Otterhound Puppies 101: History, Care, and Fun Facts

Otterhounds have been around for centuries, with records of the breed dating back to the 12th century in England.

Their original purpose was to hunt otters and other small game, which is where they got their name.

These dogs were highly valued for their unique skill set and were often used by nobility to control the otter population in rivers and streams.

Otterhounds are a relatively rare breed, but their loyal and affectionate nature makes them a popular choice for many families.

Their short coats require minimal grooming, but they do need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.

In fact, Otterhounds need at least an hour of exercise per day, which can be a challenge for busy families.

The Otterhound breed has a rich history that spans centuries. The breed was developed in England to hunt and destroy otters, which were decimating the fish in English rivers.

Otter hunting, a sport enjoyed by the nobility, was first mentioned in the 12th century during the reign of Henry II. It's said that the Otterhound was fancied by more kings (and one queen) than any other breed, including Edward II, Henry VI, Richard III, and Elizabeth I.

The Otterhound's unique characteristics, such as its rough, weather-resistant coat and webbed feet, made it well-suited for its original function. The breed's sensitive nose allowed it to follow trails that were up to 12 hours old.

The Otterhound breed has a rich history that spans centuries. The breed was developed in England to hunt and destroy otters, which were decimating the fish in English rivers.

The Otterhound's ancestors are believed to include Bloodhounds and possibly French Griffons due to the distinctive fold of their ears. The breed was first mentioned in the 12th century, during the reign of Henry II.

Otter hunting was the first organized sport in England that used packs of scent hounds, and it was largely enjoyed by the nobility. The Otterhound was used alongside small terriers to hunt otters along the banks of ponds and rivers.

The Otterhound's nose is incredibly sensitive, allowing it to follow the scent of an otter in the water and on land. They can stay on 12-hour-old trails and swim and wade as far as 20 miles in a day.

The Otterhound's skills as a hunter were so impressive that otters were eventually declared a protected species in England. Otter hunting became illegal in 1982, although some people continued to use their Otterhounds to hunt mink.

The Otterhound has a long history of royal admirers, with more kings and one queen fancied the breed than any other. Included among the Otterhounds' royal fans were Edward II, Henry VI, Richard III, Henry VIII, and Elizabeth I.

The Otterhound's Bloodhound Heritage is a fascinating topic.

The Otterhound's ancestry is a complex mix of breeds, with Griffon Vendeen, Griffon Nivernais, and Old Southern Hound blood possibly flowing through their veins.

Their Bloodhound ancestors likely gifted them with their fantastic noses.

This unique combination of breeds has contributed to the Otterhound's exceptional tracking abilities.

Their noses are at least in part responsible for their impressive hunting skills.

Otterhound puppies are a joy to be around, and their characteristics make them a great fit for many families. They typically weigh between 80-115 pounds.

These dogs have a unique appearance, with a weather-resistant double coat that's oily and often odorous. Their webbed feet, well-developed nostrils, and scenting powers make them well-suited for their original function.

Otterhounds are large dogs, standing between 24-27 inches tall. They come in a variety of colors, including black, gray, wheaten, and tan, with various combinations of these colors.

One of the most distinctive features of Otterhounds is their love of water. They have a dense, waterproof coat and a strong instinct to swim. In fact, they're so comfortable in the water that they're often described as "going for a swim" rather than "getting wet."

Here are some key characteristics of Otterhound puppies:

Otterhounds are generally easy-going and active, making them a great fit for families with children or for individuals who enjoy outdoor activities. They're also relatively independent, but they do enjoy spending time with their human family members.

Otterhound puppies are a joy to have around, but like all breeds, they do come with some potential health concerns. Bloat is a life-threatening condition that can affect large, deep-chested dogs like Otterhounds, especially if they're fed one large meal a day or exercise vigorously after eating.

To minimize the risk of bloat, it's essential to feed your Otterhound puppy smaller, more frequent meals, and to avoid exercising them too soon after eating. Regular check-ups with your vet can also help catch any potential issues early on.

For more insights, see: Large Munsterlander Puppies

Otterhounds are also prone to hip dysplasia, a condition where the thighbone doesn't fit snugly into the hip joint. This can lead to arthritis and mobility issues as the dog ages. Responsible breeding practices can help reduce the incidence of hip dysplasia, so be sure to ask about the parents' health clearances when purchasing a puppy.

A weekly brushing session with a soft slicker brush can help keep your Otterhound's shaggy coat in great condition. Be sure to check for any matting and give their famous beard a good clean, especially since they tend to dunk their faces in their food and water bowls.

Here's a quick rundown of some common health concerns in Otterhounds:

Otterhounds are generally a healthy breed, but like all dogs, they can be prone to certain health conditions.

Their life expectancy is around 10-13 years, but they can be vulnerable to life-threatening conditions like bloat. Bloat occurs when a dog's stomach expands due to food or gas, and the blood flow to various organs is cut off.

