About OtterhoundsHome About Otterhounds What's New?Otterhound Club of America See how they grow Our Brochure Questionnaire History of Otterhounds The ancestry of the otterhound has always been in question with many theories. While most agree on Bloodhound, the other breeds vary and include Terriers, Griffons, Harriers, Vendeen hounds and the Southern hound. Regardless of its origin the otterhound was used in packs for the control of otters since the otter competed with the fisherman for the supply of fish. Otterhounds are well adapted to the task with their webbed feet, long thick double coats and keen noses. It is said that an Otterhound's sense of smell is so acute it can smell in the morning an otter that passed through the water the night before. An Otterhound's coat is weatherproof and they are able to defy cold water and will dive into bitterly cold rivers to seek their prey and its den. The Otterhound is a great swimmer with the ability to swim for hours without stopping. In the late 1800's there were sometimes eighteen to twenty packs hunted on a regular basis through the season. In the 20th century, as the otter population diminished, so did the Otterhound's popularity. In 1978 when the otter became a protected species the Otterhound's existence was threatened. The concerted effort by several dedicated breeders saved the breed and brought the Otterhound to the show ring. Otterhounds first came to the United States in 1900. While they have never grown to great popularity here, they have retained many steadfast friends. The breed was first recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1910. Today there are fewer than 1000 Otterhounds world wide.
The head is large with the skull and muzzle about the same length. The eyes are deeply set and complement the color of the hound. The ears are long and pendulous. They are set low and hang close to the head with the ear leather reaching to the nose. The nose is large and completely pigmented, with wide nostrils. The jaws are powerful. The neck is powerful and blends smoothly into the back. The top line is level and the chest is deep. The tail is set high and carried in a saber fashion. The feet are large and webbed. The coat consists of two layers. The outer coat is dense, rough, coarse and crisp with softer hair on the head and lower legs. It may be two to four inches in length. The under coat is short wooly and slightly oily. It may be hard to find in summer months. The Otterhound is shown in a natural coat, with no sculpturing or shaping. Any color or combination of colors is acceptable. The nose should be black, liver or slate depending on the color of the hound. Eye rim should match the nose. The eye color of those with black noses should be dark while those with liver or slate noses may have hazel eyes. The Otterhound moves freely with a loose long reaching gait. They don't lift their feet high off the ground and may shuffle at slow gaits.
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. Otterhounds have a harmonious, boisterous and powerful voice that carries for long distances. They like to bay but they don't bark excessively.
The Otterhound needs a lot of daily exercise in a safe area or on leash, as they tend to forget everything when an interesting scent is discovered. Exercise can be running, walking or swimming. They should have a well fenced yard and can sleep outside in cool climates provided there is shelter.
Updated: 4.Nov.08 |