Otterhound Rescue and Care

Otterhounds are prone to hip dysplasia, a common issue that can lead to arthritis and mobility problems. This means they need regular exercise to maintain joint health.

Their rough coats require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. A daily brushing routine is essential to keep their coats in good condition.

Otterhounds are also known to be prone to eye problems, including cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy. Regular eye exams can help detect these issues early on.

With proper care, an Otterhound can live up to 12 years or more.

If you're interested in adopting an Otterhound, the first step is to complete the Online Rescue Application, or download a printable version and send it to the OHCA rescue Coordinators.

The Otterhound rescue group is a committee of the Otterhound Club of America, responsible for rescuing purebred Otterhounds in the United States and Canada. They work tirelessly to find homes for Otterhounds that have been abandoned or given up by their owners.

Fortunately, due to responsible breeding practices, Rescue Otterhounds are rare. However, when an Otterhound does need a new home, the rescue committee is ready to step in, as long as the dog has no temperament problems that make it unplaceable.

If you're considering adopting a Rescue Otterhound, it's essential to note that they are often mistakenly identified as other breeds, such as labradoodles or goldendoodles. To ensure you're getting an authentic Otterhound, the rescue committee can usually eliminate 98% of dogs called Otterhounds in shelters by reviewing photos and visiting the shelter in person.

If you're interested in adopting an Otterhound, you'll need to start by completing the Online Rescue Application or downloading a printable version, filling it out, and sending it to the OHCA rescue Coordinators.

The Otterhound rescue group is a dedicated team that works tirelessly to find forever homes for Otterhounds in need. They're a committee of the Otterhound Club of America, responsible for rescuing purebred Otterhounds in the United States and Canada.

To increase the chances of finding the right Otterhound, the rescue committee spends most of its time looking at photos of dogs in shelters, but they can usually eliminate 98% of the dogs called Otterhounds due to their distinctive characteristics.

If there's any doubt about a dog's identity, a Club member can be found to visit the shelter and see the dog in person. This ensures that the right dog finds the right home.

Otterhounds are rare in shelters because breeders take back the hounds they've bred, but occasionally one will appear in a shelter or an owner will be forced to give up a pet.

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Otterhounds are pack animals that thrive with canine companionship at home. They love having a furry friend to play with and get along great with other dogs, especially if they're well-trained and socialized.

However, it's essential to supervise playtime with small dogs to prevent injuries from rough play. Otterhounds can get a bit rowdy when they're excited.

Those with solid training and good social skills can sometimes get along fine with cats, but it's not a guarantee.

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Otterhounds need regular grooming to keep their coats under control. They should be brushed a few times a week to prevent matting.

Their facial hair requires attention after meals to prevent food from getting stuck. Regular brushing also helps limit plaque and tartar accumulation on their teeth.

Monthly baths are recommended for Otterhounds with longer coats that produce more oil. However, those with shorter coats can get by with fewer baths.

When considering getting a new furry friend, one of the biggest decisions is whether to get an adult or a puppy. Adult Otterhounds can make great pets, and responsible breeders may have retired show dogs or former breeding dogs available for adoption.

Responsible breeders may have adult Otterhounds available who have been retired from the show ring or from their breeding program. This can be a great option for someone looking for a good pet Otterhound.

In some cases, breeders will place in pet homes males that are still being used in their breeding program. However, these males will need to remain in the breeder's name, cannot be neutered, and will need to go to the breeder's kennel or home from time to time to be bred.

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Adult Otterhounds can also be a good option for someone who wants a dog that is already house-trained and less energetic than a puppy.

Former brood bitches that are now spayed may also be placed permanently in pet homes. This can be a great option for someone who wants a calm and gentle companion.

Here are some pros and cons of getting an adult Otterhound:

In contrast, puppies require more attention and training, but they can also provide endless joy and companionship.

Training Otterhounds requires patience and positive reinforcement. They can be a bit stubborn, so getting them motivated to learn new things is sometimes a challenge.

Otterhounds bond closely with their owners and do incredibly well with reward-based training.

Positive training is especially important for Otterhounds due to their sensitive nature. Harsh training techniques can be counterproductive and cause them to dislike training and lose trust in the trainer.

Their double coats are designed to keep them warm while hunting, but they also require regular grooming to prevent matting.

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Dogs need regular grooming to stay healthy and happy. Otterhounds, for example, need to be brushed a few times a week to keep their shaggy coats under control.

Their facial hair requires regular attention after meals to prevent matting and tangling. Regular brushing also helps to prevent hair from getting stuck in their teeth.

Dogs with longer coats that produce more oil need monthly baths to keep them clean and healthy. Otterhounds are no exception, and they should be bathed monthly to keep their coats in top condition.

After getting wet, Otterhounds need to be thoroughly dried to prevent skin irritation and infections. This is especially important for their webbed feet, which can be prone to moisture buildup.

Regular nail trimming is also important for Otterhounds, as their nails can grow quickly and become overgrown if not trimmed regularly.

Otterhounds are generally hardy canines, but they're vulnerable to certain health issues.

Bloat is a serious condition that can occur when a dog's stomach expands due to food or gas, potentially cutting off blood flow to vital organs.

Dining from elevated bowls and exercising too soon after eating may increase the risk of bloat.

Hip dysplasia can develop in puppies as their bones grow at different rates, leading to joint problems and difficulty walking.

Large dogs are more prone to hip dysplasia, and genetics may play a role in its development.

Epilepsy is a relatively rare condition in Otterhounds, causing uncontrolled electrical impulses in the brain that can lead to seizures.

Dogs with epilepsy may experience shaking, twitching, and convulsions, and treatment aims to reduce seizure frequency.

Spaying or neutering can have benefits for Otterhounds, such as reducing aggression and the risk of certain health issues.

The Otterhound is a large and sturdy breed, with males weighing between 115 and 160 pounds.

They have a distinctive musty odor, which is caused by the apocrine glands in their skin. This unique scent is a result of their hunting heritage, where it helped them track prey.

Their coats are thick and rough, with a harsh texture that requires regular grooming. Otterhounds have a minimum of two types of hair: a soft undercoat and a harsh outer coat.

Their ears are long and velvety, which can be prone to infections if not properly cared for. Regular cleaning and checking for signs of infection are essential.

Their lifespan is relatively long, with an average of 10-12 years. This means they require a long-term commitment from their owners.