What is Otterhound Dog Breed Profile?

Otterhound Dog Breeders Profile

You’ve probably acquired a new pet dog, and have no clue about what it is. Do you know that it is essential to educate yourself about them? Yes, it is—it provides insight and information about connecting with and caring for your dog. Additionally, you have a significant duty to the Otterhound, including food, dog necessities, and behavior. In this article, we cover in detail the common queries that Otterhound owners would like to know, such as the look, average size, longevity, care guidance, food, temperament, and breeding behavior.

Get to Know the Otterhound Dog

Despite his outward appearance, the boisterous and cheerful Otterhound is a massive scent hound. The head of the Otterhound has enormous dignity, according to the standard of the breed. Howbeit, not all appearances, as she is a dog with a young, happy heart. Nevertheless, attractive characters make them excellent family dogs. Moreover, your Otterhound is delighted to welcome you back but is self-sufficient enough not to make you a whole universe. Another exciting thing is that they are unique to young people. However, like any dog, surveillance is needed for children and the elderly because these giant and energetic dogs are prone to overwhelming people.

The characteristic coat of the Otterhound is a short, wooly, slightly greasy undercoat that is waterproof and is scarce during the summer months. The dense outside layer is rough, rough, and crisp, with a broken look. Any hue or color mix is permitted in the Otterhound coat, although the black and tan with grizzle markings are the most frequent. Brush your coat regularly if it is not softer than usual, in which case more frequent brushing prevents matting.

Coats and colors of Otterhound

Otterhounds have a coarse, shaggy coat of about 2-4 inches in length. In various color combinations, Otterhounds can occur, and the most frequent color for an Otterhound is black and tan. Moreover, the Otterhounds change color more than other races, as you can see on this page. Below you may see examples of coloring otterhounds for puppies and adults.

1. Puppies of Black and Tan

2. Adults of Black and Tan

3. Blonde/Wheat

4. Adult wheat

5. Tan and Liver

6. Adults of Liver and Tan

History of Otterhound

The first Otterhounds are known to resemble the present hounds for example the Squire Lomax and Hawkstone Otterhounds can be traced in England in the 1^st half of the 19^th century. In the 2^nd half, French Griffons breed were outcrossed, including Griffon Vendeen in Normandy. In the early 20^th century, the Griffon Nivernais Otterhound was crossed with Grand Griffon Vendeen, becoming the ancestors of many kennels

It is pretty confident that Otterhounds are descendants of Bloodhounds. Still, some people believe they are French Griffons because of the characteristic fold in their ears. The breed was introduced in England to hunt and exterminate otters, wreaking havoc on the fish populations in the country’s rivers.

Otter hunting, which was enjoyed mainly by the nobility, was the first organized activity in England to use packs of scent hounds. 

Otterhounds are for hunting otters along the sides of ponds and rivers, and miniature terriers often accompany them. Moreover, the Otterhound’s nose is so keen that he can track not only the “wash” but also the “drag,” which is the trail of the otter on land with remarkable accuracy. 

It was during the years immediately preceding World War I when otter hunting reached its zenith in popularity.

However, most of these dogs were not purebred Otterhounds because hunters continued to crossbreed to increase their dogs’ performance.

Many believed that Otterhounds first arrived in the United States around 1900. In 1907, Claremont, Oklahoma, said that the Otterhounds came to a conformation show and won first place.

Otterhound is recognized in American Kennel Club

In 1991, the American Kennel Club recognized the Otterhound as a legitimate breed of dog. Otterhounds are exceptionally loud canines with a deep bay, which runs far and wide. Part of the excitement was the “song” generated by a hunting pack of Otterhounds. You and your neighbors may disagree, while baying has its advantages. Some Otterhounds seem to love to hear themselves “speaking,” murmuring, grumbling, and sighing. Others will like singing with you or other canine friends.

Another remarkable feature of the Otterhound is its eagerness to drink at the bottom of its water table. It is not rare for them to plunge their nose or even their heads in water rather than lap their heads as other races do.

