JUDGING THE OTTERHOUND By Andy & Jack McIlwaine Aberdeen Otterhounds
P lease note, this is not the official AKC standard for the Otterhound. It is our interpretation of the standard and what we strive for in our breeding program. History Otter hunting has had a long and dis- tinguished past through some 800 years of history. Records of dogs kept solely for the pursuit of otter dates back to the 12th century during the reign of King Henry II. His son, King John, was the first Master of Otterhounds. Th ese early packs probably consisted of Southern Hounds and Welsh Harriers and crosses thereof. Th e origin of the true Otterhound as we know it today is the subject of great debate. It is suspected that their foundations came from French hounds, as the resemblance to hounds of the Vendeen region, such as the Grand Gri ff on Vendeen and Grif- fon Nivernais, is striking. Many genera- tions of breeding for special purposes have, undoubtedly, perpetuated the characteris- tics of the modern-day Otterhound. In 1977, the Otter was added to the list of protected animals in England. Along with this, came the threat that could
have lead to the demise of the purebred Otterhound in the United Kingdom. Th is prompted Th e Kennel Club to open regis- tration to hounds from the two purebred packs, the Dumfriesshire Otter Hunt, pre- sided over by Capt. John Bell-Irving, and the Kendal and District Otter Hunt. In 1978, Kendal Nimrod was the first Otter- hound to appear in the English show ring. Otterhounds were first brought to the United States around 1910. Th ese hounds were used primarily in the field and reg- istrations were not maintained. Th ey were used to cross with Foxhounds and no attempts were made to breed purebred Otterhounds. Fortunately, some pure- bred hounds from the first litters made their ways to private homes. One of these bitches, Bessie Blue, was purchased by Dr. Hugh Mouat, a veterinarian in Ithaca, NY. She was bred to Badger, one of the early imports. So launched the beginning of the Otterhound in the United States. Th e Otterhound is still considered, if not rare, at least quite uncommon. Few hounds are still used for their scent hunt- ing abilities with raccoon, mink, bear and mountain lion. A larger number are seen in the conformation and obedience rings, agility, search and rescue, including cadav- er recovery, and even as service dogs.
The Otterhound hunts its quar- ry on both land and water and thus requires a combination of characteris- tics unique among hounds. It is a large, rough-coated hound with an imposing head showing great strength and dig- nity, a strong body and long, striding action fit for a long days work. The Otterhound is an amiable, boisterous hound, quite persistent in his pursuit of his quarry. The Standard Th e parts must fit together in a manner that is the least tiring, most graceful and e ffi cient in movement. Any departure form the standard is considered a fault and the seriousness should be regarded in propor- tion to its degree. Size, Proportion & Substance Males: 24"-27", 75-115 pounds Females: 23"-26", 65-100 pounds A dog lacking in length of leg would be forced to swim rather than wade. Otterhounds are slightly rectangular; the length from the point of the shoulder to the base of the tail is slightly greater than the height at the withers. Balance, soundness and type are more important than size.
“Otterhounds are slightly rectangular; the length from the point of the shoulder to the base of the tail is
slightly greater than the height at the withers. BALANCE, SOUNDNESS AND TYPE ARE MORE IMPORTANT THAN SIZE.”
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