Otterhound Dog
The Otterhound is an old British breed, with Bloodhound ancestors in its background, and is in turn one of the ancestors of the Airedale Terrier dog. There are fewer than 1000 Otterhound breeds world wide. This is a large, strong breed with a hard, crisp and close coat, oily in nature that can withstand any amount of immersion in water. It is a peer among swimmers, its progress through the water being aided greatly by its webbed feet. Otterhound s are affectionate but don't demand attention all the time. While Otterhound s can be good with kids, a young Otterhound is big and likely to be klutzy and may not be the best companion for a wobbly toddler or a frail elderly person.


Otterhound Skills
The Otterhound is a large breed of developed in England to hunt otter. The hunting of Otters was practiced because they were preying on the fish in the rivers and streams to an annoying extent. Otter hunting is now banned. The sport enjoyed a considerable vogue in the summer months, since it was the only hunting possible. Thus, Otter Hound s enjoyed a coinciding heyday in 19th century England.

As a large with an impressively deep voice, an Otterhound can make a good watchdog, but their friendly nature makes them poor candidates as guard dog. They'll "woof" or bay at an unusual noise, but you'd have hard time training most for "attack" work.

Otterhound Personality
Otterhound s are generally good with other dogs and with other animals if they are raised with them or introduced to them carefully. Many Otterhound owners also have cats while some Otterhounds live happily with parrots, horses and pigs. These hounds are quite willing to include most two and four legged members of the household in their notion of their "pack". Otterhounds can be good with kids, but a young Otterhound is big and likely to be klutzy and may not be the best companion for a wobbly toddler or a frail elderly person.

Otterhound Dog Exercise Needs
Otterhounds need and want a fair amount of exercise, particularly when young, so though you don't need a huge yard, you do need a fenced area for them. If the area is not big, taking the on long walks or jogging will make them properly exercised. Otterhounds are not good candidates for walking off leash.

Otterhound Living Conditions
Otterhounds can make great pets, but potential owners must not be obsessed with keeping the house/clothes spotless, as they can be independent and fun-loving. OH owners must also have a securely fenced yard, and is not wary of neighbors who do not love that hound voice. Otterhounds are an ideal pet that don't demand attention all the time. If you're in search of a very loving that can serve as a watchdog (but not as guard dogs) the Otterhound is for you.

Otterhound Dog Grooming Requirements
Though some Otterhounds do have a fair amount of coat, most do not shed a great deal. With an "average" Otterhound dog, expect to brush the coat on a weekly basis to keep the coat from matting, particularly on the head, legs and underside. Grooming also gives you a good chance to find any unusual lumps and bumps on the dog, and will keep shedding under control. Start your OH puppy out with a gentle weekly brushing, and he'll learn to love the activity, or at least tolerate it pretty well.

Otterhound Dog Health Issues
Like many of the large breeds, they are subject to hip dysplasia and bloat. Otterhounds are also subject to a potentially fatal bleeding disorder. In the last few years, there have also been an increasing number of reports of seizures in Otterhounds. The Otterhound Club of America's health surveys conducted in 1996 and again in 2003 indicated major health problems are uncommon until old age. This breed is usually quite slow to mature, both physically and mentally.