Dog Breeds - Otterhound

Breed Attributes & Qualities

CARING WITH FAMILY + Independent Lovey-Dovey
The degree of affection a breed is likely to exhibit with family members or familiar individuals can vary widely. Certain breeds may show reserved behavior forming a deep bond predominantly with their owner and maintaining a distant demeanor with others. Conversely, some breeds are sociable butterflies bestowing their friendly affections on nearly anyone within their social circle as if every acquaintance is a long-lost friend. It often boils down to the breed's inherent traits and socialization experiences shaping how openly they express their fondness.
LOVE WITH CHILDREN + Unwise Good With Children
The supervision of dogs in the presence of children particularly those unfamiliar with canine behavior is crucial, however, breeds with a higher tolerance for children's antics are inherently more compatible with family life.
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS + Unwise Good With Other Dogs
When it comes to the sociability of different dog breeds with their fellow canines supervision during initial encounters is key however, certain breeds are predisposed to interact more amicably with others, whether during park visits or within the family setting.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT No Shedding Hair Everywhere +
The amount of fur and hair this particular breed is likely to shed. Breeds known for their heavy shedding require more regular grooming and brushing sessions. They're also more apt to set off specific allergies and you may find yourself vacuuming and using lint rollers with greater regularity to keep your space tidy.
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS Monthly Daily +
Consider the grooming routine needed for a breed including how often they'll need a bath, brush out, a trim or any other coat care. It's important to reflect on the time, patience and budget you have available for these maintenance tasks. Remember, no matter the breed regular nail trims are a must for all dogs.
DROOLING INTENSITY Less Likely to Drool Always Have a Towel +
Take into account the likelihood of a breed to drool. For those who prefer a spotless environment, dogs known to leave trails of drool on your arm or large damp patches on your attire might not be the most suitable companions.
COAT TYPE +
Rough, Double
COAT LENGTH +
Medium

FRIENDLINESS Reserved Everyone Is My Best Friend +
Reflect on a breed's typical disposition towards unfamiliar people. Certain breeds may naturally exhibit reserve or caution around strangers, no matter the setting. On the other hand, there are breeds that are always eager to greet a new face with enthusiasm whenever the opportunity arises.
LIVELINESS Only When You Want To Play Non-Stop +
Reflecting on a breed's zeal for play even beyond their puppy years is key. Some breeds maintain their love for lively games like tug-of-war or fetch well into their maturity, while others are content to spend most days simply lounging on the couch alongside you.
VIGILANCE INTENSITY What's Mine Is Yours Vigilant +
The instinct of a breed to notify you about the presence of strangers is something to consider. Such breeds are typically more responsive to potential threats, be it the mail carrier or a squirrel scampering outside the window. However, these same breeds are often quick to accept strangers who are welcomed into the home by their family members.
ADAPTATION CAPACITY Lives For Routine Highly Adaptable +
Consider a breed's adaptability to change, which encompasses shifts in living arrangements, noise levels, climate, daily routines and other daily life fluctuations. Some breeds take such variations in stride adjusting with ease, while others may need extra support and time to acclimatize to new circumstances.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL Self-Willed Eager to Please +
Think about the ease of training your dog and their eagerness to pick up new skills. Certain breeds are naturally inclined to please their owners and revel in learning new commands, while others march to the beat of their own drum displaying independence in their actions and preferences.
STAMINA LEVEL Couch Potato High Energy +
Take a moment to consider the exercise and mental engagement a breed requires. High-energy breeds are always on the move enthusiastically anticipating their next escapade. They're the ones who relish in running, leaping and playing all day long. On the flip side, low-energy breeds are akin to couch potatoes, they're perfectly content to lounge and nap the day away.
VOCALIZATION Only To Alert Very Vocal +
Contemplate the frequency and manner in which a breed vocalizes be it through barks or howls. There are breeds that feel compelled to sound off at every person strolling by or bird that perches near a window, while others reserve their barks for specific scenarios. Remember, some breeds that don't bark much may still be quite expressive using a variety of other sounds to communicate.
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL Loaf Needs an Activity +
Consider the level of mental exercise a breed necessitates to remain content and in tip-top shape. Dogs that have been bred for specific roles might need tasks that involve decision-making, problem-solving and focused attention, among other mental skills. If they don't get the cerebral workout they require, they're quite resourceful at devising their own assignments to occupy their minds often with activities that might not exactly align with your own preferences.

COLORS

PATTERNS

CARING WITH FAMILY

Independent

Lovey-Dovey

The degree of affection a breed is likely to exhibit with family members or familiar individuals can vary widely. Certain breeds may show reserved behavior forming a deep bond predominantly with their owner and maintaining a distant demeanor with others. Conversely, some breeds are sociable butterflies bestowing their friendly affections on nearly anyone within their social circle as if every acquaintance is a long-lost friend. It often boils down to the breed's inherent traits and socialization experiences shaping how openly they express their fondness.

