<C>Height:</C> 24 to 27 inches (male); 22 to 26 inches (female).
<C>Weight:</C> 75 to 115 pounds (male); 65 to 100 (female).
<C>Size:</C> Large.
<C>Availability:</C> Very difficult to find.
<b>History:</> The Otterhound was developed by crossing the Bloodhound with terriers, griffons and the Harrier. Otterhounds were used in packs for controlling the otter population, since otter competed with fishermen 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. 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. The breed has also been used successfully to hunt raccoon, bear and mink. He can also make a fine family companion.
<b>Description:</> A large rough-coated dog with a shaggy face and bushy eyebrows. The head underneath the hair is large and deep, but not wide, somewhat like a Bloodhound's. 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.) Under the 3-6 inch long, oily outer coat is a dense woolly undercoat for protection in frigid waters. All hound colorations are acceptable, but the coat usually comes in grizzle or wheaten with black markings. Like many other pack hounds, the Otterhound has a melodious and powerful voice and likes to bay, though he doesn't bark excessively. The feet are webbed for swimming.
<b>Notes:</> May be clumsy with children; not recommended for infants. Likes to roam and sniff. Do not overfeed--prone to bloat and weight gain. Has a tendency to snore. Needs lots of exercise and, if possible, frequent swimming. Beware of hip dysplasia. Buy only from OFA-certified stock. This breed is also prone to hemophilia. The coat needs frequent grooming, at least weekly, to prevent matting.
<b>Personality:</> Bold and exuberant. Cheerful, loving and devoted; a good companion. Do not trust this dog around small non-canine pets. Tends to be quite willful--training takes great patience.
<b>Behavior:</>
<C>Children:</C> Best with older, considerate children.
<C>Friendliness:</C> Fairly friendly with strangers.
<C>Trainability:</C> somewhat difficult to train.
<C>Independence:</C> Moderately dependent on people.
<C>Dominance:</C> Low.
<C>Other Pets:</C> Generally good with other dogs; do not trust with non-canine pets.
<C>Combativeness:</C> Friendly with other dogs.
<C>Noise:</C> Likes to bay.
<b>Grooming and Physical Needs:</>
<C>Grooming:</C> Extensive grooming needed.
<C>Trimming & Stripping:</C> No trimming or stripping needed.
<C>Coat:</C> Medium coat.
<C>Shedding:</C> Average shedder.
<C>Exercise:</C> Needs lots of exercise.
<C>Jogging:</C> An excellent jogging companion.
<C>Indoors:</C> Relatively inactive indoors.
<C>Apartments:</C> Not recommended for apartments.
<C>Outdoor Space:</C> Best with a large yard.
<C>Climate:</C> Does well in most climates.
<C>Owner:</C> Not recommended for novice owners.
<C>Longevity:</C> Average (10 to 12 years).
<b>Talents:</> hunting, tracking, and watchdog.
<b>For More Information:</>
Call the AKC Breeder Referral Hotline: 1-900-407-PUPS for the name of a breeder referral representative in your area. Cost is 99 cents per minute.
<b>Photo Caption:</> OTTERHOUND
Photo copyright: Cook PhoDOGraphy 1995. All rights reserved.
