Are you a fan of thick-coated and athletic dogs as a pet? If yes, one dog would surely attract any enthusiast; it is no other than the Otterhound. The Otterhound is a muscular breed that originated hundreds of years ago. Just by looking at it, this dog is evidently a credible working dog in the field. Hunting is one of its primary jobs ever since its early existence; many dog lovers are attracted to this breed, mainly because of its efficiency in the field. There is no better way to describe the Otterhound than being an active breed.
The Otterhound is also equipped with several traits that add to its greatness. It could be versatile at times and is known for its keen sense of smell, making it an excellent hunter and useful in search-and-rescue missions. Swimming is another talent of this webbed-feet dog; it could effortlessly move on waters, which is why it quickly built its reputation as a swimmer. Exceptionally talented, powerful, and appealing: the Otterhound is indeed a breed admired by many people. If you are looking for a dog that would be perfect for your indoor and outdoor activities, the Otterhound is undeniably a breed you should consider having.
Origins of the Otterhound
The Otterhound played a significant role during medieval England; they helped kings and squires maintain a healthy population of fish in rivers and ponds. Fish was one of the primary food sources present in medieval England. Predators, such as otters, heavily threatened the fish population during this time. With the fish population at risk, authorities have no other choice but to protect this valuable resource. That is why they thought of a way to keep otters at bay, which would help preserve a healthy number in the river and ponds.
With the necessity on hand, they developed a sturdy and dedicated dog to get the job done. Interestingly, breeders came up with a dog capable of working on land and water; it is no other than the Otterhound. People were amazed by the Otterhound’s incredible finesse when it comes to the field. Its keen sense of smell and exceptional swimming abilities are what makes it suitable for the job.
Over the years, the great Otterhound had changes in its employment. Other than working as a reputable hunting dog, it also became a sport dog. Sports enthusiasts used the Otterhounds for hunting otters in the field just for the enjoyment of the sport. The outstanding work of the Otterhound led to a drastic decline in the population of river otters, leaving them on the brink of extinction.
Today, Otterhounds remain a significant breed, thanks to their strong swimming abilities and a keen sense of smell. Because of these qualities, the Otterhound continues to be reliable in various types of canine tasks.
Characteristics of the Otterhound
Height: 24 – 27 inches
Weight: 80 – 115 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10 – 13 years
Hypoallergenic: No
As mentioned earlier, the looks of the Otterhound alone are sure to capture many dog lovers’ attention. It is a relatively large dog that could stand up to twenty-seven inches and weighs up to 115 pounds. Despite its size, the Otterhound could move incredibly fast in the field, allowing it to excel as a hunter.
In terms of its appearance, the Otterhound has a beautiful dense coat covering its muscular and athletic body. Its coat is known to be waterproof and comes in various colors. In addition to its coat, the Otterhound also boasts its broad chest and sturdy legs and shoulders; this feature makes the breed an exceptional swimmer.
Moreover, the Otterhound showcases a lot more excellent qualities than just its size and coat. As expected from this reputable hunting dog, it is highly admired by breeders because of its adaptive nature in the field. The Otterhound is not just an expert swimmer; it is also a breed built to hunt. One of the primary traits that make this dog a hunter is its keen sense of smell. This extraordinary combination of strength and finesse allows the Otterhound to shine over other breeds, which also helps it earn its reputation as an overall working dog.