Can Otterhounds Be Guard Dogs?

Thinking to get an Otterhound puppy and wondering whether an Otterhound can be a good guard dog or if Otterhound Dogs are protective of their owners?

According to dog trainers, Otterhound Dogs score 3 star out of 5 in the scale of breeds that are considered the best watch dogs.


Can Otterhounds Be Guard Dogs?

Can Otterhounds Be A Watch Dog?

    This dog is not recommended to be a watchdog.

    Training an Otterhound To Be a Watch Dog

    Many people get a canine because they want extra security around their homes. A guard dog, or a pet dog that will actually stop an intruder, usually takes unique breeding and training, but there are many dogs that are superb watch dogs.

    A watch dog basically notifies their owner to someone coming close to their property. Even though your dog isn't a police canine, most barking dogs will deter an intruder even if they aren't big. Most guard dogs also make terrific watch dogs, but not all watch dogs make great guard dogs.

    Top 5 Best Guard Dogs

    1. Doberman Pinscher - The Doberman Pinscher is German breed originally used for safeguarding, police and military work. They are huge, powerful dogs that will alert their owners to suspicious activity and can make very good guard dogs as well.

    2. Cairn Terrier - Although little, the Cairn Terrier is intense. They are strong-willed, feisty little terriers that are really watchful of their settings and will notify their owners to any novel activity in no time. Due to this, they make exceptional watch dogs.

    3. Rottweiler - The Rottweiler is a large German guard dog breed that is greatly loyal to its family but wary of strangers. Although, they are not a great choice for rookie canine owners.

    4. German Shepherd - They are terrific guard dogs that will notify their owners of any strangers just a little too close to their homes.

    5. Akita - They will quickly notify their owners to any uncommon activity. They are strong dogs that are not well-suited for the rookie owner, but are almost unparalleled in their loyalty to their owners.

Can Otterhounds Be Guard Dogs

Otterhound Information

The otterhound is a large dog with a somewhat stocky build, slightly longer than tall, not exaggerated in any way, enabling it to trot at a slow, steady pace for long distances without tiring. Its coat, which consists of a rough, coarse outer coat combined with a soft wooly slightly oily undercoat, is essential for protecting it from brambles and cold water. It has a fairly large nose and muzzle, allowing ample room for olfactory receptors. Its large feet provide traction over rough and slippery terrain. This is a strong athletic breed that can withstand harsh weather and long strenuous hunts. Its expression is open and amiable, reflecting its temperament. The otterhound is noted for its steadfast pursuit of its quarry despite the roughest of conditions. It has an acute sense of smell and can trail unerringly through running water and over all sorts of terrain.

As a pack hound, the otterhound is amiable with other dogs. As a hunter, it has an innate urge to follow the trails of mammals. Once on the trail, it is determined, single-minded and nearly impossible to dissuade from its task. Even though the otterhound's job was not to kill its quarry, it will nonetheless give chase to small animals. The otterhound loves to hunt, sniff, trail and, especially, swim. At home it is boisterous, amiable and easygoing (although stubborn), affectionate with its family, and quite good with children. Because the otterhound was never traditionally kept as a pet, it is not among the most responsive of breeds. However, the otterhound is a low-key dog that can function as a quiet companion.

What to do if you lose your Otterhound

If your Otterhound Dog or any other pet has gone missing and it does not have an identification tag with a phone number, you can:

1. Register your missing pet details at Pet Reunite website here.

2. Report the missing pet on the Local Facebook Lost Pets Groups Here.

3. Call the local vet clinics to see if anyone has brought in your missing pet.

4. Contact the RSPCA or Visit the RSPCA Lost Pets website and complete a Lost Pet Report.

5. Visit Lost Pets Pages of Animal Shelters.

What to do if you find a lost Otterhound

If you find a Otterhound Dog or any other pet and it does not have an identification tag with a phone number, you can:

1. Register the found pet details at Pet Reunite website here.

2. Register the missing pet on the Local Facebook Lost Pets Groups.

3. Phone the Local Authority to collect the lost animal.

4. Take the pet to the local Animal Pound assigned to your area.

5. Take the animal to the local Vet Clinic who usually scan the animal’s microchip and locate the registered owner of the pet.

Laws Regarding Missing Pets

1. It is against the law to keep any animal that you find.

2. Pets are generally considered property and it is illegal to take and keep someone else’s property.

3. You must contact your local animal control unit and file a FOUND AN ANIMAL report for any dog or cat you find.

4. To reclaim your lost dog, cat or other pet from the animal shelter you must pay a release fee.

5. If your dog or cat is unregistered, you will have to register your pet before you can take it home.