Here’s a pup you might not yet be acquainted with! Meet the English Otterhound, one of the rarest dogs in the United Kingdom! This beautiful dog is just about as rare as a hen’s teeth and is also an incredibly unique breed. They have a rich history, a unique character, and a loving heart. Keep reading to get to know them a little better and learn why they’re so uncommon today.
1. English Otterhounds Have Ancient Roots and a Legacy
Otterhounds are named for their purpose: hunting otters! Their history and origin are deeply connected to otter hunting, as they were bred as otter-hunting scent hounds in the Middle Ages, when otter hunting was a popular sport and a necessity to be rid of the creatures who were considered vermin.
Breeders today believe that the Otterhound descends from a combination of five hunting dogs: the Bloodhound, the Foxhound, the Southern Hound, and two French breeds known as the Griffon Nivernais and Grand Griffon Vendéen, some of which are now extinct. The Otterhound as it is today can be traced back only to around 1800, but historians know that this pooch has much deeper roots.
2. They’re a Vulnerable Breed
As we’ve mentioned, the Otterhound is a rare breed and not very widely known. More than this, they’re also one of the Kennel Club’s vulnerable native breeds, which means that they’re at risk of becoming extinct.
This breed’s vulnerability is mostly due to the fact that they’re so uncommon and unknown to the general populace. According to the Kennel Club, only 18 Otterhound puppies were registered in 2023, making them one of the lowest numbers on the list and most vulnerable breeds in the United Kingdom. With their original purpose of otter hunting gone, it’s no surprise but still disheartening that their numbers are so few.
Today, dedicated breed enthusiasts are dedicated to ethically preserving the breed and promoting it as a loving companion in the hopes of increasing its numbers.
3. Otterhounds Have a Playful and Affectionate Temperament
This big, friendly dog is a rugged fellow with a sweet temperament. Despite being a little stubborn, thanks to their scenthound blood, these pups are enthusiastic and easygoing. They have big personalities, and they’re super social, getting along with their family, strangers, and other animals with ease.
Not only are they friendly and playful, but they’re also incredibly intelligent and respond exceptionally well to positive reinforcement training methods – delicious treats and lots of praise! These dogs are great around children, but their large stature means they might accidentally hurt smaller family members, which means its extra important that they’re well-trained and can follow basic commands from a young age.
Socializing an Otterhound puppy is also important so that they can learn how to temper their excitement around new friends.
4. They’re Outdoor Enthusiasts and Adventurers at Heart
It’s typical for bigger dogs to have higher energy levels, and Otterhounds are definitely no exception to this rule. These hunting dogs need lots of physical and physical stimulation each day, otherwise they’re prone to resort to destructive behavior.
While daily walks should do the trick, an Otterhound owner would be missing out by not going the extra mile when it comes to exercising their pooch. These dogs have loads of energy, and their intelligence makes them great companions for more adventurous activities like hiking, trail running, and swimming.
Otterhounds are an ideal pet for active and outdoorsy families who like to go camping and head out on other exciting adventures.
5. Otterhounds Have Uniquely High-Maintenance Coats
The Otterhound’s coat is rather unique because it’s long and shaggy but also relatively coarse and wiry for longer fur, which can grow over 4 inches long! They sport a double coat that, fortunately, doesn’t shed much but still needs regular and specific grooming.
Because of their type of fur, their coats are prone to matting and will need to be brushed regularly with a slicker brush. Otterhound owners will also want to invest in a regular comb for their dog’s fur, a clipper for trimming, and nail clippers for when those talons get too long.
Aside from weekly brushing, Otterhounds also need to be bathed regularly, especially in order to keep their longer beards clean and ears infection-free.
6. They Might Struggle with Health Problems
As with all breeds, Otterhounds have their own unique predispositions when it comes to their physical health. Although they’re generally healthy, especially when well exercised, there are a few health problems that these dogs can be prone to struggling with.
These include hip and elbow dysplasia, epilepsy, and a condition called gastric torsion, commonly known as bloat. This is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when a dog’s stomach fills with gas, food, or fluid and twists in on itself – and this can be just as painful as it sounds! Bloat is a medical emergency that will need to be treated immediately.
Other than watching out for these issues, Otterhounds are easy to care for with regular exercise and a healthy, balanced diet.
7. English Otterhounds Love to Sing
This is a gentle way of explaining that Otterhounds tend to be noisy dogs! This breed has a deep bay and enjoys “singing” and barking constantly to express just about any emotion under the sun.
Even when they’re not being extra loud and baying for attention, they tend to chat with what owners describe as “Chewbacca-like” noises, which Star Wars fans will likely find amusing, but many dog owners can grow frustrated with a dog that is constantly groaning and grumbling. Because of this, Otterhounds are better suited to more experienced pet owners who will be able to patiently train and discipline a noisy, singing pup.
