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Otterhound

General
Other Names		Sometimes known as ‘woolies’ by hunting people due to their double coat.
Dog Group Kennel Club		Hound
Breed Classification		The otterhound is one of the largest scent hounds used today for showing, tracking and as family pets. They are one of our rarest and most vulnerable breeds.
Cost of Ownership
Average Food Cost		£4-7.50 per week
Feeding Requirements		Otterhounds are generally not fussy eaters and should be fed twice a day with dry or tinned food.
		Try Royal Canin Breed Specific Dog Food
Other Expenses		The average cost of a puppy is around £700. Otterhounds require no out of the ordinary expenses
Average Puppy Price		>£800
Lifespan		9 - 15 years The average lifespan of an otterhound is 10 - 15 years.
Average Litter Size		9 Litter sizes can vary from 2 - 14 pups but the average is 9.
General Physical Description		A large scent hound with a rough weather resistant coat, a kindly expression and pendulous ears. Otterhounds have powerful bodies and limbs They have long rough coats, consisting of an outer waterproof layer and a softer undercoat. They have a shambling walk and a free striding gallop. Their voices are full and musical.
Height Min Max Bitch 61cm (24") 61cm (24") Dog 69cm (27") 69cm (27") Weight Min Max Bitch 38kg (84lbs) 38kg (84lbs) Dog 45kg (99lbs) 54kg (119lbs)
Size Category		Large
Weight Height Range		Bitches measure approx 61cms at the shoulder and weigh around 38kg, whilst dogs measure approx 69cms at the shoulder and can weigh up to 54kgs.
Ailments		There have been cases of epilepsy and the breeder should be asked whether there is any history of this in the family.Hip and Elbow dysplasia have been reported. It is important to check whether the parents are hip and elbow scored and to restrict exercise until 1 year old. There have been cases of bloat; the incidences of this occurring can be reduced with careful feeding and exercise programmes in place.
Common Ailments
Susceptibility To Illness		Low
Other
History		These hounds were originally used to hunt otter and are probably derived from several breeds including the foxhound, bloodhound, the St Hubert hound from France and the now extinct Southern Hound. They were renowned for their ability to work all day in water, find the scent and their melodious voices. When otterhunting became illegal in the 1970s, many packs turned to hunting mink.
Intelligence		Otterhounds are amiable and even tempered hounds. They are fairly easy to train, although they are sensitive and can become worried if training seems harsh to them, refusing to take part. They have an inbuilt sense of humour and are often described as ‘natural clowns’. It should be remembered that like all scent hounds, if they find a scent their recall off the lead may be more difficult.
Show Characteristics		The skull is deep rather than wide and nicely domed. The forehead has no trace, scowl or bulge. The muzzle is deep with wide nose and nostril and plenty of flew. The colour of the eye can vary according to coat colour. Ears are set on a level with the eye and have the forward edges rolling inward. An otterhound’s limbs should be straight and sound, his body strong with a deep chest. This is a dog that is built primarily for working in the water but also galloping on land. The hindquarters should be strong and well muscled. Tail is set high and carried up but never curled over the back.
Country Of Origin		England
Famous Examples
Records Held
Characteristics
Energy		Medium
Overall Exercise		60 - 80 minutes per day. About 60 minutes a day which can be split into more frequent shorter periods. At some point in the day the otterhound will need to run and therefore it is recommended to have a securely fenced area where they can do this, if exercise off the lead is restricted outside the house.
Distress Caused if Left Alone		Medium
Personal Protection		Low
Suitability As Guard Dog		Low
Risk of Sheep Worrying		Medium
Tendency to Bark		Low
Ease of Transportation		Medium
Level of Aggression		Low
Compatibility With Other Animals		High
Suitable For Children		High
General Character And Temperament		The otterhound is an amiable breed that can be boisterous. They are affectionate and will enjoy all activities with their family. They will accept all people and animals into their pack but this is a large dog and care should be taken with smaller members of the family. As with all scent hounds they can be willful and need patient consistent training. As most otterhounds enjoy a paddle or a swim, this may not be the breed for the extremely houseproud. They are excellent with children but as they are large hounds, they should be watched with small children or elderly people as they may inadvertently knock them over.
Grooming
Coat Length		Medium/Long
Grooming Requirement		Once a week
Trimming		None
Requires Professional Groomer
Grooming		The breed is surprisingly easy to keep. The hair will pick up briars, and twigs but these are easily removed. If wet the otterhound will leave large footprints but it is easy to rinse mud out and dry the weather resistant coat with a towel. The coat is never clipped or trimmed. A weekly brush or comb and ear check will keep an otterhound looking great.
Colour		Any hound colour is acceptable but black and tan is the most common.
Shedding		Moderate
Suffers From Allergies
Tendency to Cause Allergies

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