Otterhound

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN Great Britain.

MOST SUITED AS Hound and family pet.

SIZE
The shoulder-height is about 67cm (28 1/2in) for dogs and 63cm (24 1/2in) for bitches.

COAT
The coat is rough and weather-resistant. All recognized hound colours are permitted, including plain grey, blue, red, wheaten, sandy, black and tan, and blue and tan.

CARE REQUIRED
The Otterhound must not be clipped because it is supposed to look natural; therefore brush it as little as possible.

CHARACTER
These dogs are friendly, cheerful, boisterous, intelligent, independent, affectionate, equable, but have a mind of their own. They are calm dogs indoors if they have had sufficient exercise.

TRAINING
The Otterhound is not exactly the most obedient dog you could wish for but that does not prevent you from being able to succeed with basic training. The best results are achieved with a soft but consistent hand. Enthusiasts for the Otterhound call this "training with an iron fist in a velvet glove." They have a good scenting nose, are ideally suited to drag-hunting or searching.

SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR
The Otterhound is a friend to all - other dogs, the family pets, children, and people in general.

EXERCISE
They need plenty of exercise yet because they have a tendency to forget everything in the chase after an exciting scent, you should only allow them to run free off the lead where they can be controlled and it is safe. Make sure your garden is well fenced.

SPECIAL REMARKS
Otterhounds can be kept indoors or outside it a kennel.