Among all the dog breeds, Otterhounds are very rare to find, especially within the USA. However, despite low numbers, potential pet owners in the US seeking this breed are increasing. So, to own this dog breed, try to get in touch with those breeders in the USA. As we go along, we will share helpful tips on getting an Otterhound, where to get them, and finding a trusted breeder that can provide you with this one-of-a-kind dog breed.
Otterhound Fast Facts
The Otterhound is rare in the US because this breed is in fewer numbers. However, they are available either through purchasing or adoption. Yet, whichever of the two methods you opt for, here is the necessary information about this breed that you must have to know.
- Nickname: Otterhound
- Breed Group: Hound
- Height: 23 to 27 inches
- Weight: 70 to 120 pounds
- Life Span: 10 to 13 years
Otterhound Basic Information:
Origin
One thousand years ago, the Otterhounds were believed to come from Britain. However, there are lots of speculations about the exact origin of this dog breed. Most people presumed it was a breed combination of Bloodhound, Foxhound, and Rough-Coated Terrier. Yet, only one kind of Otterhound existed, and no breed mixtures are known.
Lifespan and Physical Attributes
Generally, an Otterhound can live up to 10 to 13 years of age. They are huge dogs that weigh around 70 up to 120 pounds. Upon standing, they have a height of almost 23 to 27 inches.
Purchasing or Adopting an Otterhound
As we have mentioned, you rarely find an Otterhound in the USA. However, in the American Kennel Club, you may find out that among the 189 breeds of dogs, only one is extremely popular, and the remaining is the least common. From here, the Otterhound’s position in the 166th ranking.
Finding this breed is difficult, and so is the Otterhound breeders USA. However, if you still want to own one of these hounds, there’s no need to worry, as you can either find otterhound puppies for sale in the US or adopt them.
Adoption from Animal Rescue Centers
Since they are very in the USA, you might find it challenging to locate an Otterhound. However, if you want one, the other option available is to adopt from Dog Rescue Centers. Just ensure that these rescue groups are connected with the national club of the said breed.
There is the Otterhound Club of America rescue or OHCA if you want to adopt one within the US. You may generally reach them on their website at http://www.otterhound.org/Otterhound_Rescue.html. Bear in mind that finding a new home for abandoned Otterhounds is the main focus of this kind of rescue group for Otterhound.
Commuting and supporting these rescue groups as much as possible is essential as they offer excellent service for all dog breeds. Specifically, the Otterhound Rescue group is an organization of the Otterhound Club of America, primarily responsible for rescuing all purely bred Otterhounds within the US and Canada.
They are prepared to take any needs of the hound in terms of permanent housing. Unfortunately, these rescue Otterhounds are rare because most breeders are taking back the dog they bred.
Perks of Adopting a Rescue Otterhound
Generally, adopting this breed from a rescue center recommends the prospective family have an adjustment period. That will generally allow the dog to feel at ease with their new home. At the same time, this will also enable the adopting family to get accustomed to the newly adopted pet.
Otterhound Adoption from Local Animal Shelters
Another option for owning an Otterhound is to contact or go directly to the local animal shelters.
Purchasing from a Reputable Otterhound Breeders USA
Generally, the best way of having an Otterhound is to buy from a trusted breeder. Keep in mind that these Otterhound breeders will match the exact details of the dog’s appearance. You may also search on your own and look through the Breeder Referral Page of the Otterhound Club of America. Their website is http://www.otterhound.org/Breeder_Referral_State.html.
How to Find an Otterhound Breeder?
Below are helpful ways to land on a good Otterhound breeder:
- Also, try to reach and communicate with the Otterhound Club of America or the American Kennel Club.
- Watch some dog shows or talks of Otterhoud handlers who can give referrals on getting a puppy. Again, you may also contact the American Kennel Club to obtain the details of the upcoming dog shows.
- Communicate with the breeders listed on the OHCA website. Talk with them and try to schedule a visit.
The difference between a Reputable Otterhound Breeders USA and an Irresponsible Breeder
To tell if a breeder is good, you must ask the vet, pet groomers, and other pet owners. They may generally know who breeders within your area are. Moreover, you can also contact the local kennel club near you to check on this.
Here are some tips on identifying the trusted otterhound breeders from deceptive ones:
Take a visit to the breeder’s kennel
The breeder’s kennel’s cleanliness and good smell are among the best indications that they are good breeders. Generally, if you see various numbers of dogs inside the kennels, be aware as there is a great potential for puppy milling. Moreover, it would be helpful if you were given a chance to see the entire litter or one of the puppy’s parents.
In having your tour inside the kennel, check if the animals are well-fed and healthy. They must not have runny noses or teary eyes. Most importantly, observe and check if the available Otterhounds are afraid of the breeder. These things may usually help you to tell that the breeder is generally reliable.
Knowledgeable about the breed
The good otterhound breeders USA should know the breed standards, temperament, and others that come into it. Although this breed is rare, a good breeder has all the knowledge. To test their understanding, ask them, and they must patiently answer all your queries regarding the Otterhounds.
