The Otterhound is an old British dog breed, with Bloodhound ancestors, and who is in turn one of the ancestors of the Airedale Terrier.

Appearance

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The Otterhound is a large, rough-coated hound with an imposing head showing great strength and dignity, and the strong body and long striding action fit for a long day's work. They generally weigh between 80 and 120 pounds (36 to 54 kg). It has an extremely sensitive nose, and is inquisitive and perseverant in investigating scents. The Otterhound hunts its quarry on land and it has a combination of characteristics unique among hounds; most notably a rough, double coat and substantial webbed feet.

Temperament

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They are basically big, friendly dogs with a unique bass voice that they sometimes use to excess. Because Otterhounds were originally bred for hunting, their most important characteristic is their ultrasensitive nose. As a result, new owners of Otterhounds often find that their new dog gets into everything and that the dog needs to be supervised or confined when unsupervised. The Otterhound's hunting background means that it has energy and endurance, requiring more energetic exercise than simply walking around the block. This is a good breed for active people who have a lively sense of humor!

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