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New Zealand Kennel Club - Otterhound

Notice: Undefined index: HTTP_USER_AGENT in /var/www/nzkc/www.nzkc.org.nz/includes/common.php on line 38 NZKC - Breed Standard - Otterhound - Hound The Otterhound is a rather old breed obtained from crossings among the Bloodhound with Rough-Haired Terriers, Griffons and Harriers. The otter, as the breed's name suggests, is this dog's preferred prey. Otterhounds were used in packs for controlling the otter population, since otter competed with fisherman for the natural trout supply in rivers. Several British Kings were titled "Master of Otterhounds," including King John, (1199-1216), Richard III, Charles II, Edward II and IV, Henry II, VI, VII and VIII and Elizabeth I. In the late 1800's there were sometimes more than a dozen packs operating in Britain during every hunting season. The Otterhound has a sense of smells so acute that it can smell in the morning an otter that passed through the water the night before. In the 20th century, as the otter population diminished, so did the Otterhound's popularity. By 1978, the otter became a protected species and the Otterhound's existence was threatened. A concerted effort by several dedicated breeders saved the breed and brought these dogs to the show ring. The Otterhound is a great swimmer with the ability to swim for hours without stopping. Defying the cold water and wet, it will dive into the water seeking its prey and its prey's den. The breed has also been used successfully to hunt raccoon, bear and mink. It has a good sense of smell and is ideally suited to drag-hunting or searching. He can also make a fine family companion. The breed has been introduced at least twice in New Zealand and Australia, but numbers remain small. The Otterhound is listed as a rare breed.

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