Otterhound – A Rare British Breed

The Otterhound is an old English dog breed and one of the rarest breeds. With a dwindling population estimated to be around 600 in the entire world, they are classed as a ‘Vulnerable Native Breed’. It is a scent hound, with a heritage rooted deeply in English hunting traditions. Originally bred for the task of tracking and hunting river otters, a tradition that dates back to the early medieval times.

The Otterhound performed exceptionally well in this role, thanks to its well muscled limbs and webbed feet, perfect for getting into the watery environments that otters love. Its dense coat offering plenty of waterproofing to keep them comfortable in the hunt too. 

Today, while the hunting of otters is obsolete, Otterhounds have transitioned into other roles that harness their tracking skills and friendly disposition. It’s just unfortunate that as working dogs, the role that they are most proficient in is now redundant and their numbers sharply declined as a result.

With a unique combination of strength, endurance and a keen sense of smell, Otterhounds are exceptional at scent-based tasks. They are energetic and lively dogs, friendly, affectionate and highly trainable. 

The Otterhound is recognized by major kennel clubs as part of the Hound Group of dogs. Clubs that recognize the breed include:

• The American Kennel Club (AKC) in USA
• The Kennel Club (KC) in UK
• The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) Internationally

Read on to learn more about the Otterhound’s storied past, characteristics, and what it’s like to live with one of these noble dogs.

History Of The Otterhound

Otter hunting was a tradition that stretches deep into England’s medieval era, where at the time otters were considered to be a threat to fish stocks in rivers and lakes. It wasn’t until much later, around the early 1800’s that the Otterhound is recorded as being a distinct breed. Their history is marked by their use in packs, often sponsored by nobility, to manage and control otter populations until the early 20th century.

In the latter half of the 20th Century otter hunting became prohibited due to their widespread decline and conservation efforts to protect the species. An official ban was never strictly enforced, but hunting of otters was widely halted voluntarily.

The otterhound populations started to decline quickly, with many of the hunting packs disappearing entirely. By 1977, only nine registered packs were said to remain, with only a few of the packs having a suitable bloodline for breeding into companion dogs.

Breed Origin

The exact lineage of the Otterhound is not clearly documented, but they are thought to descend from as many as five different breeds: 

• The Bloodhound,
• Foxhound,
• Southern hound
• The Griffon Nivernais
• Grand Griffon Vendéen.

Some accounts place the two Griffon French hounds in the mix back to dogs brought to England after the Norman Conquest. Other accounts suggest these dogs were bred into the mix in the 19th and early 20th Centuries. Most would agree however, that the modern Otterhound breed, can only accurately be traced back to the early 19th Century, with early variations of the breed now extinct. 

Whatever the timing, this combination resulted in a breed with outstanding scent hunting capabilities. With a body well-suited to the damp, often harsh conditions of riverbanks and wetlands where otters thrived.

Quick Facts

• Water Lovers – The Otterhound is uniquely adapted for water with webbed feet and a hardy, waterproof coat.  They are great swimmers and these features were crucial in its traditional role of hunting river otters.

• Scent Tracking Specialist – With a trully remarkable sense of smell, the Otterhound excels at scent work, a trait inherited from its Bloodhound ancestors. This makes them particularly effective in tracking activities, even in challenging terrains.

• Vocal and Musical – Otterhounds are known for their distinctive baying bark, which can carry over long distances. This vocal ability was historically useful during hunting expeditions, helping hunters locate their pack in dense cover.

• Large and Shaggy Companion – Standing tall with a rough, waterproof double coat, Otterhounds are sturdy and rugged. Despite their size and somewhat imposing appearance, they are known for their friendly, bouncy and affectionate nature. They can be quite similar to the Irish Water Spaniel in many ways.

Characteristics Of The Otterhound

The Otterhound, doesn’t really have any nicknames. As they are a rare breed, there aren’t really a lot of them spread around to encourage this. They might sometimes go by ‘Otter Hunter,’ but you are most likely to hear them referred to as their full name, if you are ever lucky enough to see one at all.  

Litters of Otterhound puppies typically range from 5 to 7, slightly larger than average due to the breed’s size. These puppies develop their shaggy and strong appearance even from a young age. As with all breeds, the first few weeks should be with their mother and siblings. They will be ready for a new home at about 8 to 10 weeks.

