Orlovia
Otterhounds are the epitome of coziness and friendliness. They do not show any aggressiveness and also greet strangers with a tail wag. But they are also notorious for being stubborn, and anyone trying to train an otterhound needs to have a lot of patience and a sense of humor.
History of the Otterhound
Otterhounds were first mentioned around 1000 AD. At that time, otters were a plague that decimated the fish stocks and was hunted by packs of dogs. But these dogs probably had little to do with today’s otterhounds. The breed originated in Britain in the 19th century.
They wanted to breed a breed that was persistent and enjoyed working in the water. To do this, the dog needed an excellent sense of smell, because it was also supposed to support its humans on the hunt for otters. River otters felt comfortable in waters rich in fish and also populated ponds close to people. They were also popular prey because of their fur.
The British crossed Bloodhounds with hounds from France like the Griffons de Bresse. Dogs such as the Water Spaniel and Foxhounds are believed to be the ancestors of today’s Otterhounds. But because the otters were hunted so heavily, their numbers fell sharply, which also meant that the otterhound was no longer needed and the number of dogs that were so popular at first fell sharply. Already at the beginning of the 20th century, there were only a few specimens that were bred by enthusiasts. However, a standard was not set until 1974. The breed was recognized by the FCI in 1979.
The breed is still very rare today. It is estimated that there are only about 1000 specimens left in the world. There are an estimated 400 otterhounds in the UK. The United States probably has the same number of Otterhounds. The rest are spread all over the world. There are also a few copies in Germany. The breeders do not have their own association, they are members of the Basset-Hound-Club von Deutschland e. V. organized.
The Otterhound is on the Endangered Livestock Breeds List. He can no longer pursue his original task, otter hunting, as this has been banned. But thanks to his nose, which is excellent even for dogs, he will be able to pursue other “professions” in the future, such as a rescue dog or a drug sniffer dog.
Essence and Character
The ancestors of the otterhound hunted in packs. They, therefore, have distinctive social behavior. They are non-aggressive and friendly to everyone and everyone. They also get along well with children and can tolerate a bump or a pull on their hair. Of course, small children should not be left alone with Otterhounds.
They are always in a good mood and always make their people laugh. They are loyal to their people and do not want to stay alone. But that doesn’t mean that he does everything his human wants, on the contrary. As a hunting dog, he is used to thinking and acting independently. He is therefore said to be stubborn and stubborn. He gets along well with other animals and living with other animals is usually not a problem. All animals that live in the house belong to the pack of the otterhound. Otterhounds should get to know cats and small animals from a young age to prevent them from seeing them as prey.
Otterhounds are enterprising and love exercise. They also love everything that has to do with water. In their original occupation as otter hunters, they were often in the water for hours. They are persistent and can be on the road for up to twelve hours. At home, however, they are rather cozy and enjoy resting.
Getting an Otterhound
If you want an otterhound, you may need to be patient. These are rare dogs and you may have to be put on a waiting list by breeders. You may have to travel long distances to get to the breeder. A trip abroad may also be possible if you are looking for a breeder. In the EU, otterhounds are a bit more common, especially in Finland and the Netherlands.
What do I need to pay attention to when purchasing?
With such a rare breed of dog, the risk of inbreeding and close kinship is high. You should therefore definitely look around for a reputable breeder. This is even more important with otterhounds than with other dog breeds. With a reputable breeder, not only will you get to know the puppy’s parents and home, you’ll also be able to check the pedigree. A reputable breeder will answer all of your questions and will also be there to help you with any post-purchase problems.