Otterhounds
One of the oldest of the scent hounds and the A rare hound whose specialty lies in the water It is the Otterhound. He is not used for hunting otter in this country, at least not often, but as long ago, in the Twelfth Century, farmers found. They could dispatch otters in considerable numbers with the help of dogs.
Many different kinds were used, and the Otter- The hound was gradually developed. The dog is similar in size and appearance than the Bloodhound, But the coat is different, being rough, shaggy, and Generally grizzled or sandy, with a broader head. There may have been considerable Bloodhound in the make-up of the Otterhound, but various other breeds have been mentioned, too, including. The Southern Hound, the Welsh Harrier, the English Water Spaniel and the Poodle. The Otterhound also became famous as a progenitor, forming an essential part of the foundation stock that produced the Airedale.
The Otterhound was introduced into the The United States, early in the 1900s, and this country, its usefulness as a hunter of its original Prey declined. The breed was recognized by the A.K.C. in 1910.
Although the breed has many of the qualities That makes for popularity; there never has been any pronounced interest, Novelty rather than Their ability to hunt has led to their importation. Occasionally, they appear in American dog shows.
The Otterhound shares with the Retrievers an ability to withstand cold water, thanks to its thick, rough coat and an oily undercoat that protects for hours of immersion. He is among the best swimmers, with large but compact webbed feet. King Henry II of England bore the title Master of Otterhounds.