Country of origin: | Great Britain |
Registries: | AKC, UKC, CKC |
Occupation: | Hunter |
Size: | 24 to 27 in tall; 70 to 130 lbs |
Longevity: | 8 to 10 years |
Exercise: | Active |
Training: | Challenge |
Grooming: | Moderate |
Colors: | All colours |
Otterhounds have been known in Britain for at least 1,000 years. The exact breed origins are obscure, but may have involved Bloodhound, rough-coated terriers, ancient foxhounds, or the French Griffon Nivernais (see p.172). The Otterhound’s job was to follow otters into rivers and their dens on day-long hunts. Consequently, it is a cold-hardy, tireless breed that loves water, happiest in a home with access to a river. In character, it is cheerful and even-tempered, and now that otters are protected rather than hunted, efforts are being made to increase its limited numbers and establish it as a household companion. In Britain the Otterhound is considered an “endangered breed”.