Otterhound

While “otter dogs” have been present in France and England since the 13th century, the modern Otterhound did not come about until the 18th century. These dogs worked at drawing otters away from fish. Today, Otterhounds are rather rare, with only 1,000 of them in the world. With a solid body covered in a rugged waterproof coat, this dog is available in a variety of colors. The most common combination, however, is black and tan. Its webbed feet allow it to be a great swimmer. As a house pet, the Otterhound enjoys the company of its family, but it also needs its own space and naptime. It does well with other household pets, strangers, and older children. It may be too large and overwhelming for younger kids. When it comes to training, this dog can have an independent streak. Therefore, it needs a persistent and dedicated trainer. Since the Otterhound is an outdoorsy type of dog, it is not suitable for apartment living. A home with a large yard is a better fit. It will greatly benefit from daily walks, as well as hikes and swims. When it comes to health conditions, this dog may develop bleeding disorders, elbow and hip dysplasia, epilepsy, and bloat.