The price for an Otterhound puppy can vary significantly based on factors such as pedigree, breeder reputation, and location, but prospective owners should expect to invest anywhere from $1500 to  $2500. In the UK, the price is upward of £700, but not many are born every year. Because they are so rare, you might be waiting a while to find an Otterhound pup. If they do become popular again, the price will likely rise with demand, but they really are worth it.

Appearance

Otterhounds are large and strong with a boisterous charm. Their silhouette is characterized by their rugged, shaggy coat, with a large head and a long, straggly beard and eyebrows. They have a notably deep chest, powerful limbs and shoulders and are one of the larger members of the hound group. These features were bred into the mix to support their scent hunting abilities in water and on land.

One of the breed’s most unique physical attributes is its large webbed feet. A feature you see with a few water dogs, but rare in most breeds. These paws really help them when it comes to their agility and proficiency in the water. Despite its somewhat shaggy appearance, the Otterhound’s coat requires regular maintenance to prevent matting and to manage shedding, although it sheds less than many other breeds of similar size.

The Otterhound’s tail is another distinguishing feature; thick at the base and tapering to a point, it serves as a powerful rudder in the water. Unlike breeds with uniform coat types, the Otterhound’s facial hair is slightly softer and less dense. They have quite a definitive beard and eyebrows, adding to its expressive and rugged look.

Male Otterhounds typically stand between 27 to 28 inches at the shoulder and weigh around 115 pounds, while females are slightly smaller, usually standing about 24 to 26 inches tall and weighing closer to 80 pounds

Coat

The coat of the Otterhound is double-layered, with a rough, waterproof outer layer and a softer undercoat. This breed does not have the curly or colorful coat seen in some other breeds, but its dense, shaggy fur is perfectly adapted for swimming and moving through underbrush.

Color

The Otterhound’s coat comes in around 11 different coat colors. Only seven of these are standard colors as determined by the Kennel Clubs. These are Black, Black and Tan, Blue and Cream, Gray, LIver and Tan, Tan and Wheaten.

They may also come in Blue, Lemon, White and White Black & Tan, but these are not breed standard colors. With a population so low though, investing in a pup of any color is surely a benefit to the continuation of the breed.

Temperament

Otterhounds are known for being amiable and even tempered. With an attentive family they will adopt a friendly and enthusiastic nature, bringing a unique blend of cheerfulness and determination into your home. They are a hunting hound by nature though, and this genetic legacy needs both patience and assertive leadership to keep in check. 

The otterhound will get on reasonably well with other children and other people in general, as well as other pets when introduced and socialized early. They don’t take to anger easily but they are big and powerful dogs. Any indications of aggression or nervousness should be firmly trained out of them. As always, the best methods for training are positivity and reward based.

Lifespan

Otterhounds generally enjoy a healthy life, with a lifespan averaging between 10 to 13 years. This is pretty standard for a healthy dog of this size and breeding. The key to a long life is in keeping the dog well exercised physically and mentally, with good nutrition.

Known Health Issues

The Otterhound is a generally hardy breed but is prone to a few health conditions. Here’s a look at some of the conditions that may become a problem for this breed, and the recommended treatments:

Hip Dysplasia – A common skeletal condition where there is an improper fit between the thigh bone and hip joint, potentially leading to arthritis or lameness.

• Treatment: Management includes pain relief medications, weight management to reduce stress on the joints, and in severe cases, surgery might be necessary. Regular exercise to maintain muscle tone can also help support the joint.

Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus) – This serious condition involves the stomach swelling and often twisting, which is life-threatening and requires immediate intervention. It’s a condition that Otterhounds are predisposed to, with up to 9% being effected by the condition. It’s a serious contributor to early death too. 

• Treatment: Preventative measures include feeding smaller, frequent meals and avoiding vigorous exercise around meal times. In emergency cases, surgery is required to untwist the stomach and possibly secure it to prevent future incidents.

Elbow Dysplasia – Similar to hip dysplasia, this condition affects the elbows and can cause pain and lameness.

• Treatment: Treatments can include physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and possibly surgery to correct the joint if necessary. Weight management is also crucial to lessen the load on the elbows.

Sebaceous Cysts – These are noncancerous, typically harmless bumps that appear under the skin. They may become bothersome if they get infected.

• Treatment: Most sebaceous cysts don’t need treatment unless they rupture or become infected, in which case they may need to be drained and treated with antibiotics.

Ear Infections – Due to their floppy ears, Otterhounds are susceptible to ear infections, which can be caused by bacteria or yeast.

