| The Otterhound is a large, strong dog weighing | | | | they swim for extended periods of time without |
| 66-115 pounds, with a height of approx. 24-26 inches. | | | | resting. Due to its strength and stamina, the |
| They have a shaggy coat and are a variety of | | | | Otterhound does require a reasonable amount of |
| colours. They display strong jaws and large teeth | | | | exercise and playtime to ensure the dog does not |
| with a long muscular neck leading to their deep | | | | become bored. |
| chested body, with a wide back. Their back lags are | | | | Health issues. Health issues that affect the |
| powerful and well muscled, as are their hind quarters. | | | | Otterhound are very few, as they are a generally |
| History. The Otterhound, as you may guess, was | | | | healthy breed. They do, however, sufferer the |
| first bred for controlling the otter population, on | | | | common problems of large pedigree dogs, which are |
| English rivers. The otters became a problem by | | | | hip dysplasia and bloat. There is a possibility of a |
| eating, and therefore diminishing the supply of, fish. | | | | genetic disorder which can lead to potentially fatal |
| The Otterhounds were led along the riverbanks and | | | | blood loss. It is important to choose a reputable |
| encouraged to chase and kill the pesky predators. | | | | breeder when purchasing Otterhound, as they should |
| The breed, as it is known today, was first brought | | | | be DNA tested to check that they are not |
| about in 18th century England, although its ancestors | | | | susceptible to this genetic illness. |
| have been tracked back as far as the 12th century. | | | | Grooming. A general brush through about twice a |
| The breed was first introduced to America in the | | | | week with, a proper grooming about every 5 to 8 |
| 20th century, with the first dog appearing at a kennel | | | | weeks. For their main grooming you'll need to use a |
| club show in Oklahoma in 1907. This is now a rare | | | | grooming rake to remove shed hair, although the |
| breed with a figure of less than 1,000 dogs remaining | | | | Otterhound does not shed greatly it is quite |
| worldwide. | | | | important to get rid of any debris during grooming. It |
| Temperament. The Otterhound is a boisterous and | | | | is important, as with most dogs, to keep the area |
| devoted dog which makes him an ideal family pet, | | | | under their tale well groomed, around their bottom; |
| also being of a fearless nature it's devotion makes it | | | | this reduces unpleasant matting during their toileting. |
| an ideal family pet, for families with children. Although | | | | Cut any straggly hair between the pads of their |
| they are bred for hunting the Otterhound is a | | | | paws with scissors, generally tidy up their coat with |
| sociable dog and gets on well with other animals, | | | | thinning scissors, and cut any straggly hairs with |
| which means it should integrate into a household | | | | scissors. You are now ready to bath your dog. |
| which has other pets. The Otterhound is a | | | | Living conditions. Otterhounds can be housed indoors |
| determined and intelligent dog, which makes it very | | | | or outside, in cool or warm regions. However, in cold |
| important during training to establish that you are in | | | | climates they need to be live indoors. They enjoy the |
| command. If the Otterhound senses that the owners | | | | freedom to roam, and particularly enjoy sniffing |
| are not in total command then the dog may feel that | | | | around. When housed indoors consideration should be |
| it is the leader and thereby making any training very | | | | given to the space provided for them, as they do |
| difficult. Otterhounds are also strong swimmers, and | | | | have a tendency to snore. |