Read About Otterhound

Big, happy, furry dog -- that's an Otterhound. Here's everything you need to know about this dog breed.

Quick Summary:

1. Size:

   Large dogs

2. Weight:

   60-90 lbs.

3. Coat:

   The coat is the Otterhound's most obvious and important feature. They are double-coated dogs. Their outer coat (2-4" long on the back, shorter on the extremities) has been variously described as rough, dense, coarse, crisp, and wiry. There is often softer hair on the head and lower legs. The undercoat is made up of short, wooly, and slightly oily hair. The Otterhound should never be shown in a coat that is clipped or sculptured in any way at all. Their tails are fringed, and their ears are likewise furry.

4. Shedding:

   Heavy shedders -- there's a lot of hair there!

5. Temperament:

   Happy, sociable, enthusiastic dogs with good attitudes. Excellent companion dog.

6. Obedience:

   Independent-spirited and intelligent, Otterhounds still want to be good dogs. Any stray scent will distract them immediately, however.

7. Ease of Training:

   Without a great deal of patience and persistence, training of an Otterhound is challenging. They can be socialized, and they will behave, but they're never going to be agility superstars.

8. Way with Children:

   Excellent with children.

- Facts

1. AKC Group/Date Admitted:

   Hounds/1995

2. Size & Weight:

   23-28"; 60-90 lbs.

3. Coat:

   The coat is the Otterhound's most obvious and important feature. They are double-coated dogs. Their outer coat (2-4" long on the back, shorter on the extremities) has been variously described as rough, dense, coarse, crisp, and wiry. There is often softer hair on the head and lower legs. The undercoat is made up of short, wooly, and slightly oily hair. The Otterhound should never be shown in a coat that is clipped or sculptured in any way at all. Their tails are fringed, and their ears are likewise furry.

4. Head & Muzzle:

   Strong, narrow head with a great deal of fur.

5. Body:

   Strong, solid body, with a nearly rectangular profile.

6. Colors:

   All colors

7. Life Expectancy:

   10-12 years

8. Popularity:

   The Otterhound is a fairly rare dog; some estimates place their numbers at less than 1000 worldwide.

9. Habitat:

   A home with an Otterhound has a happy, messy dog. As long as they get interaction and exercise, it's not challenging to have a happy Otterhound. They ARE scent hounds, so keep them on leash until they are in a fenced area.

- Origins

1. Country of Origin:

   England; used for hunting otters

2. Historical Information:

   The Otterhound appears to have been bred into its current appearance in the 1800's in England. There is little prior documentation.

- Defining Characteristics

1. Temperament:

   Happy, sociable, enthusiastic dogs with good attitudes. Excellent companion dog.

2. Behavior:

   Reasonably well-behaved for an independent, gregarious hound.

3. Habits:

   Otterhounds are big, happy dogs with lots of fur and lots of voice. They're also scent hounds, with all the distraction that brings.

- Concerns

1. Health Issues:

   Generally a healthy dog, but does have a few problems that have been known to crop up: epilepsy, bloat, hip dysplasia, obesity, and an inherited blood disorder. The disease, Glanzmann's thrombasthenic disorder, can be tested for in puppies prior to adoption.

2. Exercise Needs:

   Your Otterhound started out as a hunting dog, and will need some exercise -- running, walking, playing -- to stay in top shape and temper.

3. Grooming Needs:

   There's a lot of coat, and a lot of dog with an Otterhound. Frequent grooming is necessary, but use a comb, as a brush may just make things worse! Since they pick everything up with their fur, bathing might be in order, but keep that wooly undercoat in mind -- it's slightly waterproof, and too mush bathing will eliminate the slight oiliness and mat it up.

4. Travel Needs:

   These are fairly large and very furry dogs. Travel should be undertaken with caution and forethought.

5. Getting Along With Other Pets and Children:

   Can get along with other pets, but needs to be socialized, as some animals may be a bit otter-like to this intrepid hunter. Excellent with children.

- How to Choose

1. What to Look for in a Healthy Puppy:

   Clear eyes, sleek coats, and tons of energy. Their easygoing nature will be evident, as will their scenting propensities. Otterhounds are big goofs, and they start out that way, too.

2. What You Will Need For A New Puppy:

   An appropriate crate, door gates and backyard dog fencing will keep him safe. Lots of toys and room to run will keep him happy. Keep in mind that Otterhounds will follow their nose as far as they can go -- be sure their fencing is sturdy and reliable if they are off leash in a back yard.

3. Puppy-Proofing your House:

   Puppies are small and explore a lot. Be sure that there is anything that your dog can get into, pull out, or chew is safe for him.