The breeder may ask for some information about you.
Generally, there may come a time that the breeder may request to meet your whole family. Besides that, they may ask something about you, your way of living, and your family status. Don’t be surprised about this, as they want to ensure that the animals coming from them are in a safe and responsible place. Moreover, below are some of the fundamental questions that a good Otterhound breeder may ask you:
1. Is there a time in the past that you owned dogs, most likely an Otterhound or a member of a hound family?
Deciding to own a dog, an Otterhound needs the prospective owner’s familiarity with the breed. That generally guarantees a higher success rate in putting a puppy in its new living environment. Aside from that, it is a bonus if the buyer already has experience with the breed or other members of the hound family.
2. Why do you need to purchase an Otterhound?
Generally, it is highly essential to identify if a large dog like an Otterhound is the right one for you. Aside from being big, this breed has a good appetite but with deeply loud bays. Unfortunately, some neighborhoods do not accept the loud baying of dogs.
Moreover, giving an Otterhound a good bath is challenging for most pet owners. Knowing they are a large breed, you must prepare to devote 10 to 13 years of your life to caring for this big furry buddy.
3. Where is the location of the puppy in your home?
Otterhounds are very friendly and affectionate, which may lead them to demand companionship from their family or other pets. Therefore, the best place to put the Otterhound is in a location where care must be given to them appropriately by any family member.
4. What is the length of time that your puppy will be alone during the day?
Suppose you are just a novice pet parent of an Otterhound; better to keep the following information in mind. First, a good breeder is always reluctant to send an Otterhound puppy to a new home where it may be left alone for a long time.
5. Are you willing to send your Otterhound for spaying or neutering?
Generally, spaying or neutering, not only the Otterhound, is a requirement of most breeders.
6. Is the regular care and maintenance cost on top of the purchasing price of the Otterhound affordable for you?
An important thing to consider before buying any dog breed is the recurring Otterhound cost of caring for and maintaining your pooch’s health.
7. What are the ages of your children, if there are any?
Most families who want to raise a puppy also like to let them grow up with their kids. A good breeder will want to offer you the right puppy appropriate for your family. They may generally like to know about your family status and dynamics.
7. Is it a unanimous decision of your family to buy an Otterhound?
Keep in mind that if the other family members do not agree to choose this dog breed as the pet of their choice, then do not go for it.
Concerned about the animal for an extended period
A good breeder may require you to sign a contract stipulating your overall responsibility in caring for the Otterhound. Moreover, note that a good breeder always follows through on the way of the animal’s lifestyle even if you already got them home. Besides, they are still eager to answer your questions even if the pet is already in your home.
Give references
Please note that a good Otterhound breeder may generally offer as many references, like a veterinary reference, as possible once you ask for it.
Offer plenty of information
Once you adopt or purchase an Otterhound from a good breeder in the USA, it is a must to register them on the American Kennel Club. With this, a trusted breeder should give you all the information you need for the registration process. The details must include the training schedule, feeding requirement, and the appropriate vet care.
Provide a return/refund policy
Keep in mind that a good dog breeder is generally willing to replace your Otterhound puppy or give a refund if genetic illnesses appear within an animal’s life.
What to Ask for?
Another option to completely identify if the breeder is a reputable one is to ask for the following details:
Breeder’s experience
It is essential to know the length of time the breeder has been growing this dog breed. Aside from that, check if the breeder is already a member of the breed club.
Dog’s health history
Another vital question for a good breeder is the Otterhound puppy’s parents’ health history. Verify if they were screened for a specific type of canine disease related to the Otterhound breed. Additionally, ask if the puppy’s parents are registered with the OFA. Finally, check the following information to identify the trusted breeders. The authorized Otterhound breeders USA have the following documents available on hand.
*ORTHOPEDIC FOUNDATION OF AMERICA (OFA) CERTIFICATION
That is a certification authorizing that the hound has a normal hip condition. Both parents of the Otterhound puppy should possess this certificate.
*DNA TEST
Generally, the DNA testing for canines proves their normal blood-clotting disease, commonly known as thrombasthenia. However, in case the breeder couldn’t show any certification regarding this health concern, then it means that the Otterhound puppy has a high risk for this disease.
Dog’s breed temperament
A good dog breeder must be able to enumerate the Otterhound’s basic characteristics once you ask. They may also have the idea of the best family type suitable for this dog breed.
Final Thoughts
Otterhounds are a scarce dog breed within the USA. Some may find it challenging to find an Otterhound. You can still try to get assistance from the Otterhound Club of America or the American Kennel Association in owning this dog breed. Moreover, purchasing or adopting a dog breed of this kind may necessitate you to look for a reputable breeder. Be prepared to ask all the relevant questions that you may ask, and as much as possible, honestly answer all the questions of those breeders. That will generally help you to land on a good Otterhound breeder that will provide a well-rounded Otterhound for you.
