The Otterhound is nicknamed Otter Dog because it excels at hunting otters. But this is not his only talent. The Otterhound is a wonderful pet, cheerful, loyal and affectionate, which finds its place in families preferably sporting.
Characteristics of the Otterhound
The Otterhound is a large hound with a large, imposing, signature body. Noted for its light and supple appearance, it measures on average between 61 and 69 cm and weighs between 30 and 35 kg. The Otterhound is specialized in hunting otters, so it evolves mostly in water and has round and webbed feet that allow it to swim more easily. It has a massive head with a light beard and mustache. It is also distinguished by its domed skull and moderate stop. The charm of the dog comes from its soft and expressive look accentuated by slightly sunken eyes whose color is in harmony with the coat. The ears form a kind of drape by folding on themselves, are long and set at the level of the line of the eyes. The Otterhound has a particularly dense and coarse long coat. The hair is oily to the touch and waterproof. The coat is available in all possible colors.
History of the Otterhound breed
Coming straight from Great Britain, the Otterhound has very ancient origins. It is said that its existence dates back to the 12th century. Moreover, it would have been part of the royal court of John Without Land, king of England. This dog would be the result of a cross between the Harrier, the Saint-Hubert and some French griffons like the Griffon Nivernais and the Griffon Vendéen. Some English breeds would also have contributed to its creation, such as the Foxhound, the Staghound and the Kerry Beagle. The Otterhound is appreciated for its otter hunting skills. The population is not large, and has been since the 20th century, when this type of hunting was at its peak. Even today, the threat of extinction is more than real.
Necessary living conditions and behavior of the Otterhound
The Otterhound is an affectionate, gentle and even-tempered animal. It is effective in hunting, but also finds its place in families as a pet. It is an independent and loyal dog that shows a lot of affection towards its masters without being clingy. He is sociable and gets along with other dogs and animals, including cats. The ideal life for him would be to live in the countryside, near a water source to use his swimming skills.
Otterhound nutrition and major health problems
The Otterhound can suffer from the typical pathologies of large dogs, including elbow and hip dysplasia. It is also advisable to watch for the appearance of thrombocytopenia, a disease that manifests itself by the reduction of platelets in the blood. As for food, given its size, it needs a maximum of vitamins and minerals.
