1 of 6

Otterhound Dog

2 of 6

What is an Otterhound

An Otterhound, also called a Coton de Tulear, is a small breed of dog. It has a long shaggy coat but is not considered part of the classification "sealion." They are gentle and loving to people. They have been used for hunting wild animals like otters and badgers. The average lifespan of this breed is about 18 years. A well-trained dog can scurry down the beach chasing an otter in water mere moments after receiving the command from its owner. When caught, it will shake or play with its prey as if it were a toy before bringing it back to its master waiting on dry land.

The history of the Otterhound is linked to the Swabian Otterhound, an ancient shepherding dog used by the Germanic people. The breed is similar to the English Cocker Spaniel but has a shorter coat and is more powerfully built. The dog was given to the English during the reign of Henry VIII, who used it for hunting otters. It is assumed that the Otterhound crossed with other breeds to form the Hound Group, of which there are at least 4. The first person to write about this dog was Thomas Brown in 1768. The most critical date in the history of this breed is 1660, when Colonel Mervyn Tuchet took residence in Great Hallingbury and started breeding dogs.

https://otterhound.dog/what-is-an-otterhound-ultimate-guide-2020/

3 of 6

Hunter Hounds Otterhounds

The first mention of it in America was in a magazine called "Gleason's Pictorial" in 1865. The Otterhound is listed as an American Kennel Club breed on its website and several other hound breeds. An Otterhound won Best in Show at Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in 1993 and 2014. It also won Best of Breed at Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show eight times between 1935 and 2005.

The Otterhound is generally considered a good-natured, sweet dog. They are extremely critical of themselves and do not force their standards or opinions upon others. They have been known to be loyal to family members but not otherwise. As puppies, they are rambunctious and constantly wander around the house or yard with a stick in their mouth. As they grow older, they mellow but never lose their sense of adventure and exploration.

4 of 6

Otterhound puppies

Otterhounds are large, strong dogs with powerful jaws capable of carrying game up to 30 pounds without difficulty, all day if need be. They have floppy ears and wide, triangular-shaped heads on sturdier necks than other sighthounds. Their tails are long and tapered but curl upwards.

Common ailments include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation (kneecap), entropion in the eyes, and heart murmurs. The worst of these conditions is hip dysplasia, as it can be severely crippling to an otherwise healthy dog later in life.

5 of 6

Otterhound Dog Breed

Otterhound is a unique breed. They are not easy to find and are different from other hounds. This article will provide some basic information about the history, characteristics, and desirable temperaments of Otterhounds so that you can make an informed decision before getting one for your family. Otters are natural hunters who spend hours on end in the water hunting for their prey. Doesn't this sound like an excellent water dog? The Otterhound is known for his great endurance when employed to hunt. Initially, the English were trying to use the Otterhound to hunt otters. But soon, the English realized that this breed was also great at hunting other small prey.

The Otterhound is a slow dog on land, but it is quick and agile in the water. The breed has an extraordinary nose that allows it to track the scent of prey very skillfully. It can run many miles without tiring out. It can be said that they are "doggin' fools." The Otterhound is an excellent watchdog. There are many stories of Otterhounds that have jumped in to scare away an intruder. It also has the reputation of being "no barker." This breed is easy to train and learn tricks, especially with positive reinforcement techniques. These dogs enjoy being trained and will give all they have to please their master.

6 of 6

Reach To Us