Otterhound

Originally bred to hunt otters and protect fish in ponds, the earliest record of Otterhounds dates back to Henry II in the 12th century. They found favor in royal courts for their large and noble appearance. King Edward II and Queen Elizabeth I were known as the First Master and Lady Master of Otterhounds. The first Otterhound made its way to America at the beginning of the 20th century and remains rare.

The ideal Otterhound owner loves water and does not mind the mess that might come with owning a dog that also loves water. Owners should be patient and understand the Otterhound’s hound instincts. Ideally, owners will live in a rural area and have a large yard with access to a body of water to allow the dog to do what it does best—swim.

Otterhound puppies need to be carefully exercised so that they do not overexert themselves and cause injuries. They are active and enjoy exercise but prefer to expend their energy chasing scents and swimming than they do with more traditional forms of enrichment.

Otterhound dogs need ample space to dry off after a swim. A secure yard with a fence that is at least 6 feet tall so that they cannot jump over it is also necessary. This breed is not suited to city life.

Otterhounds should not be bathed as soaps and shampoos can remove necessary oil from their waterproof coat and can lead to itchy, irritated skin. They will need brushing a few times a week. Owners should also check their coats and paws for dirt and debris that can be picked up on walks or during swims.

The sensitive Otterhound responds best to positive, reward-based training, especially any involving food as they are food motivated. They love praise, so applying this to the training process can be very helpful. Like most hounds, they might struggle with recall and obedience when their noses are engaged—any scent they pick up will take priority over anything an owner is asking them to do.

Otterhounds can make a great pet for the right family. Owners should be active and enjoy being outdoors, even in terrible weather. The Otterhound dog breed is large and a little clumsy, so families with older children are best.

The cost of an Otterhound from a breeder is significantly more than the cost of adopting one from a local shelter or rescue. The adoption fee usually covers additional items such as spaying or neutering, vaccines, and microchipping.