Otterhound

The Otterhound is an old British scent hound breed with a history that dates back to at least the Middle Ages in England, possibly even earlier. As their name suggests, their primary and highly specialized purpose was to hunt otters. Otters were considered vermin that depleted fish stocks in rivers and ponds, and Otterhound packs were maintained by landowners and royalty (including King John and Queen Elizabeth I) to control their populations. These hounds needed to be incredibly strong swimmers, possess a keen nose to track otters both on land and in water, and have a rugged, waterproof coat to protect them from cold water and rough terrain.

The Otterhound’s ancestry likely includes various old hound types, possibly Bloodhounds (for scenting ability), rough-coated French hounds like the Griffon Nivernais, and perhaps even Water Spaniels or other water-loving breeds. They hunted in packs, following the scent of the otter along riverbanks and through water, using their powerful bay to communicate with hunters. With the decline of otter hunting as a sport and the otter becoming a protected species in Great Britain in the late 1970s, the Otterhound’s traditional role vanished. This led to a drastic decline in their numbers, and today, the Otterhound is considered one of the rarest dog breeds in the world. Dedicated enthusiasts work to preserve this unique and historic hound. The American Kennel Club recognized the Otterhound in 1909.

The Otterhound is known for its amiable, even-tempered, and often boisterous personality. They are typically friendly and outgoing dogs, possessing a good-natured enthusiasm for life and a playful, sometimes clownish, demeanor. Otterhounds form strong bonds with their families and are generally very affectionate, though they may not be overly demonstrative in a “lap dog” sense. They are intelligent and inquisitive, always keen to explore their surroundings, especially if there are interesting scents or water involved.

As scent hounds, they are driven by their noses and can be very independent and determined when on a trail. This can make them appear stubborn during training if their focus is elsewhere. Otterhounds are known for their impressive, deep, and resonant bay, which they will use readily when excited or on a scent. Early socialization is important to ensure they are well-adjusted. They are generally good with children and can get along well with other dogs due to their pack heritage, but their size and boisterousness require supervision. Their strong prey drive might make them unsuitable for homes with very small non-canine pets.

The Otterhound has a distinctive shaggy, crisp, and waterproof double coat. The outer coat is dense, rough, and typically 2-4 inches long, while the undercoat is shorter, woolly, and slightly oily, providing excellent insulation and water resistance. Their coat is designed to be weather-resistant and protective in harsh conditions.

This rugged coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting and keep it clean, especially as it can trap dirt and debris. They are considered average shedders. Thorough weekly brushing with a pin brush or slicker brush and a sturdy comb is necessary to work through the dense coat and prevent tangles from forming into mats, particularly in areas like the beard, legs, and underbelly. Their beard will need regular cleaning to prevent food debris buildup and odor. Baths should be given as needed. The coat is best left in its natural, somewhat untidy state and does not require professional clipping or styling for pet dogs. Their large, pendulous, feathered ears are prone to infections and must be checked and cleaned regularly. Routine nail trims and dental care are also essential.

Otterhounds are large, energetic hounds with considerable stamina, bred for long days of hunting in and out of water. They require a significant amount of daily exercise to stay physically fit and mentally stimulated. This is not a breed suited for a sedentary lifestyle; they need regular opportunities to run, explore scents, and ideally, swim.

Aim for at least an hour or more of vigorous activity per day. Excellent exercise options for an Otterhound include:

• Swimming, which is their natural element and a favorite activity for most Otterhounds. They have webbed feet and a love for water.
• Long, brisk daily walks or hikes, especially in natural environments where they can use their powerful noses.
• Off-leash play in a very large, securely fenced area. Their strong scenting instincts and hound nature mean they should **never** be trusted off-leash in an unsecured environment.
• Canine sports such as tracking, scent work, or even drafting (cart pulling), which can provide an outlet for their strength and working ability.

Without a sufficient outlet for their energy and strong instincts, Otterhounds can become bored, frustrated, and may develop undesirable behaviors such as excessive baying or destructiveness. They thrive in active homes with owners who appreciate their unique needs and enjoy outdoor activities.

The Otterhound, being a rare breed with a historically limited gene pool, can be susceptible to certain health conditions. Responsible breeders screen their breeding stock diligently. Potential health concerns include:

• Hip Dysplasia: A common concern in large breeds, involving malformation of the hip joint. Elbow dysplasia can also occur. OFA or PennHIP certification is crucial for breeding stock.
• Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus – GDV): A life-threatening emergency common in deep-chested large breeds. Owners must be aware of the signs and preventative measures.
• Thrombocytopenia (Immune-Mediated or other):** A condition involving low platelet counts, which can affect blood clotting.
• Seizure Disorders (Epilepsy):** Has been noted in the breed.
• Ear Infections (Otitis Externa):** Very common due to their long, heavy, pendulous ears trapping moisture. Diligent, regular ear cleaning is essential.
• Lymphoma and other Cancers:** Can be a concern.
• Hypothyroidism:** An underactive thyroid gland.