Otterhounds have a strong feeling of smell. Like other Hound scent hounds, Otterhounds should be kept on an outside leash or in a gated yard. However, your instinctual need to track any unexpected smell may take priority over your requirement to listen to your people. To encourage your Otterhound’s nose to operate appropriately, consider engaging in dog activities that include smell, such as tracking, which will demonstrate your dog’s innate aptitude.

Relations with home and family of Otterhound

The otterhound is an excellent family dog, but it’s a big, dull dog with older children. The race typically gets along with other dogs and domestic animals but can chase cats from the neighborhood.

The otterhound loves to dwell in a spacious enclosed yard home. He requires lots of workouts and enjoys swimming. If a lot of inactivity are maintained, obesity can be a concern. This breed can survive outside with sufficient shelter.

Price of Otterhound

If you want to own an Otterhound, you’ll have to place your name on a waiting list because this breed is scarce and hence difficult to find. Accordingly, the typical cost of getting an Otterhound puppy is between $1,500 and $2,500 in most instances. In addition, due to the scarcity of this particular breed, you will likely come across fewer breeders during your search.

Size on the Average of Otterhound

A male’s height is around 27 inches, and his weight is approximately 115 pounds. Feminine height is roughly 24 inches, and weight is about 80 pounds.

Lifespan

• Otterhounds have a life expectancy of 10-12 years on average.

  A few will survive for 12-15 years. One Otterhound is known to have survived for 16 years. This short lifespan is another reason why Otterhounds are so rare.

  To provide adequate care for your Otterhound, you must understand the Otterhound Dog life cycle. If you already own or are contemplating purchasing an Otterhound, you must know the Otterhound Dog life cycle.
• When it comes to pet ownership, one of the most challenging questions that many people ask themselves is, “How long do Otterhound Dogs live?” It is one of the hundred questions that many people ask themselves. Unfortunately, our Otterhound Dogs will not remain with us indefinitely, as we are all well aware. Thus, we must understand the dangers of old age and the average life expectancy of Otterhounds.
• Depending on various factors, such as the dog breed, size, and overall health, an Otterhound Dog can live a very long life. Many Otterhound pet owners have questions about their dogs, and these factors might help them find answers.

Common Behavior of Otterhound

• Sufficient exercise. Otterhounds are restless and boring, which they generally express by baying and destructive chewing without frequent chances of selling their energy. Otterhounds are not domestic pets. In a typical domestic context, their working activity (sniffing and tracking smells, chasing, exploring baying objects) might annoy. Trying to inhibit these “hardwired” tendencies is not fair for the dog without offering alternative energy sources.
• “Shaggy dog syndrome .” The Otterhound, like other hairy dogs, is a dirty dog. The leaves, dirt, snow, fecal matter, and other waste stick to his rough coat and finish throughout the house. His beard collects the water that falls away on the floorboards as he drinks. When it eats, its beard absorbs food so that you too get covered when it sniffs your face or pushes its head on your thigh. Big shaggy dogs are unsuitable for hardy housekeepers.
• Home breaking slowly. Like other scenthound breeds, Otterhounds are frequently a little reluctant to take in the notion of housebreaking. So expect regular crate training for several months.

Intelligence Level

How to make Otterhound more intelligent?

Want to know how to make your Otterhound more intelligent? Take a look at these easy methods to make your Otterhound smarter.

• Give your Otterhound lots of praise and treatment if it demonstrates clever conduct.
• Socialize your Otterhound from an early age in particular. If you use your Otterhound more regularly and introduce it to different circles and settings, your intelligence will help immensely.
• Train your puppyhood Otterhound. It will surely make your Otterhound more intelligent and trainable.
• Perform frequent physical modification with your Otterhound dog. It becomes more critical when your little puppy is younger, yet your canine will accept changes more often and learn new orders.
• Providing continuous exposure to issues and obstacles. For example, you can buy bowls of food to devour with their intelligence.

How intelligent is my Otterhound Dog in comparison to a human?

According to various expert pet dog behavior, the mental ability of Otterhounds is equivalent to the human child between 2 and 5 years old. Below are some intriguing realities regarding Otterhounds and the intellect of other dogs compared to humans.

