Page 144 - (DK) The Dog Encyclopedia

CATALOG OF BREEDS | SCENT HOUNDS

Otterhound

HEIGHT WEIGHT LIFE SPAN Any hound color
24–27in 66–115lb 10–12 years
(61–69cm) (30–52kg)

Easy-going and affectionate, this boisterous dog has retained
a strong hunting instinct and needs plenty of exercise

As its name suggests, this shaggy-coated and good-natured but, as is the case with
hound was once used for hunting otters. many former pack hounds, can be difficult
Though its exact origins are uncertain, to train. Being large and boisterous, the
dogs of a similar type, working in packs, breed is not recommended for small homes
were known in England from about the or families with elderly members or young
18th century, and there are records of children, since there is a risk of them being
otter-hunting with pack hounds as far back knocked over. The Otterhound is best suited
as the 12th century. When otters became to owners who enjoy outdoor activities and
a protected species, and otter hunting was have a large yard or access to open spaces
banned in the UK in 1978, the number of where the dog can run safely. Bred for
Otterhounds declined sharply. The breed hunting in water, this hound loves swimming
is now considered rare, with fewer than 60 and will splash around happily in streams
puppies being registered by the Kennel Club for hours if given the opportunity.
each year. Small numbers of Otterhounds The Otterhound’s dense, coarse coat
are found in other countries, including the is slightly oily, and therefore water-repellent.
US, Canada, and New Zealand. Regular grooming is usually enough to
The Otterhound is a strong, energetic keep the long topcoat free from tangles;
dog that, given sufficient exercise, readily the longer facial hair may need
adapts to life in the home. It is intelligent washing occasionally.

AN ENDANGERED BREED

The Otterhound is the most vulnerable dog breed
in the UK; in 2011 only 38 new dogs were
registered. Their decline in popularity can be
linked to a number of events. In the late 1920s
the breed’s reputation suffered with the High-set tail
publication of Tarka the Otter, which features reaches hock
a hunting Otterhound named Deadlock as the
enemy of the otter hero, Tarka. Then in 1978
otter hunting was made illegal, although this did
not have a great effect, since packs were simply
switched to hunting mink. Finally, all hunting Hair slightly longer
on underside of tail
with packs of dogs was banned in the early 2000s.

142