LOVE WITH CHILDREN

Unwise

Good With Children

The supervision of dogs in the presence of children particularly those unfamiliar with canine behavior is crucial, however, breeds with a higher tolerance for children's antics are inherently more compatible with family life.

BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS

Unwise

Good With Other Dogs

When it comes to the sociability of different dog breeds with their fellow canines supervision during initial encounters is key however, certain breeds are predisposed to interact more amicably with others, whether during park visits or within the family setting.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT

No Shedding

Hair Everywhere

The amount of fur and hair this particular breed is likely to shed. Breeds known for their heavy shedding require more regular grooming and brushing sessions. They're also more apt to set off specific allergies and you may find yourself vacuuming and using lint rollers with greater regularity to keep your space tidy.

COAT GROOMING STANDARDS

Monthly

Daily

Consider the grooming routine needed for a breed including how often they'll need a bath, brush out, a trim or any other coat care. It's important to reflect on the time, patience and budget you have available for these maintenance tasks. Remember, no matter the breed regular nail trims are a must for all dogs.

DROOLING INTENSITY

Less Likely to Drool

Always Have a Towel

Take into account the likelihood of a breed to drool. For those who prefer a spotless environment, dogs known to leave trails of drool on your arm or large damp patches on your attire might not be the most suitable companions.

COAT STYLES GUIDE

Rough, Double

COAT SPECTRUM

Medium

FRIENDLINESS

Reserved

Everyone Is My Best Friend

Reflect on a breed's typical disposition towards unfamiliar people. Certain breeds may naturally exhibit reserve or caution around strangers, no matter the setting. On the other hand, there are breeds that are always eager to greet a new face with enthusiasm whenever the opportunity arises.

LIVELINESS

Only When You Want To Play

Non-Stop

Reflecting on a breed's zeal for play even beyond their puppy years is key. Some breeds maintain their love for lively games like tug-of-war or fetch well into their maturity, while others are content to spend most days simply lounging on the couch alongside you.

VIGILANCE INTENSITY

What's Mine Is Yours

Vigilant

The instinct of a breed to notify you about the presence of strangers is something to consider. Such breeds are typically more responsive to potential threats, be it the mail carrier or a squirrel scampering outside the window. However, these same breeds are often quick to accept strangers who are welcomed into the home by their family members.

ADAPTATION CAPACITY

Lives For Routine

Highly Adaptable

Consider a breed's adaptability to change, which encompasses shifts in living arrangements, noise levels, climate, daily routines and other daily life fluctuations. Some breeds take such variations in stride adjusting with ease, while others may need extra support and time to acclimatize to new circumstances.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL

Self-Willed

Eager to Please

Think about the ease of training your dog and their eagerness to pick up new skills. Certain breeds are naturally inclined to please their owners and revel in learning new commands, while others march to the beat of their own drum displaying independence in their actions and preferences.

STAMINA LEVEL

Couch Potato

High Energy

Take a moment to consider the exercise and mental engagement a breed requires. High-energy breeds are always on the move enthusiastically anticipating their next escapade. They're the ones who relish in running, leaping and playing all day long. On the flip side, low-energy breeds are akin to couch potatoes, they're perfectly content to lounge and nap the day away.

VOCALIZATION

Only To Alert

Very Vocal

Frequent

LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL

Happy to Lounge

Needs a Job or Activity

Consider the level of mental exercise a breed necessitates to remain content and in tip-top shape. Dogs that have been bred for specific roles might need tasks that involve decision-making, problem-solving and focused attention, among other mental skills. If they don't get the cerebral workout they require, they're quite resourceful at devising their own assignments to occupy their minds often with activities that might not exactly align with your own preferences.

COLORS

Description	Registration Code
Black	007
Black & Tan	018
Blue & Cream	273
Gray	100
Liver & Tan	124
Tan	195
Wheaten	224
Blue	037
Lemon	114
White	199
White Black & Tan	219

PATTERNS

Description	Registration Code
Badger Markings	001
Black Markings	002
Black & Tan Markings	039
Grizzle Markings	064
Liver Markings	010
White Markings	014
Lemon Markings	063
Silver Markings	034
Tan Markings	012
White & Tan Markings	062

