Otterhound
Otterhounds were bred to pursue otters because the animals were considered vermin and competed with the local fishermen for fish. These dogs have the ability to swim for several hours during a hunt even in the coldest of water and can pick up a trail over ten hours old. Now that otters can no longer be hunted in their homeland Otterhound's are kept purely as companions and show dogs.
Otterhound Standards
- AKC (Hound)
- FCI (Group 6)
- KC (Hound)
- UKC (Scenthound)
- 24-27"
- 80-115 lbs
- large scenthound
- long ears and tail
- long, double coat, oily top coat
- any hound color
History of the Otterhound
The Otterhound is an ancient breed, and like many others, its true origin is unknown. Several breeds have been suggested in its makeup including the Griffon Nivernais, Southern Hound (ancestor to the English Foxhound) and Bloodhound. It has existed since at least the 13th century, when King John had his own pack. In the 14th century Edward II became the first Master of Otterhounds, a title that would pass on to many monarchs after him. By the early 20th century there were as many at 20 or 30 working packs in England, and their effort to improve the fishing and reduce the number of otters succeeded so well that the otters became nearly extinct. In 1978 a law was passed to protect their prey, and in turn it was the Otterhound that was facing extermination. Now seen as a bit of a national villain, several packs were destroyed by their own owners, and there was no thought or desire at the time to keep them simply as pets. Eventually only two packs remained, one in Kendal, located in north-west England and the other in Dumfries, located in south-west Scotland. Together they numbered a mere 100, and fortunately some devotees formed a breed club and they found a new occupation in the show-ring. Today the Otterhound is listed among the Kennel Club's Vulnerable Native Breeds, and has one of their smallest registration numbers.