Finding a trustworthy breeder is the first step if you’re searching for a new dog and are considering getting an Otterhound for your household. It’s crucial to conduct your homework and choose a breeder that values the health and very well of their dogs because otterhounds are a rare breed with a small proportion of breeders in Maryland and worldwide.
When shopping for one, you should opt for an Otterhound breeder with a track record of having healthy, contented puppies. A competent breeder will additionally be able to provide details about the breed’s temperament, any health issues, and anything else you require to know before adopting an Otterhound to your house.
You should also be aware that Otterhounds have particular exercise and grooming requirements, so ensure to give them the attention they need. You can be confident that your fresh Otterhound dog will be a joyful & healthy addition to your family by selecting a reliable breeder and knowing about the breed’s particular requirements. Here are the top otterhound breeders in Maryland. Keep reading to learn more about the breeders.
Otterhound Breed History
The Squire Lomax & Hawkstone Otterhounds, found in England in the first part of the 19th century, are two examples of the first Otterhounds known to match the modern hounds. French Griffons, particularly the Griffon Vendeen in Normandy, underwent outcrossing in the second half. Early in the 20th century, the Grand Griffon Vendeen and Griffon Nivernais Otterhound were crossed, resulting in the forebears of several kennels.
It is pretty certain that Otterhounds are Bloodhounds’ offspring. Despite this, some people mistakenly think they were French Griffons due to the distinctive fold in their ears. The breed was brought to England to hunt and kill otters, decimating the fishing industry in the nation’s waterways.
Otter hunting became the first organized pastime in England to utilize packs of scent hounds, and the aristocracy most appreciated it. Otterhounds hunt otters around ponds & rivers, and miniature terriers frequently accompany them. Moreover, the Otterhound has such an acute nose that he can trace the otter’s land-based “wash” and “drag” with astonishing accuracy.
Otter hunting was popular in the years immediately before World War I. Yet, because hunters proceeded to crossbreed their dogs to improve performance, most of these canines were not purebred Otterhounds. Therefore, several people thought that about 1900 was when otterhounds first came to America. The Otterhounds attended a conformation exhibition in 1907, according to Claremont, Oklahoma, and took first place.
Otterhound Breed Descriptions
Originally developed in England for otter hunting, the otterhound is a big, tough dog breed with a shaggy coat. These are some breed descriptions:
Appearance
A huge dog, the Otterhound, may weigh between 80 & 115 pounds. At the shoulder, they are 24 – 27 inches tall. The breed may be seen in a range of colors, including black, tan, & grizzle, and has a characteristic shaggy coat that is waterproof.
Temperament
Otterhounds are renowned for being gregarious, independent, and sociable canines. Although they might be reticent among outsiders, they are devoted to their relatives. Although the breed is bright, it can also be obstinate, so early socialization and training are crucial. They may not be appropriate for households with small pets because of their intense prey drive.
Health
Like many big breeds, otterhounds are susceptible to several health problems, including bloat, ear infections, and hip dysplasia. Therefore, regular veterinarian examinations and appropriate treatment are crucial for them to remain healthy and content.
Activity Level
Otterhounds are energetic canines that need a lot of physical activity and mental stimulation. They like swimming, hiking, and long walks. Moreover, they are excellent at obedience, tracking, & agility.
Size and Weight
Otterhounds are massive canines with shaggy coats made of long to medium-length hair. At the withers, males may grow as tall as 27 inches, while females can grow as tall as 24 inches. When fully mature, male Otterhounds may weigh up to 115 pounds. However, female Otterhounds can reach weights of up to 80 pounds. Otterhound puppies typically weigh between 18 and 20 pounds at seven weeks old.
Otterhound Breeders in Maryland
I recommend doing your homework and finding a breeder that values the health and is very well of their pups if you’re searching for an Otterhound and require a reliable source. Finding an informed and knowledgeable breeder is essential since otterhounds are a special breed that needs a certain amount of care. Seek breeders who focus on socializing and training the puppies and undertake health exams on their breeding canines.
