The Otterhound breed is today a relatively rare dog breed with maybe 1,000 purebred dogs in existence. Originally bred to hunt otter, Otterhounds have been "laid off" now that otter hunting is illegal in most places. Today, they are mostly pets for active people who like to play outdoors with their very energetic dogs.
The Otterhound's Behavior
Otterhound puppies for sale, Otterhound local dog breeders
Source: Wikipedia.
Recommended for: pet, working dog
The Otterhound dog breed is an especially active dog breed, even for hunting dogs. They need regular exercise. The breed is known as friendly, as are many other large dog breeds. As scenthounds, Otterhounds have very powerful senses of smell. They are sometimes known as being particularly apt to detect things in garbage and other containers and to knock them over.
Remember that breed only provides a general clue as to any individual dog's actual behavior. Make sure to get to know dogs well before bringing them into your home.
The Otterhound's Physical Characteristics
Otterhound puppies for sale, Otterhound local dog breeders
Here are some of the characteristics of the Otterhound breed as determined by the American Kennel Club's published breed standard.
- Size: male: 27 inches; female: 24 inches
- Coat: Dense, rough, coarse outercoat over short wooly, slightly oily undercoat
- Color: Any
- Eyes: dark
- Ears: hairy
- Muzzle: square
- Nose: large, dark, with wide nostrils
- Tail: high-set
The Otterhound's Origins and History
Otterhound puppies for sale, Otterhound local dog breeders
Source: Wikipedia.
Country/Region of Origin: United Kingdom
Original purpose: hunting
Name: from hunting otters.
Historical notes: The Otterhound breed is descended from the Bloodhound breed. The Otterhound dog breed is also one ancestor of the Airedale Terrier. Today it is estimated there are only 1,000 purebred Otterhounds in the world. Arguably, the small numbers are due to the fact that otter hunting has been banned in most parts of the world.