otterhound

[For the right pronunciation, please click here.]

a breed of dog – a cross between a bloodhound and a terrier or some other hairy dog – large, with rough, curly pale brown fur (hair) with black markings, large head with lot of hair all over, long drooping ears, large black nose, a dewlap (= skin fold hanging loosely from the chin and throat), short strong neck, straight legs with wide paws, medium-sized straight, slightly upturned tail; size: 2-2½ feet tall at the shoulder, and weight: 30-50 Kg. feeds on the regular dog food; lives for 10-12 years; bred in several countries

Special Features:

feels at home in cold water

Otterhounds are originally bred for hunting otters as these hairy dogs have very high sense of smell and can rush, without hesitation, into the cold waters where the otters are usually found.

Since the imposing of a ban on otter hunting, the otterhounds have been used in dog shows, and as pets.

As they have gentle temperament and live peacefully with other dogs and, more importantly, with cats, several dog lovers love to keep them as pets.