{"id":137973,"date":"2016-11-16T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2016-11-15T22:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/?p=137973"},"modified":"2026-01-09T00:13:53","modified_gmt":"2026-01-08T22:13:53","slug":"otterhound","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/en\/breed-otterhound","title":{"rendered":"Otterhound"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The Otterhound<\/strong> is a large, shaggy, good-natured giant from Great Britain. Once the scourge of river predators, today it has become an exclusive companion for true connoisseurs. There are fewer than a thousand of them left worldwide, making an encounter with an Otterhound a rarer event than a date with a white rhino. Learn more on Tvaryny<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

History of the breed: from royal kennels to the Red List<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The history of the Otterhound reaches deep into the Middle Ages. The first mentions of dogs specialised in otter hunting date back to the reign of King John (1199-1216). In those days, the otter was considered not merely a pest destroying fish in the ponds of monasteries and the nobility, but a serious threat to the fishing industry. To combat this agile water predator, a dog of a special design was required: strong, enduring, capable of swimming in icy water for hours and possessing a phenomemal nose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is believed that ancient Bloodhounds (which gave the breed its incredible nose), various types of wire-haired terriers and Griffons participated in the formation of the breed. This relates them to other hunting breeds, such as the Latvian Hound<\/a>, although their specialisation differs. The breed flourished in the 19th century when otter hunting became a popular sport among the British aristocracy. Packs of Otterhounds, announcing the discovery of a scent with their deep, musical baying, were the pride of many estates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, in the 20th century, the situation changed radically. The otter population in Britain fell sharply, and public opinion began to turn against blood sports. In 1978, otter hunting was officially banned. This was a blow to the breed – large, expensive-to-keep, highly specialised dogs became redundant. Fortunately, a group of enthusiasts undertook the rescue of this unique gene pool, repurposing the Otterhound as a companion dog and show dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Appearance and unique anatomical features<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Otterhound\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Otterhound is a dog of large, but not coarse, constitution. The first thing that catches the eye is its coat and head. The head is majestic, deep, and covered with hair that forms a characteristic moustache and beard, giving the dog the look of a wise old man. The ears are long, pendulous, and “curled into a tube” (a characteristic feature), which helps to gather scents and direct them to the nose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Parameter<\/th>Males<\/th>Females<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Height at withers<\/strong><\/td>69 cm<\/td>61 cm<\/td><\/tr>
Weight<\/strong><\/td>35 – 52 kg<\/td>30 – 45 kg<\/td><\/tr>
Life span<\/strong><\/td>10 – 13 years<\/td>10 – 13 years<\/td><\/tr>
Coat type<\/strong><\/td>Double, rough, oily<\/td>Double, rough, oily<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Webbed feet.<\/strong> This is perhaps the breed’s most famous feature. The Otterhound’s paws are large, round, with well-developed membranes between the toes. This makes them unsurpassed swimmers, capable of covering significant distances against the current.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coat.<\/strong> The Otterhound’s coat is unique. It is double: a soft, dense, oily undercoat that does not let water through to the skin, and a rough outer coat 4-8 cm long. To the touch, the coat may seem a bit greasy – this is normal, a natural protection against water. In terms of coat structure and grooming needs, they somewhat resemble a breed like the Griffon Nivernais<\/a>, which is also known for its “shagginess” and endurance in thickets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Character and temperament: a clown in an aristocrat’s body<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Otterhound<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If you expect unquestioning obedience from an Otterhound like you would from a Shepherd, you had better look towards other breeds. This is a classic hound – independent, stubborn, but boundlessly good-natured. Owners often describe them as “big clowns”. They love to play, can be clumsy in the house (mind the vases on low tables!) and adore socialising.<\/p>\n\n\n\n