Otterhound Breed Information and Facts

The Otterhound is a large and sturdy breed, with males weighing between 110 and 140 pounds and standing between 27 and 31 inches tall.

They have a distinctive musty odor, which can be off-putting to some owners.

Their thick, wiry coats require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.

Their lifespan is relatively long, with an average of 12-14 years.

The Otterhound is a large dog breed, with males reaching a height of 69 cm (27 in) and weighing between 80 and 115 pounds (36 and 52 kg). Their long neck and straight forelegs make them a distinctive sight.

Their coat is rough and dense, with a 4–8 cm (1.6–3.1 in) length, which is both waterproof and provides protection in cold water and harsh terrain. The coat is a double layer, with a coarse outer coat and a wooly undercoat.

The Otterhound's ears are long and pendulous, rolling inwards to create a 'drape' appearance, while their eyes are deep set with the haw only slightly showing. Their webbed feet, a distinctive feature of the breed, are large, round, and thick padded.

The Otterhound's coat colors are a unique aspect of their appearance. The recognized colors include whole colored, grizzle, sandy, red, wheaten, and blue, with white markings permissible in all of them as well as lemon, blue, or badger pied markings.

Their coat colors can vary greatly, with some common combinations including black and tan grizzle. The Otterhound's coat color is any recognized hound color except liver and white, all white, or white with distinct black and tan patches.

Here are the recognized coat colors for the Otterhound breed:

The Otterhound's distinctive physical traits are truly one-of-a-kind. Their shaggy, water repellent coat is a notable feature, keeping them warm and dry in cold water and harsh terrain.

Their large stature is also quite impressive, with males reaching a height of 69 cm (27 in) at the shoulder and weighing between 80 and 115 pounds (36 and 52 kg). Females are slightly smaller, standing at 61 cm (24 in) at the shoulder.

One of the most exciting features of the Otterhound is their webbed feet, perfect for navigating through water. This unique adaptation allows them to move effortlessly through rivers and streams.

The Otterhound's coat is a double coat, consisting of a dense, coarse outer coat and a wooly, water repellent undercoat. This remarkable coat texture is essential for the breed's historic water-related tasks.

Here are the standard color combinations for the Otterhound breed:

The Otterhound's coat can also feature various markings, including badger, black, black & tan, grizzle, liver, white, lemon, silver, tan, and white & tan.

Otter hunting dates back to the early medieval period, with references to it found as early as 1360.

The Otterhound, however, can only be traced back as a distinct breed as far as the early 1800s. To be equal to the otter, an Otterhound was said to need "a Bulldog's courage, a Newfoundland's strength in water, a Pointer's nose, a Retriever's sagacity, the stamina of a Foxhound, the patience of a Beagle, and the intelligence of a Collie."

A fresh viewpoint: Straight Backed German Shepherds

In 1978, the otter was placed on the list of protected species in Britain, and otter hunting therefore ceased. Otter hunts stopped hunting voluntarily, as it was they who realised that otter numbers were dropping dramatically and brought it to the attention of the authorities.

By 1977, nine registered packs of otterhounds were still in existence. A few hunts switched to hunting mink or coypu, but many of the original otterhound packs ceased to exist altogether.

Hounds were often passed to newly founded minkhound packs. The Pembroke and Carmarthenshire Minkhounds are the only pack today with a pure otterhound pack.

Here's an interesting read: Otterhound Puppies Breeders

Otterhounds are generally a healthy breed, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health conditions. A UK survey found a life expectancy of 10.21 years for Otterhounds.

Gastric dilatation-volvulus, also known as bloat, is a life-threatening condition that can affect Otterhounds. It's especially true if they eat one large meal a day, eat rapidly, drink large volumes of water after eating, and exercise vigorously after eating.

Related reading: Big Mountain Dogs

Bloat can occur when the stomach is distended with gas or air and then twists, trapping gas inside. This can cause the dog to go into shock and die if not treated immediately. Suspect bloat if your dog has a distended abdomen and is salivating excessively and retching without throwing up.

Hip dysplasia is another inherited condition that can affect Otterhounds. It occurs when the thighbone doesn't fit snugly into the hip joint, leading to arthritis as the dog ages.

Canine idiopathic thrombocytopenia (CIT) is a condition that results from an immune system disorder, causing insufficient platelets. It's more common in female dogs than males and can be identified by abnormal bleeding under the skin or gums.

Here are some common health issues that can affect Otterhounds, along with their symptoms and potential treatments:

The Otterhound breed originated in medieval England, specifically bred for hunting otters. Its name reflects its historical purpose.

The Otterhound has a unique appearance, recognizable by its shaggy and water-resistant double coat, pendulous ears, and loose, hanging skin. Its distinctive voice is also worth noting, ranging from a deep bay to a melodious howl.

Here are the breed standards from various kennel clubs:

The Otterhound's size is typically around 24-27 inches tall at the shoulder, weighing between 80-115 pounds.

The Otterhound is an ancient breed with a rich history, and there's a lot to learn about this unique dog.

The Otterhound originated in England, where it was bred to hunt otters.

The breed's size is quite impressive, ranging from 24-27 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing between 80-115 pounds.

Otterhounds have a distinctive double coat, with a dense, oily outer coat and a soft, wooly undercoat.

Their coat comes in a variety of colors, including black, tan, and white.

One of the most notable features of the Otterhound is its webbed feet, which made it an excellent swimmer and tracker.

The breed's lifespan is relatively long, ranging from 10-13 years with proper care and regular check-ups.

Otterhounds are known for their distinctive bay, a deep and resonant sound that can carry for long distances.

The breed has a strong connection to the British nobility, with several kings and queens having been known to keep Otterhounds as pets.

Here are some key facts about the Otterhound breed:

Otterhounds are relatively rare, with less than 1,000 remaining worldwide.

The Otterhound is a unique breed with a rich history and distinct characteristics. One of its most notable features is its webbed feet, which made it an efficient swimmer and helped it track otters through water and marshy terrain.

The breed's webbed feet are a result of its adaptation to its original hunting purpose, and it's a trait that sets the Otterhound apart from other breeds. This, combined with its shaggy, water-repellent coat, makes it well-suited for life in the water.

Otterhounds are known for their friendly and affable nature, making them a wonderful option as a family pet. They are good-natured giants that form strong bonds with their family and tend to get along well with children and other pets.

The breed's lifespan is around 10-13 years with proper care and regular check-ups, which is relatively long for a large breed. This is a testament to the breed's hardiness and adaptability.

Here are some key physical and temperamental traits of the Otterhound breed:

The Otterhound's unique vocalizations, ranging from a deep bay to a melodious howl, add to their charm and individuality. They are known for their distinctive voice, which was especially useful during a hunt.

Breeding Otterhounds is a significant commitment, as responsible breeders are accountable for the puppies' lifetime care.

Breeding Otterhounds requires a huge investment of time, effort, and resources.

The Otterhound Club of America (OCA) emphasizes the importance of breeding responsibly, as indicated by their statement about being responsible for all puppies produced for their lifetime.

Breeding Otterhounds can be a rewarding experience, but it's essential to consider the long-term consequences of your actions.

Nancy & Karmen Lange are Otterhound breeders who run the kennel name OHeavens.

Their kennel name, OHeavens, originated from Nancy's reaction to the breed. They're the owners of OHeavens Otterhounds.

Nancy & Karmen Lange breed Otterhounds, a breed that can be exhausting at times.

Additional reading: American Kennel Club Lancashire Heeler