The Otterhound Community

The Otterhound is one of the rarest and most historically significant of all British dog breeds, a large, shaggy-coated scent hound developed over several centuries specifically for the demanding task of hunting otter in the rivers, streams and wetlands of the British Isles. Otter hunting was a country pursuit in Britain from medieval times until otters were granted legal protection in England and Wales in 1978, at which point the working role of the Otterhound disappeared almost overnight. The breed had been registered by the Kennel Club in the Hound Group but is now listed on the KC's Vulnerable Native Breeds register, with annual registrations typically numbering fewer than 100 individuals worldwide, making it one of the rarest dog breeds in the world. The Otterhound was developed with specific physical attributes suited to its aquatic working role. The rough, dense and somewhat oily outer coat and thick undercoat provide waterproofing and insulation during sustained water work. The large, webbed feet provide propulsion in water and traction on slippery river banks. The large, well-developed nose with its characteristically long, deeply set nostrils is equipped for tracking scent through and across water, where scent behaves very differently than on land. The long, low-set ears help funnel scent toward the nose. The breed's deep, melodious voice was used by otter hunters to track the hound when it was working through dense waterside vegetation out of sight. The Otterhound is a large, strongly built and somewhat loose-limbed dog with a distinctive rough and shaggy appearance. The coat is grizzle and tan, black and tan, or various grizzle patterns. The beard and moustache give the face an endearingly scruffy expression. Adults typically stand 60 to 69 centimetres at the shoulder and weigh 36 to 52 kilograms. The character is boisterous, affectionate and good-natured, with the exuberant sociability of a pack hound combined with the independence and determination of a scent hound. The Otterhound is friendly with people, generally good with other dogs, devoted to its household and enthusiastic about almost everything - particularly water, interesting scents and food. It is not a breed that responds with the compliance of a gundog or herding breed; it is a hound that follows its nose and its instincts with considerable commitment. Recall in open country is a genuine management challenge given the hunting drive, and off-lead exercise in unsecured areas requires careful consideration. The breed can be vocal and the deep hound bay carries considerable distance. Health considerations include Hip and Elbow Dysplasia testing. Glanzmann's Thrombasthenia, a bleeding disorder documented in the breed, requires DNA testing of breeding stock. Purchase prices from KC-registered breeders range from £1,000 to £2,000. Availability is extremely limited given the very low annual registration figures. Monthly running costs average £100 to £160. The Otterhound Club is the essential contact for breed information, health testing, responsible breeders and rescue enquiries.