General Description of the Otterhound

General Description of the Otterhound

History. The Otterhound, as you may guess, was first bred for controlling the otter population, on English rivers. The otters became a problem by eating, and therefore diminishing the supply of, fish. The Otterhounds were led along the riverbanks and encouraged to chase and kill the pesky predators. The breed, as it is known today, was first brought about in 18th century England, although its ancestors have been tracked back as far as the 12th century. The breed was first introduced to America in the 20th century, with the first dog appearing at a kennel club show in Oklahoma in 1907. This is now a rare breed with a figure of less than 1,000 dogs remaining worldwide.

Otterhound Giant Dogs

The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the Otterhound is 23 to 27 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 65 to 120 pounds.

Funny Otterhound Pictures

Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Otterhound id no exception. Although considered a very healthy dog, be on the look out for Canine Hip Dysplasia (genetic based looseness in the hip joint that can lead to arthritis pain and lameness), hemophilia and bloat (Gastric Dilation-Volvulus, the second leading killer of dogs, can kill within the hour, this space is too limited for a complete explanation but you should read up on this). Feeding more then once a day and avoiding exercise right after meals may help guard against bloat.