The Otterhound is an old British breed, with Bloodhound ancestors in its background, and is in turn one of the ancestors of the Airedale Terrier. There are fewer than 1000 Otterhounds world wide. This is a large, strong breed with a hard, crisp and close coat, oily in nature that can withstand any amount of immersion in water. It is a peer among swimmers, its progress through the water being aided greatly by its webbed feet. Otterhounds are affectionate but don't demand attention all the time. They are generally quite willing to include most two and four legged members of the household in their notion of their "pack". While Otterhounds can be good with kids, a young Otterhound is big and likely to be klutzy and may not be the best companion for a wobbly toddler or a frail elderly person.
http://www.blogtext.org/catlifespan/article/27092.html?Dog+names+and+food
Coat: The Otterhound has a long double coat. The outer coat of this breed should be dense, coarse, rough and crisp giving a shaggy appearance, while the undercoat should be soft and wooly.
http://cat-lifespan.weblog.com/2008/10/female-dog-names.html
Overview: The Otterhound is loyal, dependable, sweet, and bold. This breed makes a wonderful companion to children. This breed tends to chase smaller animals, but does well with cats in the family, and does exceptionally well with other dogs. The Otterhound is generally friendly with all people.
http://cat-disease.weblog.com/2008/10/dog-breeds-and-names.html
Character: Otterhounds are very cheerful and jolly, making them a joy to be around. They are friendly, intelligent, but can be willful and independent making training a bit more difficult.
Temperament: Making a good house pet, this dog does very well with other animals and people. Being so friendly with people, including strangers, the Otterhound does not do well as a guard or watchdog. However, this dog does love to bay and alert at the slightest of noises.
Care: Weekly brushing will be sufficient, however twice a week is best to keep this coat free of matting. If being used for show, the Otterhound should not have his coat clipped, as this dog should have a natural appearing coat. Beard must be washed frequently to prevent caking and debris.
Training: Being very willful and independent, variety, consistency, and patience is the key with this friendly dog. This breed does not respond well to firm training, but softer and more patient techniques.
http://cat-illness.sosblog.com/The-first-blog-b1/dog-diseases-b1-p5.htm
Otterhounds can make great pets, but potential owners must not be obsessed with keeping the house/clothes spotless, as they can be independent and fun-loving. OH owners must also have a securely fenced yard, and is not wary of neighbors who do not love that hound voice. Otterhounds are an ideal pet that don't demand attention all the time. If you're in search of a very loving dog that can serve as a watchdog (but not as guard dogs) the otterhound is for you.
Like many of the large breeds, they are subject to hip dysplasia and bloat. Otterhounds are also subject to a potentially fatal bleeding disorder. In the last few years, there have also been an increasing number of reports of seizures in Otterhounds. The Otterhound Club of America's health surveys conducted in 1996 and again in 2003 indicated major health problems are uncommon until old age. This breed is usually quite slow to mature, both physically and mentally.