Finding a breeder who is prepared to offer continuing assistance and direction for the whole of your Otterhound’s life is also crucial. You can enjoy a devoted and loving pet with the appropriate breeder for many years. Here are some recommended breeders in Maryland.
Crossroads Otterhounds (Baltimore, MD)
We do all advised health checks on our older dogs, including CHIC certification, at Crossroads Otterhounds in Deer Island, Oregon, where I am the breeder. Before going to their new homes, puppies have blood collected for the University of Missouri research and undergo Glanzmann testing. Sires & dams are almost universally champions—members of the American Otterhound Club.
Please fill out an application if you’re interested in a dog from Crossroads Otterhounds. For the breeder to assist you in finding the ideal match, you will supply information regarding yourself and what you’re searching for. After your application, Diana will contact you to discuss availability, cost, and the next steps.
In order to join their new families, puppies require time to nurse, grow, & develop with their mother and littermates. Newborn puppies should remain with their breeder, mother, and siblings as they grow physically and learn new social skills. Depending on the breed and even the person, a puppy can leave the shelter at about two months old.
About the Dogs
Educating & Socializing
Our entire litter of puppies receives intensive care. We try to ensure your puppy succeeds in its new home. I employ the following enrichment techniques: initial house training, various surfaces, crate training, household desensitization, sound stimulation, various people, and socialization with adult dogs.
Health
After receiving their initial vaccines, all pups see the veterinarian for a health certificate.
Health Insurance
We provide a 12-month health warranty. The health guarantee includes diseases and genetic flaws.
Four Pillars Otterhounds (Pikesville, MD)
I’m the owner and breeder of Four Pillars Otterhounds in Maryland. We breed to preserve the Otterhound breed’s future and enhance the wonderful qualities already present in our dogs. We aim to breed healthy, temperamentally fantastic puppies that are also show-quality. With this in mind, we only breed dogs who are outstanding examples of the standard, taking into account several variables when making breeding selections.
We provide all of our puppies and dogs with the greatest care possible, and we make sure that every puppy we don’t retain is a loving, caring family. If you’re considering a dog from Four Pillars Otterhounds, please fill out an application. For the breeder to assist you in finding the ideal match, you will need to supply information about you and what you are searching for. Deborah will respond to your application with information on availability, cost, and next steps.
Catskill Otterhounds (Catonsville, MD)
Our breeding program aims to produce puppies with the best health, personality, & conformation while preserving the distinctive traits exclusive to the breed. We take great pride in our dogs & their offspring and work to improve and maintain the breed with every litter.
Please fill out an application if you’re interested in a pup from Catskill Otterhounds. For the breeder to assist you in finding the ideal match, you will ask to supply information about yourself and what you are searching for. After your application, Lisa will contact you to discuss availability, cost, and the next steps.
Steps to Find Reputable Otterhound Breeders
It’s crucial to conduct research and pick a reliable breeder if you want to buy an Otterhound from a breeder. You can use the following steps to locate a reputable Otterhound breeder:
Research
To be sure Otterhounds are the perfect breed for you, start by learning about their traits. Websites like the American Kennel Club (AKC) or the Otterhound Club of America provide information about the breed.
Communicate with Breed Clubs
Ask for recommendations from trustworthy breeders by contacting the Otterhound Club of America and regional breed groups. These groups frequently keep breeder recommendation lists, which can assist you in locating a breeder with a track record of producing healthy and well-mannered puppies.
Pose inquiries
Ask a lot of inquiries after you have located a breeder in whom you are interested. Any queries you may have regarding their dogs, their breeding strategy, and respectable breeders will gladly answer their health testing procedures. Also, they offer recommendations from prior puppy purchasers.
Check out the Breeder
View the pups and mature canines in person at the breeder’s house or kennel if feasible. You may get a decent idea of the breeder’s current lifestyle and dog-care practices from this. You may also see the dogs’ personalities and their interactions with people.
