It’s easily one of the oldest breeds, and sadly, one of the most endangered. Breeds of British origin whose numbers are declining precipitously find themselves on The Kennel Club’s Vulnerable Breeds list, and the Otterhound is the most vulnerable of the vulnerable having had the fewest number of puppies of the twenty eight breeds listed. In 2013, there were 42 Otterhound registrations. A year later, that number dropped to 22. Is it any wonder National Purebred Dog Day® has taken to calling the ethical breeders of our breeds, “preservation breeders?” We hope you’ll do the same. Meanwhile, a page friend has suggested we call these especially vulnerable breeds “heritage breeds,” (but because every breed has a heritage, isn’t every one of them a “heritage breed?”)
How do we protect the Otterhound and other vulnerable (or heritage) breeds from vanishing in our lifetime? Ideas welcome.
Photo of Andrea McIlwaine’s Otterhound, “Dui” (pronounced Dewey) by Lisa Croft-Elliot.
We all have also to remember this: If the Otterhound goes extinct so does the Airedale Terrier and any other breeds who have lineage to the magnificent Otterhound!
The Otterhound. Wow, they are beautiful! I would love one and the description of their character is right for me. I read how endangered the breed is. One article was begging people to raise an otterhound and keep the breed alive. The problem is that they are not only hard to come by but too expensive.
Kathy, a couple of thoughts. Most good breeders will work with someone when it comes to paying for a puppy. Anything from a co-ownership, and payment installments to other creative ways to pay for the dog. Ultimately, they (meaning not just Otterhounds but all well bred dogs) are a bargain compared to what a dog from a rescue or shelter “may” end up costing if the dog has underlying health of behavioral issues. If you’re in the market for an Otterhound, let us know.
Why is the Otterhound vanishing? Do they have health issues? And Why is the Airedale Terrier next in line to disappear?
You ask the million dollar question, Kerry. There are theories, but in the end, it may just be a perfect convergence of all of them. It’s not just that we don’t hunt otters anymore, we are living less rural lifestyles than we used to. People don’t want bigger dogs, they don’t want bigger hounds that bay, and they don’t want bigger hounds that are slaves to their noses. For the right family – which is to say people who appreciate the other qualities an Otterhound or Airedale bring to the table, there IS no other breed that will do. They are, in our opinion, marvelous breeds, both of them.
I bought my first Otterhound in July 2022 she is now 7 almost 8 months old and is in a home of 4 other dog breeds! We adore her but beware they need exercise ! And are big dogs ! Our MayBelle is a native of Montana and we live in Kansas! Do your homework and only buy if you are prepared to take care of a most unique dog!
Our nearly five-year-old Otterhound, Brynlee, is so special. She’s a wonderful family dog and very patient and gentle with our young children – from infant to toddlerhood. Otterhounds have a “pack mentality” and are extremely social creatures. Fun fact- Otterhounds uniquely drink from the bottom of a water bowl as opposed to the top. Their beard sprays everything nearby when they shake post drinking, and they drip water from their beards…things get a little messy and WET when water is involved. Like a true hound dog, Brynlee loves tracking scents while walking. Otterhounds have the second best noses after the bloodhound.