What Is The History Of The Otterhound Dog Breed?
The Otterhound is a large, shaggy-coated hound bred in England to hunt otters. The breed is rare, with only about 600 dogs registered in the United Kingdom and fewer than 200 in the United States. Though it is an ancient breed, the Otterhound nearly became extinct in the 20th century. In 2010, it was estimated that there were only about 100 Otterhounds left in the world.
The first recorded mention of an Otterhound is from the early 12th century when a dog known as an “otter dog” was sent as a gift from Wales to King Henry I of England. The breed was used for centuries to hunt otters on both land and water. In the 19th century, otter hunting became a popular sport in England, and the Otterhound was used extensively for this purpose.
However, by the 20th century, otters had become endangered, and otter hunting was banned in England in 1978. This led to a decline in the popularity of the Otterhound, and by the early 21st century, the breed was considered to be at risk of extinction. In 2010, it was estimated that there were only about 100 Otterhounds left in the world. However, there has been a recent resurgence in interest in the breed, and its numbers are slowly increasing.
What Does An Otterhound Dog Look Like?
The Otterhound is a large, rough-coated hound bred in Great Britain. The coat is usually black, blue, and tan, or grizzle and tan, with a harsh topcoat and a soft undercoat. The head is large and somewhat triangular in shape, with a long muzzle and drooping ears. The eyes are dark brown, and the nose is black. The legs are long and powerful, with webbed feet that make the Otterhound an excellent swimmer.
How Big Is An Adult Otterhound Dog?
Otterhound dogs are large dogs, with males reaching up to 27 inches at the shoulder and females up to 24 inches. They weigh anywhere from 60 to 115 pounds. Otterhounds have a very thick, double coat that is oily and wiry to the touch. The outer coat is coarse and water-resistant, while the undercoat is dense and soft. This combination makes them both waterproof and able to withstand cold weather very well. When it comes to color, Otterhounds can be any shade of gray, black, or liver, often with a mix of these colors in their coat. White markings are also common.
Are There Other Dog Breeds Related To The Otterhound Dog?
Some breeds are similar to the Otterhound Dog. They are American Foxhound, Basenji, Basset Hound, Beagle, and Black and Tan Coonhound.
What Is The Life Expectancy Of An Otterhound Dog?
The life expectancy of an Otterhound Dog is about 10-12 years. This is a large dog breed and generally lives a little shorter than smaller breeds. They were hunting dogs and were bred to work hard and be outdoors, so they have high energy levels and require plenty of exercise. If you are considering getting an Otterhound Dog, be prepared to give them the time and attention they need to stay healthy and happy.
Can An Otterhound Dog Be Trained?
Otterhound dogs are very versatile and can be trained to do various tasks. They are often used as working dogs in many different industries, such as hunting, herding, and even as service animals. Many Otterhounds have even been known to excel in agility and obedience trials. With their high intelligence and eagerness to please their owners, Otterhounds can be trained to do just about anything.
What Are Some Interesting Facts About An Otterhound Dog?
- Otterhounds are one of the oldest breeds of dogs, with a history dating back to the 11th century.
- They were initially bred in England to hunt otters, which were becoming a nuisance to fishermen.
- The breed nearly became extinct in the 20th century but was saved by a dedicated group of fanciers.
- Otterhounds are large dogs, standing 24-27 inches at the shoulder and weighing 60-80 pounds.
- They have a water-resistant shaggy coat that comes in black, grizzle (a mix of black and gray hairs), or liver (a chocolate brown).
- Otterhounds are gentle giants known for their patience, good nature, and affection for children.
- They are a relatively rare breed, with only about 600-700 puppies born yearly in the United States.
- Otterhounds require daily exercise and plenty of space to run and play.
- They are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain health conditions such as hip dysplasia, eye problems, and allergies.
- Otterhounds typically live 10-12 years.
How Does An Otterhound Dog Interact With People?
The Otterhound is an affectionate and loyal breed that makes a great companion for people of all ages. They are known to be good-natured and even-tempered, making them a perfect fit for families with children. Although they can be independent sometimes, they love spending time with their human companions and often form strong bonds. They are also very friendly with other dogs, making great playmates too! Whether you’re looking for a loving cuddle buddy or a fun-loving companion to take on adventures, the Otterhound is the perfect dog for you.
