient training. They respond best to positive reinforcement techniques such as treats and praises. Exercise is essential for this energetic breed, and they thrive on having plenty of space to explore. Walks, swims, and an opportunity to romp around freely in a securely fenced area are ideal to keep an Otterhound healthy and content.
Despite its many wonderful traits, potential owners should be prepared for the high maintenance that comes with owning an Otterhound, particularly regarding grooming and exercise. Their rarity also means that those interested in the breed may face difficulties finding a reputable breeder. Nevertheless, for those willing to meet its needs, the Otterhound makes a loyal, affectionate, and delightful family member.
Appearance
The Otterhound is a large and robust breed, unmistakably distinguished by its shaggy double coat, bushy eyebrows, and webbed feet. Originally bred in England for hunting otters, this breed possesses numerous physical traits that cater to its function. Their body is large and well-muscled, supporting their historical role in combating strong river currents and navigating over rugged terrain.
The coat of an Otterhound is one of its most characteristic features — dense, rough, and waterproof, protecting the dog from harsh waters and cold weather. The outer coat can be 2-6 inches long and the undercoat provides additional insulation. Their hair is slightly oily, which enhances its water repellency. The breed sports a range of colors, including grizzle, sand, blue, and black. Some may have slight white marking on the chest and feet.
An Otterhound's large head is well balanced with a broad skull, and their expressive eyes add to their amiable demeanor. They have long and folding ears that hang down, positioned level with the eyes, and covered with softer and shorter hair compared to the body. The impressive facial hair includes a noticeable mustache and beard.
What makes the Otterhound unique among scent hounds is their exceptionally powerful nose, capable of working both on land and in water, helpful in their traditional role as otter hunters. They have a large, deep chest for enhanced lung capacity, essential for stamina in swimming and running.
Their legs are strong and straight with large rounded paws that are equipped with thick pads and well-defined webbing between toes, making them excellent swimmers. Their tail, carried gaily but not curled, serves as a rudder in water.
The Otterhound walks with a rolling gait peculiar to the breed but becomes more purposeful when on a trail. Despite their bulk, they are surprisingly agile and can move swiftly over various terrains. Overall, the Otterhound is a powerful, rugged breed with a build and appearance deeply connected to its historical working roles.
History
The Otterhound is a breed with a rich history dating back several centuries in England, primarily as a dog bred for hunting otters. The lineage of the Otterhound is believed to be a mix of Bloodhound, various French hounds, and possibly the now-extinct Old Southern Hound or even the Welsh Harrier. These early inputs helped forge a breed noted for its excellent sense of smell, strong build, and keen ability to work in water.
The development of the Otterhound was primarily driven by the necessity to control otter populations in England, which were threatening the fish stocks in rivers. Hunting otters was not merely a sport but a way to protect livelihoods that depended on fishing. The Otterhound's unique traits made it particularly suited for this work; it has webbed feet and a dense, oily coat, making it perfectly adapted for swimming in cold waters. Otter hunting with hounds became an organized sport in the 19th century with the formation of otter hunts, similar to foxhunts but on riverbanks.
However, the legality and morality of otter hunting changed over time. By the 20th century, attitudes towards wildlife conservation shifted, leading to the passing of the Hunting Act 2004 in the UK which outlawed otter hunting. This left the Otterhound without its traditional purpose, leading to a dramatic decline in the breed's numbers. Today, the Otterhound is one of the rarest dog breeds in the UK, with its population sometimes being compared to that of the giant panda in terms of scarcity.
Modern Otterhounds have adapted to a new role as companion animals, although they retain many of the characteristics that made them excellent hunting dogs. They are known for their friendly nature, endurance, and vocal behavior. Despite their rarity, Otterhounds have a dedicated following of breed enthusiasts who are passionate about preserving their unique heritage through responsible breeding and raising awareness of the breed. Efforts to maintain the breed are supported by clubs and organizations both in the UK and the USA, where breed enthusiasts celebrate the historical and cultural significance of these majestic hounds.