Otterhound: temperament, size, care and health

About the Otterhound

The Otterhound is a big, rough-coated hound with a long head, a heavy beard, long hanging ears that fold, and a powerful body. The coat is dense, oily and water-resistant, and it can be of many colors, including grizzle, wheaten and black and tan. Large webbed feet help it swim. Dogs stand twenty-four to twenty-seven inches tall, and the build is solid and rangy rather than refined.

The breed was developed in England to hunt otters, which were raiding fish stocks, tracking them along riverbanks and into the water. It is a scent hound with an excellent nose and a deep voice, and it has a love of water. Otter hunting has been illegal in Britain for decades, and the breed has become one of the rarest hounds. For the right household, an Otterhound is a hearty, cheerful companion that makes itself at home on the couch and in the pond.

Temperament and family life

The Otterhound is boisterous, amiable and a bit clownish. It is usually friendly with its family and with strangers, and it gets along with children, though its size and enthusiasm mean it can knock down small ones. It is a pack hound and does well with other dogs. Many individuals are independent and easily distracted by smells.

The prey drive is strong, so cats and small animals may be chased. Loud and persistent barking or baying is common, particularly when the dog is bored or left alone. An Otterhound can be destructive without enough activity or company. It is better suited to a home where someone is present for much of the day.

Exercise and training

An Otterhound needs a good daily workout: long walks, hiking, swimming or running in a secure area. It loves water and will often wade into any pond or puddle it finds, which is a safety consideration near busy water. A fence needs to be strong, because the dog will follow a scent for miles. Scent games and tracking use its nose.

Training takes patience and humor. The dog is intelligent but easily distracted, and it likes to do things its way. Rewards with food and short sessions keep it engaged, and harsh methods backfire. Recall is not dependable once the nose is working. Start socialization and basic manners early, because an untrained adult is large and strong.

Grooming and shedding

The shaggy coat needs real care. Brush and comb two or three times a week, reaching down to the skin, and watch the beard, legs and ears, where mats form. The coat is oily and harsh, and baths are done as needed. Expect hair in the house, with heavier shedding at seasonal changes. The beard soaks up water and food and often leaves a trail.

The long ears hold moisture and are prone to infection, so they should be cleaned and dried regularly, especially after swimming. Trim the hair between the toes and check the webbed feet after outings. Nails and teeth need routine care.

Health

The Otterhound is a relatively healthy breed but has a few conditions of note. These include hip and elbow dysplasia, bloat, ear infections and a bleeding disorder called Glanzmann's thrombasthenia, a platelet condition for which a DNA test exists. Responsible breeders screen hips and elbows and test for the bleeding disorder. Because the breed is rare and the gene pool is small, genetic diversity is a concern. None of this replaces an examination, and a veterinarian is the person to ask about a particular Otterhound.

History

The breed is generally traced to England, where packs were kept for otter hunting from at least the Middle Ages, and the modern type took shape in the nineteenth century, with French griffons crossed in during the later part of the century. Otter hunting ended in Britain in 1978, when the otter became a protected species. The Otterhound was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1909. It is considered one of the most endangered native breeds in Britain.

Is the Otterhound right for you?

An Otterhound suits an active family with space, a sturdy fence, a love of water and a tolerance for hair, drool and noise. It is a poor choice for people who want a tidy house, a quiet dog or an easily trained one.

For another large scent hound, compare the Bloodhound. The Irish Wolfhound shares the rough coat and gentle bearing, and the Black and Tan Coonhound has a similar voice with a short coat.