Otterhounds are dogs with two very special characteristics: they are excellent swimmers and have an extraordinary sense of smell. These peculiarities allowed that, in their origins, they were used as dogs for hunting otters. However, at present it is a prohibited practice, hence their census has decreased to the point of leaving them on the verge of extinction. If you want to know more about the otterhound or otter dog, don't hesitate to join us in the following breed file on our site.
Origin of the otterhound or otter dog
The otterhound or otter dog owes its name to the activity it originally carried out, otter hunting It is about a very old breed of dog, from the hound group, which was created in medieval England from native English hounds and French influences.
Although never an especially popular dog breed, the ban on otter hunting caused the otterhound population to decline dramatically, leaving the otter dog breed on the brink of extinction. Currently, there are only about 1,000 copies worldwide Therefore, otterhound breeders are focusing their efforts on developing programs for the survival and conservation of this breed.
Characteristics of the otterhound or otter dog
As we have already mentioned, the otterhound was a dog created for hunting otters, hence it is an excellent swimmerIts rough, waterproof coat and its large, webbed feet are some of the characteristics that allow it to withstand long periods of time in the water. Also, as a good hound, he is characterized by his acute sense of smell, which allows him to track the scent of otters over great distances.
Overall, are large, robust dogs, with a strong body and a majestic head. Males weigh between 41-50 kg and are about 69 cm tall, while females weigh between 30-41 kg and measure around 61 cm.
Below, we collect some of the main characteristics of the otterhound dog:
- The head is large and covered with hair: which forms a light whisker and beard. The fronto-nasal depression (stop) is somewhat marked, but without exaggeration.
- The eyes have an intelligent expression: Both the color of the eyes and the color of the edge of the eyelid may vary depending on the color of the fur.
- Otter dog ears are very wide and characteristic: they hang down and are covered with fur. The tip curls inward, giving a curious folded appearance.
- The neck is long and powerful: it ends in a deep chest that continues with a short and strong loin.
- The otterhound's tail is set high: It is held high when the dog is alert or moving. It never curls over the back, although it may hang down when the animal is at rest. It is also covered in fur, although it is slightly longer on the underside than on the top.
- The coat is between 4 and 8 cm long: it is dense, rough, hard and waterproof, to withstand long periods inside of the water.
Now that you know the characteristics of the otterhound or otter dog breed, let's focus on the colors.
Otterhound colors
Within this breed, different layers can be found:
- Black and Tan
- Blue and tan
- Black & Cream
- Liver
- Tawny
In addition, individuals of the otterhound breed may have white spots on the head, chest, feet and tip of the tail.
Otterhound or otter dog character
The otterhound is a friendly and balanced breed of dog. Noted for his high intelligence and innate ingenuity, characteristics that make him an excellent problem solver, especially when motivated by his own interests.
The otter dog is a very loyal dog with his family, who usually wins over all the keepers because of his fun and good-natured character. However, it must be taken into account that is a very expressive, vocal and boisterous breed of dog, so it will not be a recommended breed for especially sensitive caregivers to barking.
Overall, the otterhound is a fairly social breed with other people, dogs, and pets. They are suitable for families with children, although it is important that they get used to them from an early age.
Otterhound care
In addition to the basic care that should be provided to any dog regardless of its breed, in otterhounds special attention should be paid to the following care:
- Activity: Otterhounds are one of the moderate-high activity dog breeds, so they needexercise daily to stay physically and mentally he althy. A walk of one or two hours a day is necessary so that they can interact with other animals and investigate the environment, mainly through their keen sense of smell. Naturally, otterhounds are great water lovers, so walks along the river or on the beach are some of the activities they enjoy the most. Do not hesitate to consult what are the best times to walk a dog, here.
- Habitat: Otterhounds are not recommended dogs for apartment living. They are dogs that get bored easily, so they need to have an outdoor space where they can relax and play. However, it is important that the space in which they are located is fenced or fenced.
- Grooming: to avoid knots in the coat, it is recommended to brush once or twice per week Also, being a dog with large and long ears, it is important to pay special attention to the hygiene and he alth of its ears. How to clean my dog's ears? Discover the answer.
- Feeding: Both feed and home-made rations are perfectly suitable for otterhounds. However, in any of the cases it must be a balanced ration and adapted to the age and level of activity of the animal. The nutritional balance will be especially important in puppies, since an inadequate diet at an early age can cause important developmental problems.
Otterhound or otter dog education
Without a doubt, otterhounds are dogs with high intelligence However, they are also often animals quite stubborn and headstrong, traits that can complicate their training. For this reason, they usually need experienced caregivers who know how to guide their education well from an early age, in order to achieve balanced dogs.
Despite their large and robust appearance, they are very sensitive to being scolded or reprimanded by their keepers. For this reason, in this breed it is especially important to carry out positive training based on the reinforcement of appropriate behaviors.
Something to keep in mind when training otterhounds is that they are dogs with a strong hunting instinct This can mean that, At an unexpected moment, these dogs run away to follow the trail of prey, which can lead to dangerous situations such as loss, run over, etc. Therefore, it is essential that your otter dog learns to respond to the call of his handler before letting him loose.
You may be interested in reading this post on our site about Positive reinforcement in dogs for more information on the subject.
He alth of the otterhound or otter dog
In general, otterhounds are he althy dogs, with a life expectancy of about 10-12 years, commensurate with their body size. However, like any other breed of dog, otterhounds are predisposed to certain pathologies. Some of the most frequent are:
- Elbow dysplasia.
- Hip dysplasia.
- Gastric dilatation/torsion.
Where to adopt an otterhound or otter dog?
As we have seen, otterhounds are a rare breed nowadays. Most specimens are found in the United States and the United Kingdom, so in our country it can be somewhat difficult to find a dog of this breed.
However, if you are thinking of including an otterhound in the family, you can contact one of the breed clubs to guide your search. In any case, remember that the most important thing when including a new member in the family is not that they meet any racial standard, but that you can welcome them into your home and adapt to their needs and lifestyle.