Dining from elevated bowls and exercising too soon after eating can increase the risk of bloat, so it's essential to feed your Otterhound from a regular bowl and wait at least an hour after meals before exercising.

Hip dysplasia is another condition that can affect Otterhounds, particularly large breeds. It develops when puppies' bones grow at different rates, leading to joint laxity and orthopedic problems.

Dogs with hip dysplasia may have trouble walking, standing, and navigating stairs, and treatment options include medical management, physical therapy, and surgery.

Epilepsy is a relatively rare condition in Otterhounds, characterized by uncontrolled electrical impulses in the brain causing seizures. Dogs with epilepsy often shake, twitch, and have convulsions.

Here are some key health conditions to be aware of in Otterhounds:

It's essential to keep an eye on your Otterhound's weight, as they can be prone to obesity due to their love of food. Regular exercise and a balanced diet can help prevent weight gain and keep your Otterhound healthy.

The Otterhound's shaggy coat needs to be brushed once a week with a soft slicker brush to keep it in great condition.

Regular grooming is essential to prevent matting and tangling of the coat, especially around the face and beard area. Otterhounds are prone to matting, so brushing at least once a week is crucial.

Their facial hair tends to get dirty and matted, so it's a good idea to give their face a quick wipe-down and brush every so often. This will help keep their face clean and prevent any unpleasant odors.

Moist food, peanut butter, and other morsels can easily adhere to the coat, so owners should be aware of this and take steps to prevent it. A dark brown staining may also develop on an Otterhound's fur, which is commonly due to natural salivary pigments called porphyrins.

Ear infections are common in Otterhounds due to their long ears, so it's essential to check and clean their ears regularly. A weekly check for redness or a bad odor can help prevent infections.

Nail care is also important, as long nails can cause painful tears and other problems. Trimming their nails once or twice a month will help prevent these issues.

Regular dental care is also crucial, as Otterhounds are prone to tartar buildup and gum disease. Brushing their teeth at least two or three times a week will help prevent these problems.

When it comes to feeding your Otterhound, the recommended daily amount is 3 to 4.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

This amount should be adjusted based on your dog's age, size, and activity level. For example, a puppy will require more food than an adult dog.

Divide the daily amount into two meals, morning and evening, to maintain a healthy digestive system. This will also help prevent overeating and obesity.

It's essential to choose the right food for your Otterhound, and our guidelines for buying the right food can help you make an informed decision.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Puppys Food

Otterhounds love to play, and they'll thrive in a house with a fenced-in yard where they can run around and engage in activities like fetch and agility exercises. They'll also appreciate the opportunity to sniff around outside and explore their surroundings.

Their strong sense of smell can sometimes get the best of them, so be sure to keep an eye on your otterhound to prevent them from wandering off or escaping. Even in a fenced-in yard, it's essential to keep them on a leash when out and about.

Otterhounds are not ideal for apartment living due to their larger size and louder-than-life barking. They're quite vocal, and their chatty personalities can be a lot to handle, especially if you live in a small space.

Finding the right breeder is crucial when looking for an Otterhound puppy, as they are a relatively rare breed. Organizations like the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the Otterhound Club of America (OCA) can be great resources to locate reputable breeders.

Otterhound puppies benefit from early training and socialization to prevent unwanted behavior and develop into well-behaved adults. Consistency, patience, and positivity are essential in training these puppies.

Otterhounds can be independent and stubborn, requiring patient and consistent training. Regular grooming is also essential to maintain their coat and prevent matting.

For another approach, see: Training Puppies Not to Bite

Owning an Otterhound can be a wonderful experience, but it's essential to consider their unique needs and characteristics.

Otterhounds are a rare breed, with only about 800 worldwide, so finding a responsible breeder can be challenging.

Their large size, weighing 80 to 115 pounds, means they require ample space in your home.

Regular walks and playtime are crucial to keep your Otterhound happy and healthy, but they don't require excessively high exercise.

With a dense, waterproof coat, Otterhounds are naturally inclined to love water and swimming.

Their webbed feet are a testament to their aquatic abilities, making them a great breed for families who enjoy water activities.

To maintain their coat, regular grooming is essential, which can be a significant commitment for some owners.

If you're considering bringing an Otterhound into your family, be prepared for their independent nature, which can make training a challenge.

Here are some key characteristics to consider when deciding if an Otterhound is right for you:

Otterhound puppies can be challenging to find in shelters, so working with a reputable breeder is often the easiest way to locate healthy dogs.

Early training and socialization are crucial for Otterhound puppies, as it helps them gain confidence and develop into well-behaved adults.

Short, fun training sessions with plenty of treats and praise are best for Otterhound puppies, since they don't have incredibly long attention spans.

Consistency, patience, and positivity are essential when training Otterhound puppies, as it encourages them to feel safe and secure.

Otterhound puppies generally benefit from getting started with training as early as possible to prevent unwanted behavior from even getting started.