Height: 23-27 inches
Weight: 65-115 lbs.
Life Span: 11-13 yrs.
Breed Group: Scent Hounds
Overview
Otter hounds are energetic and usually friendly with everyone. They are
quite vocal -- they frequently bark and bay. Bred as pack hunters, otter
hounds usually get along with other dogs but may chase unfamiliar cats and
small animals.
They may be resistant to obedience training, and they do best in the country
with experienced owners.
Appearance
The otter hound's outercoat is dense, rough, coarse, and hard (softer on
the head and lower legs); the undercoat is water-resistant, short, woolly,
and slightly oily.
All coat colors are seen; the most common are sandy, blue and white, gray,
and black and tan. The feet are substantially webbed.
Grooming & Exercise Needs
Otter hounds need to be brushed daily to prevent matting. They love the
outdoors and require a lot of exercise, including long daily romps in a
secured area or on a leash, and frequent opportunities to swim.
Origins
The otter hound, probably a descendant of rough-coated French hounds, was
used to hunt otters in cold English rivers as early as the 11th century.
Special Alerts
A diligent hunter, this breed is not suitable for city or apartment living,
nor is it suitable for inexperienced dog owners.
Breed-related health concerns: hip and elbow dysplasia, bloat, canine
thrombocytopathy (a bleeding disorder resulting from abnormal platelets).
Reference: AKC - American Kennel Club |
