The British Otterhound is an older breed that is believed to have lineage from the Bloodhound, Griffon Vendeen and the now extinct rough-coated Griffon de Bresse. The true ancestry of this breed is debatable and may never be fully known. Records show that "otter dogges" were used in England dating back to the 12th century and Elizabeth I was known as the first "Lady Master of Otterhounds". Otterhounds have since been crossed with Terrier breeds to create what is known today as the Airedale Terrier.
The Otterhound not only has superb swimming capabilities but its sense of smell has been compared to that of Bloodhounds. As the name refers, the Otterhound hunted otters by following the otter's bubble trail upriver.
In the late 1970s, otter hunting was outlawed in the United Kingdom thus the Otterhound club was formed to ensure that the breed would not meet the same fate as the rough-coated Griffon de Bresse. The British Kennel Club set and approved the standard of the Otterhound in 1981 but was first registered by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1910. This hound is popular in the show ring in both the UK and the United States.
The Otterhound is a fairly large breed averaging 75 to 115 pounds and 23 to 27 inches in height. The ears are considerably long and their bright eyes appear to always be alert. The coat is dense and rough without being wiry and appears in many different colors with black and tan being most common.
The coat should be groomed weekly to prevent matting. When the coat on the breed is not cared for properly, the dog may suffer skin disorders and major matting that will require shaving the coat completely. The feet are quite large and are also covered with hair that may need trimmed regularly to prevent the buildup of dirt and debris around the feet.
The Otterhound is an extremely intelligent yet stubborn breed of dog. They have plenty of energy and are not suitable for the laid-back owner. This breed requires ample space for exercise and enjoys the water, the hunting instinct can distract this breed from obeying and will require sufficient training. As with most hounds, the Otterhound has a distinct howl. They are known to throw their head up and "sing" that hunt cry that not everyone can appreciate.
Otterhounds live contently outdoors but do make enjoyable indoor dogs. Without proper exercise, this breed can become bored and somewhat destructive. They can be quite independent while being affectionate to their owners. The Otterhound is typically described as boisterous and well-tempered, good with children yet clumsy, and sociable but obstinate. Individuals interested in the Otterhound should be prepared for a loving dog yet have the patience to work with the stubbornness that comes along with the breed.
References:
THE ILLUSTRATED ENCYCLOPEDIA OF DOG BREEDS, by Joan Palmer, copyright 2003.
THE ULTIMATE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF DOGS, by Dr. Peter Larken, Mike Stockman, copyright 2002.