Health Checks
A health test for the parents of a litter should be requested from the breeder. To guarantee that their puppies are free and healthy of hereditary health concerns, reputable breeders will do health tests on their breeding dogs.
Contracts
A formal contract outlining the obligations between the breeder and the puppy buyer will be provided by reputable breeders. The agreement should provide information like health assurances, spay requirements, and a promise to return the dog if the owner cannot care for it.
Follow Up
When you bring your puppy home, a reputable breeder will continue to communicate with you. They should be accessible to respond to your inquiries and offer help when required. They could also want you to inform them about the puppy’s development and health.
You can assist and guarantee that you are buying an Otterhound from one reputable breeder who is devoted to raising healthy, well-socialized puppies by following these steps.
Reasons to Consider Owning an Otterhound Dog
Otterhounds are a rare and fascinating dog breed that can make wonderful companions with the appropriate owner. These are some plausible reasons for getting an otterhound:
Favorite Water Activities
Otterhounds are an aquatic and swimming-intensive sport of otter hunting. As a result, they are frequently highly at ease and passionate in the water and may be excellent company for those who like water sports like kayaking, boating, or swimming.r
Active Lifestyle
As a high-energy breed, otterhounds need a lot of physical activity and mental stimulation. So for those who lead an active lifestyle & take pleasure in sports like bicycling, jogging, or hiking, they may be an excellent choice.
Unique Character
The distinct personalities of otterhounds are well-known and may be endearing and entertaining. They are sometimes characterized as silly, amiable, and kind, and they may make wonderful friends for those who value their peculiar sense of humor.
Passion for Large Dogs
Male Otterhounds generally weigh between 80 and 115 pounds, making them a sizeable breed. The Otterhound may be a suitable choice if you like bigger canines.
Love with Uncommon Breeds
There are just a few hundred otterhounds in the United States, making them an uncommon breed. Having an Otterhound might serve as a method to support and promote rare breeds if you are interested in doing so.
Proper Caring of an Otterhound Dog
Otterhounds are rare dogs renowned for their outgoing, active, and inquisitive personality. While they were initially developed to kill otters, many today choose to keep them as pets. Here are some recommendations for proper care if you are thinking about obtaining an otterhound or currently own one.
Grooming
Otterhounds ought to be exposed as naturally as possible. However, their coats require brushing once or twice weekly, depending on their length and texture. For this, decent slicker brushes & medium comb are appropriate. Also, as the dogs frequently drag them just on the ground & store goodies in them, the Otterhound’s beard might need to be cleaned concurrently. Finally, every week or two, you should clip your nails.
Health
Otterhounds are a healthy breed for a big dog, and good breeders check their stock for diseases like epilepsy & hip dysplasia. Yet, even dogs having radiographs showing moderate hip dysplasia can move well into the rest of their lives. Like other large dogs, otterhounds can develop bloat, a potentially fatal illness in which the stomach expands and occasionally twists. Owners should become knowledgeable about the symptoms of bloat and what to do if it happens.
Exercise
Otterhounds require both physical and mental activity. Although a big, well-enclosed yard is an excellent place to start, some hounds prefer sleeping beneath a tree in a caged acre than engaging in self-exertion. Both owners & hounds benefit from taking long strolls to explore the environment and meet onlookers. Tracking, agility, and obedience lessons offer healthy mental and physical training.
Training
Otterhounds are powerful and huge dogs, yet they can also be incredibly sensitive. For the best outcomes, use encouraging, reward-based training techniques. Otterhounds, like people, like hearing compliments about how great and brilliant they are when they achieve success. Be tolerant. Food often works well during training, but food & praise together is much more effective. Otterhound training can be successful when using a clicker.