• Treatment: Regular cleaning of the ears is essential to prevent infections. If an infection occurs, treatment usually involves topical or oral antibiotics and antifungal medications, depending on the underlying cause.

Daily Life With An Otterhound

Now that we’ve covered the ins and outs of the breed, let’s take a look at what daily life with an Otterhound looks like.

Food and Diet

An Otterhound’s diet should be carefully managed to prevent obesity, particularly because they are prone to bloat. High-quality dog food appropriate for large breeds with high energy levels is recommended. Ensure that the diet is low in fillers that can contribute to weight gain without providing nutritional value.

For an average adult Otterhound, about 3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry dog food per day, divided into at least two meals, is typically enough. However, this is just a guide, and the amount for your dog should be adjusted based on their age, weight, and activity level. Puppies, with their higher energy demands, need more meals across the day to support their growth and development.

Exercise

Otterhounds need lots of daily exercise to satisfy their high energy levels. They will do far better with an owner that can take them for long hikes or runs, and a good swim now and again. They need at least one to two hours of good exercise every day, and this is best spread across the day. 

A mentally or physically under stimulated dog will become bored and frustrated, which inevitably can drive them to bad behaviour. Remember, these dogs where originally bred as scent hounds. Like other hunting or sporting breeds, an active life is in their nature. Activities like swimming, long walks, and ample playtime in a secure area are ideal to keep them physically and mentally stimulated.

Family Compatibility

The Otterhound’s friendly and sociable nature makes them a wonderful addition to a family. Particularly those that are active. They form strong bonds with their owners and thrive best when they can regularly interact with their adopted human companions. Given their ample size and energy, they are ideally suited for families with older children who are more capable of handling their vigorous playstyle. They might be a bit boisterous and intimidating for younger kids.

Otterhounds do have a charismatic personality, always ready for play and interaction, which makes them great companion. They are best suited to homes with ample outdoor space such as a large fenced off yard, where they can exercise freely.

They don’t do well in small homes or spaces, with little stimulation and space. Regular access to parks or open spaces is essential if living conditions are more restricted, like in apartments. They are adaptable, but naturally more suited to settings where they can explore and engage without constraints.

Training

They respond well to positive reinforcement techniques, though their independent nature can make training a challenge. Training an Otterhound needs a balanced approach. For a big and capable breed, they can be quite sensitive. They do however respond very well to positive reinforcement. They love to hear all about how good they are doing,  with a real eagerness to please. 

Training needs to be consistent, patient and assertive to leverage their intelligence and independent nature. They need this to embed expected behaviors and help curb their stubborn streak. Start early to establish good behaviors, using positive reinforcement like treats and praise to encourage obedience. I’ll say it again, consistency in training is crucial. 

Since Otterhounds are scent-driven, incorporating tracking or scent work can make training engaging for them

Socializing

​Socialization is also key, exposing them to various environments and people to foster a well-rounded temperament. Start early to aid in their other training but also to strengthen the bond between you and your Otterhound. Exposure to different people, pets, and environments helps mitigate their hunting instincts and promotes sociable behavior. This is especially important for helping them adapt well to homes with other pets or children. 

Well socialized pups will be good with visitors and even mannered with strangers. Don’t be hard on them for barking though, it’s in their nature and even when well trained and socialized they will probably do this a lot.

Grooming

Though they have a shaggy, mid-length coat, they don’t need too much fuss when it comes to grooming. A good brush once or twice a week, with regular baths depending on their activity will suffice for their coat. As a scent hound though, they do drag their noses and their bears through some pretty pongy and interesting places so they might needs a clean round these bits pretty often too.

If nails don’t wear down naturally with their regular activity, then you will need to trim these from time to time too, but the frequency will depend on your dogs lifestyle. Keep an eye and clip before they get uncomfortably long.

Breed Traits

Breed FAQs

Summary

The Otterhound is a beautiful but sadly rare breed. If not for the otter hunting ban in the 20th Century, it would not be as rare a breed as it is today, with its bright and loyal personality. Best suited for active households that can accommodate their exercise and space needs, they make loyal and loving companions.

They are intelligent dogs, adaptable to lots of environments and lots of fun to be around. With a love for water and their incredible webbed feet, they are probably better swimmers than you. Their rarity and distinctive appearance coupled with their cheerful personality make them a unique addition to any home seeking a large, active dog.

You can read about many more dog breeds here.