Dutch Shepherd Otterhound Mix

The Dutch Shepherd Otterhound Mix, is a mixed breed dog resulting from breeding the Dutch Shepherd and the Otterhound. Both of these dogs can be friendly but personalities differ, so you never know. The Dutch Shepherd is known for being affectionate, obedient, and reliable. All dogs need proper socialization and that will be a big factor in how they interact with others. What does this mixed breed look and act like? Is it more like the Dutch Shepherd or the Otterhound? Those are the questions we will try and answer below. Continue reading below to see pictures, videos, and learn more about the beautiful Dutch Shepherd Otterhound Mix.

While we really recommend that you acquire all animals through a rescue, we understand that some people might go through a breeder to get their Dutch Shepherd Otterhound Mix puppy. That is, if they have any Dutch Shepherd Otterhound Mix puppies for sale.

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Dutch Shepherd Otterhound Mix History

All hybrid or designer dogs are tough to get a good read on as there isn’t much history to them. Breeding specific dogs like this has become common in the last twenty years or so even though I am sure that this mixed breed found it’s share of dogs to the shelter due to accidental breeding. We will take a closer look at the history of both parent breeds below. If you are looking at breeders for new, designer dogs please beware of Puppy Mills. These are places that mass produce puppies, specifically for profit and don’t care at all about the dogs. If you have a few minutes, please sign our petition to stop puppy mills.

Dutch Shepherd History

Just by looking at the name of the Dutch Shepherd, you can get a good understanding of its past. It comes from the Netherlands and was used to herd work alongside a Shepherd. They are a popular breed not only for their ability to herd sheep, but they are also good watchdogs for everything. Centuries ago they would pull carts and do many miscellaneous tasks. Over time with new technologies working dogs like the Dutch Shepherds just aren’t needed that much. They have evolved to work with Police Departments, search and rescue, and guide dogs. They are incredibly intelligent dogs and are easily trainable. They can still be seen working and herding on some farms and ranches today.

Otterhound History

The Otterhound comes from an old British dog breed that originates in the United Kingdom; although the specific original are unknown. Currently, there are only about 600 Otterhounds worldwide, which puts this pet into the Vulnerable Native Breed category. The Otterhounds are in the Hound Dog category in the American Kennel Club dog breed group.

Being part of the Hound category, the Otterhound has an extremely sensitive nose, which is what made they such great companions for hunting. They can stay on a 12-hour-old trail. They can follow the scent through water and beyond.

Otterhunting was a past time enjoyed mostly by nobility and is first mentioned in the 12th Century, but it wasn’t for another 200 years that the first time the Otterhound is mentioned by name.

Along with small terriers, the Otterhound was used to hunt alongside banks of ponds and rivers for otters. Working together, the Terrier would flush out the Otterhound, while the Otterhound would go in for the final catch. Right before World War I, there were more than 500 hounds in 24 packs that hunted throughout England for otters.

It seems that the Otterhound came to the United States in 1900, and their first conformation show was in 1907 in Claremont, Oklahoma. The Otterhound Club of America was founded in 1960, and the Otterhound was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1991.

Dutch Shepherd Otterhound Mix Size and Weight

Dutch Shepherd
Height: 22-25 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 50 - 70 lb.
Lifespan: 12 -15 years

Otterhound
Height: 24 - 27 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 64 - 110 lb.
Lifespan: 10 - 13 years

Dutch Shepherd Otterhound Mix Personality

The Dutch Shepherd and the Otterhound are known for being courageous and protective. They are also very loving dogs. This dog will require a very strong and firm owner who makes sure to assert that they are the alpha and not the dog. They are cautious, yet non-threatening with strangers, and are affectionate towards family and children. Early socialization helps take care of any bad habits that could develop. She responds well to positive reinforcement, like all dogs. She should be rather affectionate and enjoy spending lots of time with you. Don’t plan on leaving her alone for long periods as he won’t do well alone. She wants to be with the “pack.”

Dutch Shepherd Otterhound Mix Health

All dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems as all breeds are susceptible to some things more than others. However, the one positive thing about getting a puppy is that you can avoid this as much as possible. A breeder should absolutely offer a health guarantee on puppies. If they won’t do this, then look no more and don’t consider that breeder at all. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the breed and the incidence with which they occur. We obviously recommend that you look for a reputable animal rescue in your area to find your new mixed breed. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition.

The Dutch Shepherd mixed with the Otterhound might be prone to joint dysplasia, atopic skin disease, among others.

Note that these are just common problems in both breeds.

Dutch Shepherd Otterhound Mix Care

What are the grooming requirements?

Even if you know the breed, sometimes it is hard to tell if it will be a heavy shedder or a light shedder. Either way, Get ready to invest in a good vacuum if you want to keep your floors clean! Give them baths as needed, but not so much that you dry out their skin.

What are the exercise requirements?

Plan on taking them for extremely long walks and hikes to keep their energy level down. This mix will more than likely have a high energy level. This exercise will keep them from being destructive. A tired dog is a good dog. A tired dog is a good dog though. Never tie your dog up outside - that is inhumane and not fair to him.

What are the training requirements?

This is an intelligent dog that will be a little bit challenging to train. They are going to want to take the alpha position and need someone with a firm, strong, hand that can let them know their place. The best thing you can do is break the sessions into shorter daily sessions to keep their attention span higher. It might have a prey drive and be disposed to running for and chasing small prey, but if handled properly this can be managed. All dogs respond best to positive reinforcement. So make sure to praise her when she does well. She is an intelligent dog who loves to please, and loves a physical challenge. The more exercise she gets the easier she will be to train. Proper socialization is imperative to all dogs and puppies. Make sure to take her to the park and doggy day care to get her around as many people and dogs as possible.

Dutch Shepherd Otterhound Mix Feeding

"A lot of times diet is done on a per-dog basis. Each one is unique and has different dietary requirements. Most dogs in the U.S. are overweight. A mix like this one that is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia should really be on fish oil and glucosamine and chondroitin supplements as soon as possible. A good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background.

Overfeeding any dog is not a good idea as that can really exacerbate health problems such as elbow and hip dysplasia.

I good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background."

Dutch Shepherd Links

Links to other breeds you might be interested in