Nutrition
The Otterhound should thrive on a portion of premium dog food, whether it is produced commercially or is made at home under the guidance and consent of your veterinarian. Every diet must be suitable for the dog’s age. Monitor your dog’s calorie intake and weight level because certain dogs are prone to obesity. Treats may be a valuable training tool, but offering them in excess might lead to obesity.
See which foods fit the bill for canine consumption and which don’t. If you are having any worries about your pet’s weight or nutrition, see your veterinarian. Fresh, clean water should always be accessible.
Otterhound Health Issues
Otterhounds, like many dog breeds, are susceptible to several health issues. The following are a few health conditions to which Otterhounds might be more prone:
Dysplastic Hips
The hip joint does not fit together correctly in this disease, resulting in discomfort and disability.
Bloat
This life-threatening illness, also referred to as gastric torsion, happens when the stomach bends and overfills with gas. This is a serious emergency that needs immediate veterinary care.
Infected Ears
Otterhounds are more prone to ear infections because of their large, floppy ears, which can collect moisture and dirt.
Eye Problems
Otterhounds may be more susceptible to glaucoma and cataracts in their eyes.
Hypothyroidism
Weight gain, tiredness, and other symptoms are brought on by the thyroid gland’s inability to generate adequate hormones in this illness.
Otterhound Rescue Groups
Otterhounds are frequently bought by people who have yet to learn what it takes to own one. Many Otterhounds require adoption, fostering, or both. We have not included all of the rescues that have occurred. Contact the national breed group or a local breed club to find an Otterhound rescue if you need help finding one listed for your region.
Otterhound rescue organizations work to save, care for, and rehome Otterhounds that are in need. Often, these organizations are maintained by volunteer groups devoted to the Otterhound breed and wish to ensure that almost every Otterhound gets a warm and secure home. As otterhounds are indeed a rare breed, many of these rescue organizations put forth endless effort to place them in good homes.
They may accept pets from shelters or owners who cannot care for them for various reasons. Before placing the dogs in their new homes, the rescue organizations frequently provide them with medical attention, training, and other required support. If you’re considering adopting an Otterhound, contacting a rescue organization is a terrific way to discover the ideal friend while also giving back to a worthwhile cause.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I locate Maryland-based otterhound breeders?
Start by looking up Otterhound breeders in Maryland online. For a list of local breeders, check with your neighborhood breed organizations or get in touch with the American Kennel Club.
What is the price of an Otterhound?
Puppies often cost approximately $2000. Yet, some individuals visit Otterhound rescue groups to get an adult or puppy dog.
Are otterhounds suitable as household pets?
Otterhounds may indeed make wonderful family pets. They are sociable canines who enjoy interacting with people. They might not be the ideal choice for many families, though, as they do need a lot of activity and can show stubbornness.
What medical conditions should I be aware of before purchasing an Otterhound?
Otterhounds are susceptible to conditions such as ear infections, bloat, and hip dysplasia. Therefore, it’s crucial to locate a breeder who checks their dogs for specific health problems and can provide documentation of the parents’ and puppies’ health clearances.
What qualities should a breeder of otterhound have?
A breeder that is informed about the breed and open to your queries is someone you should seek out. They have to be willing just to let you visit the pups and their parents when making a choice and be able to supply you with proof of both the parents and the puppies’ health clearances.
Are otters an excellent pet to have?
Otterhounds may make excellent family dogs for the proper owner since they are amiable and kind to children, strangers, and other animals. In addition, it’s perfect for active people who don’t frequently leave their pets alone because this breed needs a lot of activity to be well-mannered and healthy.
Final Thoughts
Locating reliable breeders in Maryland can be challenging, but it’s a vital step toward obtaining a healthy and happy pet. Finding breeders in your neighborhood is simpler than ever because of the growth of online tools and social media platforms. However, conducting in-depth research on them is crucial to ensure that potential breeders are dependable and moral.
This entails physically visiting their locations, requesting references, and examining their qualifications and certificates. As a result, you may enhance the probability of bringing home a devoted dog that will provide you delight for many years by choosing a reputable breeder.
