Otterhound

The history of this shaggy dog dates all the way back to 14th-century England. These dogs were bred to hunt otters and remove them from streams and lakes. This is so that otters couldn’t steal the fish away from fishermen in the area. Bloodhounds and French hounds are some of the distant relatives of this canine. Not surprisingly, Otterhounds belong to the hound group.

These dogs have an even temperament along with a friendly nature. They can even be sensitive at times, though they are focused and persistent when pursuing prey. This playful, high-energy dog is a great choice for families with or without children.

The Otterhound is known as a vulnerable native breed. They have this status due to a large decrease in the number registered each year. Why is the Otterhound a vulnerable native breed? The reason has to do with a lack of knowledge about the dog as well as a drop in its popularity. As of 2024, the Kennel Club in the United Kingdom recognizes around 224 distinct dog breeds. The tremendous number of dog breeds available to owners in the United Kingdom sheds some light on why breeds like the Otterhound get less attention than others. As a note, there are fewer than 10 litters of Otterhound puppies born in Canada and the United States each year.

3 Pros and Cons of Owning an Otterhound

Size and Weight

Otterhounds are large dogs with medium to long hair in their shaggy coat. Males can reach a height of 27 inches at the withers, while females reach a height of 24 inches. Males can weigh up to 115 pounds fully grown, while female Otterhounds weigh up to 80 pounds, fully grown. A 7-week-old Otterhound puppy weighs from 18 to 20 pounds.

Common Health Issues

Otterhounds have some common health issues, just as most dogs do. One of them is called elbow dysplasia. Elbow dysplasia happens when the bones in the elbow don’t join together properly. A dog with this condition limps or hops instead of moving with a smooth motion. The treatment for elbow dysplasia depends on its severity. One dog may need surgery to treat the condition, while another can be helped with physical therapy or supplements.

Another common health issue of this dog is hip dysplasia. This is when the ball and the socket of the dog’s hip joint don’t fit together properly. As with elbow dysplasia, limping and hopping are both symptoms. Surgery, physical therapy, and supplements are all treatment options for hip dysplasia.

A third common health issue is gastric torsion. This condition is sometimes called bloat. It’s when the dog’s stomach fills with air, food, or fluid, causing the stomach itself to twist. A swollen abdomen, listlessness, retching, and excessive drooling are all signs of this condition. A dog with gastric torsion needs to be taken to the vet right away for treatment.

Temperament and Behavior

An Otterhound has an easygoing personality. One of their most valued traits is loyalty. They are dedicated to protecting their family and home. Their behavior is a mix of playfulness and overflowing energy. Kids who like to run around outdoors are going to be a great match for a fun-loving Otterhound.

This dog can make itself heard. Otterhounds are known for their deep bay or resonant howl. They used to make this sound when they found an otter or other prey. The mournful sound is designed to travel a very long way.

How to Take Care of an Otterhound

The best way to take care of a pet like an Otterhound is to learn as much as possible about its healthcare, diet, and other basic needs. Whether someone wants to purchase an Otterhound puppy or get an adult dog from a rescue organization, being informed is the first step to being an excellent owner.

The Best Dog Food

Not surprisingly, an Otterhound puppy needs a different diet than an adult dog. Both dogs need certain nutrients to maintain good health. All dogs prone to bloat need their owners to closely monitor the portions of meals as well as to make sure they don’t eat too fast or eat too close to exercise.

Otterhound puppy food: Lean protein contributes to healthy joints, muscles, and tissues. Daily intake of protein is essential for a breed prone to hip and elbow dysplasia. Fat gives an active Otterhound puppy energy for all of the exploring and running it does. Omega-3 fatty acids support eye and brain development in a puppy. Fiber gives a puppy help with proper digestion, and calcium strengthens bones and teeth.

Otterhound adult dog food: Protein helps to maintain the muscles and tissues of an adult Otterhound. Chicken, fish, and turkey are all sources of protein suitable for adult dogs. A limited amount of fat gives an adult dog energy while helping it maintain a normal weight. Vitamin C serves as an antioxidant, and Vitamin B6 supports the healthy functioning of the nervous system. Calcium contributes to strong bones, claws, and teeth. Vitamin E supports the healthy coat of this shaggy canine.

Maintenance and Grooming

How much does an Otterhound shed? An Otterhound sheds a moderate to high amount of hair. Regular grooming can help to cut down on the amount of hair that drops in the house. This dog should be brushed twice each week. A slicker brush is great for removing any loose hair from its coat. A medium comb can be used to clean the beard of this canine if twigs, dirt, and other debris become caught in it as this dog sniffs the ground.

Use a clean cloth and warm water to wipe any dirt or mud off its webbed feet. This can be done once every two weeks or if the dog goes out for a run in the woods.

Training

An Otterhound’s temperament is a mix of intelligence and sensitivity. They need lots of praise and encouraging words as they go through obedience training. Treats are a good idea as well. Try to find an indoor training area with very few distractions. These dogs can quickly become distracted by any scents flying through the air outdoors.

Exercise

Otterhounds need from 30 to 60 minutes of exercise daily. Taking this dog for a 30-minute run in the morning and to the dog park for 30 minutes of exercise in the afternoon would be ideal. This dog picks up scents from everywhere, so a walk in the woods would be a great choice for exercise. Visit a nearby pond or lake to give their webbed feet a workout every so often.

This pet is not suitable for an owner living in an apartment. It’s large in size and needs space to move around.

Puppies

Otterhound puppies need space to explore and run around. They grow quickly and should be given a safe space to stretch their legs and test their sniffing skills every day.

Otterhound and Children

Otterhounds are good with children. The only consideration to keep in mind is an Otterhound’s size. A male can grow to a height of 27 inches and weigh as much as 115 pounds. So, if a family has a toddler or smaller child, they should be monitored around this playful canine.

Dogs Similar to the Otterhound

Other dogs similar to Otterhounds include bloodhounds, the American foxhound, and the Bluetick Coonhound.

• Bloodhound: Bloodhounds and Otterhounds both have a friendly, gentle temperament. But, while they share many coat colors, an Otterhound can sometimes have a coat that’s blue and cream.
• American Foxhound: These dogs are loyal and affectionate, like Otterhounds. However, American Foxhounds weigh less and are shorter in height than Otterhounds.
• Bluetick Coonhound: Both of these dogs have a deep bay and a playful temperament. An Otterhound is larger in size than a Bluetick Coonhound.