Otterhound Rescue

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The Otterhound Club of America, as the parent club for the breed, has responsibility for all Otterhounds in North America, including homeless Otterhounds, those found in shelters, or those whose owners and breeders are no longer able to care for them.  Otterhound Rescue is open to all dogs identified as purebred Otterhounds or those who the Club knows for certain are offspring of one purebred Otterhound parent, if they are homeless, abandoned, or no longer can be cared for by an owner. 

Click here to view the  OHCA Rescue Policy. 

Is it an Otterhound?

Since there are so few Otterhounds in the world--in 2012, it was estimated there were only 600 Otterhounds globally--Otterhounds often get mistaken for other dog breeds in rescue environments. This guide is designed to help determine if a dog actually is an Otterhound, and if "Yes," whom you can contact to make sure the Otterhound is properly cared for and successfully rehomed. Otterhound University has more information about Otterhound Coats & Colors.

How Can You Help Otterhound Rescue?
If you have seen a dog in a shelter or found a dog that you think may be an Otterhound, please read "Is It an Otterhound?"  before contacting our Rescue coordinators. Many Labradoodles or Goldendoodles at first glance look like Otterhounds. However, the length of ears and their bell-shape are key features of Otterhounds which doodles lack.  Head and body shape are also different. If you still believe you have seen an Otterhound in need of rescue, please take photos of the dog from the side and front with a close-up of the head and send them to the rescue coordinators together with the dog’s height to the shoulders, approximate age and weight information.

Because Otterhounds are rare, fortunately rescues are also rare. The Otterhound Club of America will help any Otterhound in need, but we are few in number and good photos can help us decide if we need to send a member (possibly several hours’ drive away) to ID a dog. 

If you have any doubts about a dog being an Otterhound, please contact us.