Otterhound

Otterhound

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 The Otterhound is an old British dog breed, with Bloodhound ancestors, and who is in turn one of the ancestors of the Airedale Terrier.

Appearance: The Otterhound is a large, rough-coated hound with an imposing head showing great strength and dignity, and the strong body and long striding action fit for a long day’s work. They generally weigh between 80 and 120 pounds (36 to 54 kg). It has an extremely sensitive nose, and is inquisitive and perseverant in investigating scents. The Otterhound hunts its quarry on land and it has a combination of characteristics unique among hounds; most notably a rough, double coat and substantial webbed feet. The Otterhound is a large, rough-coated hound with an imposing head showing great strength and dignity, and the strong body and long striding action fit for a long day’s work. It has an extremely sensitive nose, and is inquisitive and perseverant in investigating scents. 

The Otterhound hunts its quarry on land and water and requires a combination of characteristics unique among hounds–most notably a rough, double coat; and substantial webbed feet. Otterhounds should not be penalized for being shown in working condition (lean, well muscled, with a naturally stripped coat). Any departure from the following points should be considered a fault; its seriousness should be regarded in exact proportion to its degree. 

The head is large, fairly narrow, and well covered with hair. The head should measure 11 to 12 inches from tip of nose to occiput in a hound 26″ at the withers, with the muzzle and skull approximately equal in length. This proportion should be maintained in larger and smaller hounds. The expression is open and amiable. The eyes are deeply set. The haw shows only slightly. The eyes are dark, but eye color and eye rim pigment will complement the color of the hound. Dogs with black pigmented noses and eye rims should have darker eyes, while those with liver or slate pigment may have hazel eyes. 

The ears, an essential feature of this breed, are long, pendulous, and folded (the leading edge folds or rolls to give a draped appearance). They are set low, at or below eye level, and hang close to the head, with the leather reaching at least to the tip of the nose. They are well covered with hair. The skull (cranium) is long, fairly narrow under the hair, and only slightly domed. The stop is not pronounced. The muzzle is square, with no hint of snipiness; the jaws are powerful with deep flews. From the side, the planes of the muzzle and skull should be parallel. The nose is large, dark, and completely pigmented, with wide nostrils. The jaws are powerful and capable of a crushing grip. A scissors bite is preferred. 

Temperament: They are basically big, friendly dogs with a unique bass voice that they sometimes use to excess. Because Otterhounds were originally bred for hunting, their most important characteristic is their ultrasensitive nose. 

As a result, new owners of Otterhounds often find that their new dog gets into everything and that the dog needs to be supervised or confined when unsupervised. The Otterhound’s hunting background means that it has energy and endurance, requiring more energetic exercise than simply walking around the block. This is a good breed for active people who have a lively sense of humor!

he breed lives to between 10 and 13 years old, although some have reportedly lived to be 15 or older. There are only an estimated 1,000 or so Otterhounds in the world and somewhere between 350 and 400 in the US. Even in the early 20th century, when otter hunting was most popular as a sport, Otterhounds were not numerous. They are now considered the most endangered dog breed in Britain since only 51 were born there in 2006. They are on the list of Vulnerable Native Breeds as identified by the UK Kennel Club, and as much as possible is being done to save the breed. Indeed, experts now view otterhounds as more endangered than the Giant Panda.

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