Otterhound

The Otterhound is not recommended for apartment life. They are relatively inactive indoors if they have sufficient exercise. They do best with at least a large, well-fenced yard. It can sleep outdoors in temperate or cool climates if given a good shelter.

The Otterhound needs a lot of daily exercise in a safe area or on a leash, and if possible, frequent swimming. They need to be taken on a daily walk or jog. They have a tendency to forget everything in the chase after an interesting scent is discovered, so therefore they should only be allowed to run free off the leash where they can be controlled and kept safe. They should have a well-fenced yard and make excellent jogging companions.

The Otterhound is a large dog with a somewhat stocky build, slightly longer than tall, not exaggerated in any way, enabling it to trot at a slow, steady pace for long distances without tiring. Its coat, which consists of a rough, coarse outer coat combined with a soft wooly slightly oily undercoat, is essential for protecting it from brambles and cold water. It has a fairly large nose and muzzle, allowing ample room for olfactory receptors. Its large feet provide traction over rough and slippery terrain. This is a strong athletic breed that can withstand harsh weather and long strenuous hunts. Its expression is open and amiable, reflecting its temperament. The otterhound is noted for its steadfast pursuit of its quarry despite the roughest of conditions. It has an acute sense of smell and can trail unerringly through running water and over all sorts of terrain.

As a pack hound, the otterhound is amiable with other dogs. As a hunter, it has an innate urge to follow the trails of mammals. Once on the trail, it is determined, single-minded and nearly impossible to dissuade from its task. Even though the otterhound's job was not to kill its quarry, it will nonetheless give chase to small animals. The otterhound loves to hunt, sniff, trail and, especially, swim. At home it is boisterous, amiable and easygoing (although stubborn), affectionate with its family, and quite good with children. Because the otterhound was never traditionally kept as a pet, it is not among the most responsive of breeds. However, the otterhound is a low-key dog that can function as a quiet companion.

The Otterhound's exact origin is not known, but some believe it originated in France. This rather old breed was developed by crossing the Bloodhound with rough-haired terriers, Harriers, and Griffons. When fishermen realized that otter were preying on the fish supply, they used packs of Otterhounds to hunt the otter, hence where the dog got its name. The Otterhound has a sense of smell so acute that it can smell in the morning an otter that passed through the water the night before. In the 20th century the otter population dropped and since the dogs were no longer in high demand their numbers dropped as well. In 1979 sea otters were added to the protected species list and the Otterhound numbers dropped dangerously low. A group of breeders dedicated themselves to saving the breed. While the breed is still rare it is no longer endangered. They have been successfully used to hunt bear, raccoon and mink. It has a good sense of smell and is ideally suited to drag-hunting or searching.