Otterhound

Otterhounds have been known in Britain for at least 1,000 years. The exact breed origins are obscure, but may have involved Bloodhound, rough-coated terriers, ancient foxhounds, or the French Griffon Nivernais (see p.172). The Otterhound’s job was to follow otters into rivers and their dens on day-long hunts. Consequently, it is a cold-hardy, tireless breed that loves water, happiest in a home with access to a river. In character, it is cheerful and even-tempered, and now that otters are protected rather than hunted, efforts are being made to increase its limited numbers and establish it as a household companion. In Britain the Otterhound is considered an “endangered breed”.