Otterhound

The Otterhound has existed since the days of knights in armor in the Middle Ages. Otters were not hunted for sport then, they were hunted because they ate the fish people wanted for themselves! Today, otter hunting is against the law, but Otterhounds are still around.

These are big dogs with big appetites. They are also strong. Because of their large size, long swishing tail, and gregarious personality, Otterhounds should live where they can get plenty of exercise. They love people.

The Otterhound has a full coat; sometimes the hair is six inches long. That means the coat needs brushing almost every day. He has long ears. He has a rough outercoat with a soft undercoat. The Otterhound is one of the rarest of the AKC breeds in America.

Excerpts from the Standard

General Appearance: A large, rough-coated hound showing great strength and dignity, inquisitive and persistent.

Size, Proportion, and Substance: Height--males, 24 to 27 inches at withers; females, 23 to 26 inches. Weight--males, 75 to 115 pounds; females, 65 to 100 pounds.

Fun Facts

Like the otters they used to hunt, Otterhounds' thick, oily coats are water resistant--and Otterhounds do love water. Just getting a drink from the water bowl is swimming to some Otterhounds. They may push their whole face into the water and come up with a dripping wet beard. Their webbed feet help them swim for long distances or periods of time.

Excerpted from The Complete Dog Book For Kids © 1996, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.