The Otterhound: A Lovable and Adaptable Companion
History:
Otterhounds were first bred in England during the 19th century for otter hunting. These hounds proved to be excellent trackers and swimmers, with their webbed feet and water-repellent coat making them perfect for this task. However, with the outlawing of otter hunting in England during the mid-20th century, the Otterhound population began to decline rapidly until it became one of the rarest dog breeds in existence today.
Physical Appearance:
Otterhounds are large dogs that stand at around 24-27 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 65-110 pounds. They have a shaggy-looking coat which is waterproof and comes in various colors such as black, white or tan with occasional spots on their body. Their eyes can come in different colors like brown or amber.
Temperament:
The Otterhound has been described as playful, outgoing, friendly, affectionate and gentle breed of dog who forms strong bonds with its family members. They tend to get along well with children due to their patient nature but should be introduced slowly if they haven’t interacted before because of their size.
Health Problems:
Overall they are considered healthy dogs but there are some health problems that you should keep an eye on such as hip dysplasia (which can cause mobility issues), ear infections (due to floppy ears) among others. The lifespan expectancy is around ten years old.
Exercise:
Otterhounds require a moderate amount of exercise every day since they’re active dogs by nature; taking long walks combined with time outside playing ball will meet these needs without too much extra effort from you!
Special Grooming Needs:
Grooming requires daily brushing since they have longer hair than most other breeds so mats may form otherwise which could lead to skin irritations over time if not addressed properly.
Training:
Early socialization and obedience training is important since Otterhounds are independent by nature so starting when they’re young is key to keeping them on the right track. Consistency in their routine will help you achieve positive results as well!
Compatibility with children/pets:
Otterhounds tend to get along with both children and other pets but should be supervised around smaller animals such as cats or rabbits due to their hunting instincts kicking in at times.
Personality quirks:
One unique personality trait of the Otterhound breed is that they love water! They have been known to take dips in puddles even when it’s raining outside, which can make them a handful sometimes. Their loud howling barks have also become something of a trademark for this playful breed.
Famous Examples:
There haven’t been any famous dogs associated with the Otterhound breed recently but there was one notable appearance during World War II: Winston Churchill reportedly had an Otterhound named Rufus who would accompany him on his walks around Downing Street!