About The Breed

The Otterhound, a large and lively breed with a loving nature was originally developed in medieval England to hunt otters an activity now banned. This rare canine is distinguished by its thick, shaggy fur, paddle-like feet, superior olfactory abilities and love for the water. With their substantial size and vibrant energy, these hounds were the perfect match for the demands of otter hunting. Otterhounds are the quintessence of aquatic prowess from their resilient water-repellent coats to their expansive duck-like paws. They possess a wide chest and robust shoulders giving them the endurance to swim extensively without fatigue. Their oversized black nose possesses a remarkable sensitivity capable of tracking an otter's submerged trail for miles. Moreover, the Otterhound's formidable build was more than a match for an otter, even one as formidable as 20 pounds with their lethal teeth and claws.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN CARING FOR A OTTERHOUND

Holding the title of a dog owner is not just a luxury. It’s a critical responsibility. They require from us the basics - food and shelter at a minimum but they are worthy of so much more. Welcoming a dog into your life necessitates an understanding of the depth of commitment involved in caring for a pet.

Anticipating the Needs of Your Otterhound: Insights and Tips.

Taking a dog under your wing is no small favor; it's a true commitment. These devoted pets count on us for life's necessities such as food and a safe abode, however, they are entitled to a greater level of care.

Health

	Otterhounds generally boast robust health, particularly for their size and diligent breeders test their breeding dogs for potential health issues including epilepsy and hip dysplasia. It's noteworthy that some Otterhounds with moderate hip dysplasia may display radiographs that suggest concern, yet they often enjoy unrestricted mobility throughout their lives. As with other sizable breeds, Otterhounds are susceptible to bloat a critical condition in which the stomach expands and may also rotate. It's vital for owners to become well-versed in the symptoms of bloat and the immediate measures to take if it arises. Health Assessment Recommendations from the Breed's National Association: Hip Evaluation Glanzmann's Thrombasthenia (Otterhound) (GT) - DNA Test CHIC DNA Repository Elbow Evaluation

Grooming

	Otterhounds are best presented in their natural glory, yet their fur does require a bit of maintenance. A weekly or bi-weekly brushing is necessary with the frequency depending heavily on the coat's length and feel. To tackle this task, a high quality slicker brush paired with a medium-sized comb is quite effective. Keep in mind, their distinctive beards also need attention during grooming sessions, as these pups have a habit of sweeping up bits of the ground and occasionally some nibbles in their facial hair. Regular nail trimmings every one to two weeks are also essential for keeping your Otterhound in tip-top shape.

Exercise

	To ensure Otterhounds are at their happiest, a balance of mental and physical activity is essential. A spacious and well-enclosed yard serves as an excellent starting point, though it's worth noting that some of these hounds might choose a leisurely lie down beneath a tree over a solo workout within that fenced expanse. To really enrich their lives, lengthy strolls that allow them to explore the scents around them and interact with folks along the way can be beneficial for both the dogs and their owners. For a boost in mental engagement, consider activities like obedience training, scent tracking and agility courses, which not only challenge their minds but also provide a healthy dose of physical activity.

Training

	Despite their formidable size and strength, Otterhounds possess a surprising tenderness. Opt for affirmative incentive-laden training techniques complemented by commendation to achieve superior outcomes. Similar to humans, these hounds bask in accolades relishing affirmations of their remarkable abilities upon mastering new tasks. Patience is key. While treats are often an effective training tool merging them with laudatory words significantly enhances the experience. Implementing clicker training methods proves highly effective with this breed as well.

Nutrition

	Ensuring a balanced diet is essential for your Otterhound and high-quality canine cuisine, whether store-bought or homemade under the guidance of a vet can work wonders. It's crucial that the nutrition plan fits the life stage of your furry companion, be they a sprightly pup an energetic adult, or a wise senior. Be mindful that Otterhounds, like any pooch can tip the scales if their treat intake isn't monitored, especially when those treats are part of their training rewards. Overindulgence is a no-go, as it could lead to weight issues. It's also a great idea to bone up on which snacks from your plate are doggie-safe and which should be off the menu entirely. If you're ever unsure about your Otterhound’s diet or notice their waistline expanding, don't hesitate to consult your vet for tailored advice. And let's not forget about hydration make sure that your four legged friend always has access to fresh clean water. Hydration is just as important as nutrition

Historiography

In the age-old tapestry of England, a thriving otter community once feasted upon aquatic life within the riverine habitats and carefully maintained fishing pools. Landed gentry and monarchs alike commanded trainings of Otterhounds to safeguard these crucial aquatic larders. Otter hunting did not capture the hearts of the British aristocracy as much as the traditional foxhunts did, yet it provided aristocratic sportsmen with a pastime during the vernal and aestival periods, eagerly anticipating the autumnal hunting cycle. The efficiency of the Otterhound brigades brought the river otter populations to the brink of disappearance leading to a legislative ban on their pursuit.