• Otterhound averages around 165 words, including signals. While the ‘super pet dogs’ can learn about 250 words, more clever dogs.
• Otterhounds can count up to four or five.
• Otterhounds have the ability during play to deliberately outsource other canines and people to get rewards.

Pet Care Guidelines

• Take care of cherished Home Otterhound. First, of course, you have to check their food to keep your dog active, happy, and healthy, ensure that it gets plenty of exercises, and brush its teeth and coats frequently.
• Make sure that you follow the schedule of examinations and vaccines.
• Another extremely crucial stage in your pet care is the insurance of your pet. Medical tests and procedures are a must during your pet’s life, and pet health insurance can help you cover these costs.

Possible Health Issues

Just like how we are so concerned about our health, it is also the same for your dog. Since the Otterhound is usually a healthy race but looks for the following:

• Hip dysplasia
• Arthritis
• Ear infections
• Epilepsy and seizures

Care, diet, and exercise routine

As a pet owner, you may integrate your regular care program into your schedule to assist your Otterhound in being healthier, longer, and happier throughout their lives.

• Supervise your pet like a kid. Keep doors locked, collect yourself, and, if required, block your rooms. It keeps it away from trouble and items it ought not to put in its mouth.
• Buy your own necessary brush pet kit. In other words, use it at least weekly; you have to brush its coat as needed.
• Otterhounds usually have healthy teeth. You may clean them at least twice a week.
• Every week, clean its ears.
• As you can see, your dog tends to follow his nose and hunt tiny creatures, so always leash your Otterhound, and a strong fence is necessary.
• Their breed loves water, and swimming is your Otterhound’s extraordinary form of practice.
• Your dog might be sound sensitive, so be ready for thunderstorms, New Year’s Eve, and July 4.
• Keep the diet of your dog consistent, and don’t provide food from your folks.
• Feed your dog with an age-appropriate, high-quality diet.
• Make time with your pet, let it exercise, and don’t overdo it at the very beginning.

Balanced Diet for Otterhound dog breed

• A well-balanced diet may significantly influence the well-being of your hound. 
• If you cannot get this cuisine in your region, ask for advice on changing the diet.
• You can also bring your new hound home. Please make sure you have food that he is used to eating for many days.
• If necessary, make the shift to a new diet gradually.
• Don’t overfeed your dog. When you look at your animal, feed the quantity that only slightly widths the stomach than the rib cage.
• Ask your breeder, rescue group, or veterinarian for nutritious, and enough food and hound supplements.
• Make sure you have your dog rest one hour before and an hour after eating before exercising to allow for digestion time and reduce the risk of digestive problems.

Tips for feeding

• Below are some ideas on feeding a healthy, long life for your otterhound.
• Don’t feed the crumbs off the table. It makes a dog a delicate eater and can lead to obesity. Food changes might also lead to diarrhea. Over time, the amount of food your pet requires will fluctuate. Make the necessary changes.
• Stick to a feed schedule in its cage or dog area and feed your Otterhound. At the same time, assisting is beneficial to the housebreaking process. Your dog should be allowed to eat without disturbance. Most owners of Otterhound feed adult dogs twice a day.
• Transferring to a new house or traveling from home might occasionally impact the appetite of your Otterhound during the first several days. However, if the situation persists, call your breeder or rescue group.
• Don’t feed poultry, pig, beef, or fish bones to your Otterhound. These might lie in the neck and perforate the intestines and stomach.
• Don’t over-feed. Obesity is a significant condition that may make its heart and joints stressful.

You must also know the ASPCA Poison Control lists: 

1. avocado
2. chocolate
3. coffee
4. fatty meals
5. macadamia nuts
6. rotten food
7. onion and onion powder
8. grapes
9. salt
10. yeast dough
11. alcoholic drinks

Final Words

It is pretty vital to know all these things. First, we are learning about our dogs’ lives. Second, it gives us awareness of managing our dogs in unforeseen circumstances, and there is no veterinary clinic nearby. Lastly, pet owners and others should adore and value not just Otterhound breeds, as all animals deserve a loving home.