The Otterhound was developed in England as early as the fourteenth century
to hunt and destroy otters that were decimating the fish in English rivers.
The otter, often weighing up to 24 pounds, lived in holes dug in the riverbank
and could swim great distances underwater. The British needed a dog that
could locate and track them for long hours in the cold river water. Beginning
with the Griffon dogs of France that is are cold trailers of great endurance
and adding various hounds, including the Bloodhound, and water spaniels,
the British developed a dog that met their needs. He is distinctive from
other hounds with his shaggy coat and large size. With the decline of the
otter population in England, the breed declined also. It is rare on both
sides of the Atlantic today. The Otterhound was recognized by the American
Kennel Club in 1991.
The Otterhound has a cheerful disposition and enjoys human companionship.
He is reasonably good with children. He possess a remarkably musical baying
voice.
The head of the Otterhound is large, broader in proportion than the Bloodhound,
with a high forehead. The skull is fairly narrow and slightly domed. Muzzle
length should equal skull length. The muzzle is square with powerful jaws
and deep flews. A scissors bite is preferred. The ears are long, thin and
hang alongside the head. They are set level to or just below the eye level
and are well covered in coat. The eyes are deep set with a serious expression.
The lips are fairly heavy. The neck is not long and looks shorter than it
is due to the abundance of coat that covers it. The legs are straight and
well muscled with good sized, compact feet. The toes are webbed for efficient
swimming. The back is long, strong and slightly arched. The tail is long,
reaching at least to the hock. It is thick at the base and tapers to a point.
It is covered with long hair and carried saber fashion. The coat is a double
coat with an oily undercoat and an outercoat that is long (between three
and six inches), rough and extremely thick. Coat color includes grizzle
or sandy with black and tan markings. Average height is between 23 and 27
inches. Average weight is between 65 and 120 pounds.