Buying or Adopting an Otterhound
By Michele Welton, Dog Trainer, Behavioral Consultant, Author of 15 Dog Books
Don't set your sights on the Otterhound until you read my advice in these posts.
Should You Even Get a Dog? Are You Sure?
Important – I've been helping people choose and find dogs for nearly 40 years, and honestly, some people who decide to get a dog are making a big mistake... [read more]
The Truth About Purebred Dogs
Pros and cons... (most people don't know about the cons)
The Truth About Crossbred Dogs
Pros and cons... (don't get taken by breeder hype)
The Truth About Mixed Breed Dogs
Pros and cons... (are mixes inferior to purebreds and crosses?)
Is an Otterhound the right breed for you?
Otterhound Review
I'll tell you what's good about 'em, and what's bad about 'em... most honest review you'll ever find
Dog Breed Traits – Which Traits Are Right For You? In this brand new series, I'll help you decide which dog breed traits would best suit you and your family, your home and yard, and your lifestyle, so you can choose the best dog breed for your family. |
Are YOU the right owner for an Otterhound?
Can you provide what this breed needs?
- Someone home most of the day
- Fenced yard (6-8 feet high, not an electronic/underground fence)
- No very small dogs in the household
- No cats in the household
- Restricted exercise when young – until maturity (at least 18 months old), exercise restricted to multiple short (20 minute) walks, fetch games, and playing with other dogs – no forced running (beside a jogger or bicyclist), no long-distance treks, minimal jumping
- Ample exercise after maturity – enough ongoing exercise that your Otterhound stays slim and is tired enough to sleep contentedly and not get into mischief
- "Mental exercise" – interesting activities that keep the mind stimulated, such as a challenging dog sport (agility, rally obedience, and especially tracking, which Otterhounds excel at); challenging dog toys; a homemade obstacle course; games such as Hide 'n Seek; instructions in my training book, Teach Your Dog 100 English Words
- Brushing – a lot (unless you keep the coat clipped short)
- Trimming – every few months
- An indoor lifestyle, except for exercise and bathroom breaks
- A meat-heavy diet, either homemade or commercial – meat is expensive, so people with less money should opt for a small dog
- An owner with enough money to treat the health problems Otterhounds are prone to (pet health insurance can really help here!)
- An owner who is okay with moderate shedding (especially if the coat is clipped short, which means the shed hairs fall out freely)
- Commitment to provide thorough socialization – introducing your Otterhound to lots of people and other animals, diligently correcting any signs of misbehavior
- Commitment to establish the right Leader-Follower relationship with your Otterhound, teaching him to listen to you and do what you say
Which sex? What age?
Male Dogs vs. Female Dogs
Which one makes a better pet?
Puppies vs. Adult Dogs
Should you get a young puppy, an older puppy, or an adult dog?
Where can you buy or adopt an Otterhound?
Otterhounds are rare in the United States. Out of 189 breeds in the American Kennel Club, where 1 is most popular and 189 is least popular, Otterhounds rank 166th. It's very hard to find this breed.
Adopting From Dog Rescue Organizations
You might find an Otterhound available from a Dog Rescue group affiliated with the breed's national club. You would need to inquire there.
Adopting From Public Animal Shelters and Humane Societies
I've never heard of an Otterhound being found at an animal shelter, although it's doubtful that anyone would recognize the breed if it did come in.
Buying From a Dog Breeder
Your only real option for an Otterhound puppy would be a show breeder, who breeds Otterhounds to match a detailed standard of appearance for the dog show ring.
Here's one difference between a responsible breeder and an irresponsible breeder – BOTH PARENTS of an Otterhound puppy should have:
- a certificate from the Orthopedic Foundation of America (OFA) or PennHip certifying the dog to have normal hips
Also, at least ONE PARENT of an Otterhound puppy should have:
- a DNA test proving they are Normal/Clear of a blood-clotting disease called thrombasthenia.
If a seller can't show you those certificates, the puppies are higher risk for health problems. You might choose to accept that risk. But then you need to be willing (and able) to pay a couple thousand bucks for future surgeries and lifelong meds if your Otterhound ends up crippled with hip dysplasia.
Pet Shop Puppies: Buying a Puppy From a Pet Store
I have never seen an Otterhound in a pet shop. Which is good, because I have plenty to say about buying a puppy from a pet shop!
Which puppy?
Choosing the Right Otterhound Puppy
How to test the temperament and personality of Otterhound puppies and pick the best puppy in a litter.
AKC Registered Puppies: Are AKC Papers Important?
Should you buy only an AKC registered Otterhound puppy? Do AKC papers and pedigrees really matter?
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