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Otterhound
Otterhound
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Otterhound
Ch. Belle River Dixieland Jazz.
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Pronunciation |
Otterhound |
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Description |
The Otterhound is a large scent hound. The body is slightly rectangular in shape. The large head is fairly narrow. The muzzle is about the same length as the skull with a slight stop. The large nose is dark with wide nostrils. The teeth should meet in a scissors bite. The deep set eyes have a color that complements the coat of the dog. Dogs with darker rims have darker eyes and those that have liver or slate pigment have hazel eyes. The low-set, long ears reach at least to the top of the nose and are folded, hanging down loosely. The muscular neck has an abundant dewlap. The long tail is set high, thicker at the base tapering to a point. Dewclaws on the front legs are sometimes removed. The webbed feet are deep and thick, with arched toes. The Otterhound has a double coat that is 3-6 inches
(8-16 cm.) long. The oily outer coat is rough, course, and dense with a broken appearance. The undercoat is water resistant and soft. The dog has a shaggy face and bushy eyebrows. The coat comes in all hound colors including but not limited to grizzle or
wheaten with black markings.
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Temperament
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The Otterhound is fearless and animated. Devoted to their families and good with children. Friendly, loving and happy with a lot of spirit, they make good companions. They are a friend to all other dogs, family pets, children
and people in general, however do to their hunting instincts they will chase non-canine animals. They can however get along with cats in the family. They are affectionate and intelligent. Because the Otterhound was never traditionally kept as a pet, it is not among
the most responsive of breeds. Training the Otterhound takes patience. If the Otterhound senses the owners are weaker minded than themselves they will
become quite willful, acting independent with a mind of
their own as they will believe they need to run the home. The best results are achieved with a determined, consistent, loving 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
use their noses and have a tendency to snore. Otterhounds have a harmonious, boisterous and powerful
voice that carries for long distances. It likes to bay; though he doesn't bark
excessively. A great swimmer they can swim for hours without resting even in cold water. They will dive into the water seeking their prey.
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Height, Weight
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Height: 24-26 inches (60-65
cm.)
Weight: 66-115 pounds (30-52 kg.) |
Health
Problems |
Some lines are prone to hip
dysplasia, thrombocytopenia, hemophilia and bloat. Do not overfeed for it will gain weight
easily. A minor concern is elbow dysplasia |
Living
Conditions |
The Otterhound is not recommended for
apartment life. They are relatively inactive indoors if they have sufficient exercise.
They do best with at least a large, well fenced yard. It can sleep outdoors in temperate
or cool climates if given a good shelter. |
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Exercise |
The Otterhound needs a lot of daily
exercise in a safe area or on a leash, and if possible, frequent swimming.
They need to be taken on a
daily walk or jog. While out on the walk the dog must be made to heel beside or behind the person holding the lead, as in a dog's mind the leader leads the way, and that leader needs to be the human. They have a
tendency to forget everything in the chase after an interesting scent is discovered, so
therefore they should only be allowed to run free off the leash where they can be
controlled and kept safe. They should have a well fenced yard and make excellent jogging
companions. |
Life
Expectancy |
About 10-12 years. |
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Grooming |
To avoid matting, the Otterhound's
weather-resistant coat should be combed or brushed at least weekly. It may need its beard
washed more frequently. The coat is suppose to look natural and therefore should not be
clipped. This breed is an average shedder. |
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Origin |
The Otterhound's exact origin is not known, but some believe it originated in France. This rather old breed
was developed by crossing the Bloodhound with rough-haired Terriers, Harriers, and Griffons. When fishermen realized that otter were preying on the fish supply they used packs of Otterhounds to hunt the otter, hence where the dog got their name. The Otterhound has a sense of smell so acute that it can smell in
the morning an otter that passed through the water the night before. In the 20th century the otter population dropped and since the dogs were no longer in high demand their numbers dropped as well. In 1979 otters were added to the protected species list and the Otterhound numbers dropped dangerously low. A group of breeders dedicated themselves to saving the breed. While the breed is still rare they are no longer endangered. They have been successfully used to hunt bear, raccoon and mink. It has a good sense of smell and is ideally suited to drag-hunting or searching.
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Group |
Hound, AKC Hound |
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Recognition |
FCI, AKC, KCGB, CKC, NKC, NZKC, CKC, APRI,
ACR, DRA |
FCI = Federation
Cynologique Internationale
AKC = American Kennel
Club
UKC = United Kennel Club
KCGB = Kennel Club
of Great Britain
CKC = Canadian
Kennel Club
ANKC = Australian National
Kennel Club
NKC = National
Kennel Club
NZKC = New Zealand Kennel Club
CKC = Continental Kennel Club
APRI = American Pet Registry
Inc.
ACR = American Canine Registry
DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.
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Ch. Goose Creek Greymist, CGC
Ch. Scentasia's Oliver O Bearsden
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This is a very handsome Otterhound. named Ch. Ottertail Otterly Ridicqlus, AKA Ottie. Ottie is a very good specimen of a tri-colored Otterhound.
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Hunting Dogs
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