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Otterhound
Puppies for Sale
Otterhound
Ch. Belle River Dixieland Jazz.
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Pronunciation |
Otterhound |
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Description |
The Otterhound is a large
rough-coated dog with a shaggy face and bushy eyebrows. The head underneath the hair is
large and deep, but wide, somewhat like a Bloodhound's. The neck is muscular, with an
abundant dewlap. The eyes are dark with rosy conjunctiva. The ears are long and dangling
and the tail curves up like a saber. The nose is large and dark, either black or liver
depending on the color of the dog. The lips are thick and pendant. Under the 3-6 inch
(8-16 cm.) long, oily outer coat is a dense wooly undercoat for protection in frigid
water. All hound colorations are acceptable, but the coat usually comes in grizzle or
wheaten with black markings. Like many other pack hounds, the feet are webbed for
swimming. |
Temperament
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The Otterhound is a bold and
exuberant dog. Friendly, cheerful, loving and devoted, he makes a good companion. This
breed is quite good with children, but may be clumsy with small children and therefore is
not recommended for infants. They are a friend to all other dogs, family pets, children
and people in general, however it will chase non-canine animals (it can get along with
cats in the family). They are affectionate, 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 himself it will
become quite willful, acting independent with a mind of
its 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
sniff and have a tendency to snore. Otterhound have a harmonious, boisterous and powerful
voice that carries for long distances. It likes to bay; though he doesn't bark
excessively.
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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 is a rather old breed
obtained from crossing among the Bloodhound with rough-haired Terriers, Griffons and
Harriers. The otter, as the breed's name suggests, is this dog's preferred prey.
Otterhounds were used in packs for controlling the otter population, since otter competed
with fisherman for the natural trout supply in rivers. Several British Kings were titled
"Master of Otterhounds," including King John, (1199-1216), Richard III, Charles
II, Edward II and IV, Henry II, VI, VII and VIII and Elizabeth I. In the late 1800's
there were sometimes more than a dozen packs operating in Britain during every
hunting season. The Otterhound has a sense of smells so acute that it can smell in
the morning an otter that passed through the water the night before. In the 20th century,
as the otter population diminished, so did the Otterhound's popularity. By 1978, the otter
became a protected species and the Otterhound's existence was threatened. A
concerted effort by several dedicated breeders saved the breed and brought these dogs
to the show ring. The Otterhound is a great swimmer with the ability to swim for hours
without stopping. Defying the cold water and wet, it will dive into the water seeking its
prey and its prey's den. The breed has also been used successfully to hunt raccoon, bear
and mink. It has a good sense of smell and is ideally suited to drag-hunting or searching.
He can also make a fine family companion. |
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Group |
Hound, AKC Hound |
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Recognition |
FCI, AKC, KCGB, CKC, NKC, NZKC, CKC, APRI,
ACR |
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 |
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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