The Otterhound is a big shaggy dog that loves to swim. Originally bred to hunt otters, the breed is a wonderful family companion but is a rare breed.

History

The Otterhound originated in Great Britain centuries ago. Although debated, many feel that the breed came from crossing Bloodhounds with griffons, Harriers and terriers. As the name implies, the breed was developed to hunt otters since the otter population in England was excessive and competed with the fishermen for trout. The first time the Otterhound was mentioned in literature was in the early 14th century during the reign of Edward II. Several Kings have been enthusiasts of the Otterhound. By the 1900s, the otter population diminished and so did the popularity of the Otterhound. In the mid 1970s, the breed almost became extinct and it was through the efforts of some dedicated breeders that the breed is slowly coming back. The breed is considered a rare breed, with most found in England and the United States. In 1910, the Otterhound was recognized by the American Kennel Club as a member of the hound group.

Appearance and Size

The Otterhound is a large, scruffy looking dog with a big, slightly narrow head. The eyes are set deep and the ears are long and hang. The chest is deep and the tail long, tapered and feathered. The coat of the Otterhound is distinctive. The outer coat is up to 4 inches long, shorter on the legs. The undercoat is short and wooly. The ears are covered with hair and the tail is feathered. The coat can be any color or combination of colors. The most common colors are grizzle or wheaten with black markings. The Otterhound stands around 24 to 26 inches at the shoulder and weighs about 65 to 110 pounds.

Personality

The Otterhound is a happy and friendly dog that is a devoted family pet. Although they are intelligent, some can be independent and stubborn. They are calm dogs and may sometimes bay.

Wikipedia and GNU

The content of this entry is from the Wikipedia article "Otterhound" licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License.