Otterhound vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison

Otterhound vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed ComparisonOtterhound is originated from United Kingdom but American Cocker Spaniel is originated from United States. Otterhound may grow 30 cm / 12 inches higher than American Cocker Spaniel. Otterhound may weigh 40 kg / 89 pounds more than American Cocker Spaniel. Both Otterhound and American Cocker Spaniel has almost same life span. Otterhound may have more litter size than American Cocker Spaniel. Both Otterhound and American Cocker Spaniel requires Moderate maintenance.

History

otterhound - historyThere aren’t many Otterhounds around and this British pure-breed dog is a scenthound and dates far back to the 19th century.

The dog is regarded as a Vulnerable breed by the English Kennel Club. It is believed that these dogs descended from Bloodhounds and that it was developed in England to hunt otters.The dog’s nose is so sensitive that he was well suited to this job. He was appreciated by royalty and had many royal admirers.

The dog was brought to the United States in 1900 and the Otterhound Club of America was founded in 1960 with the Otter Hound being officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1991.

american cocker spaniel - historyDescended from the English Cocker Spaniel when the latter were brought to the United States in the late 1800s. American hunters wanted a smaller dog for bird hunting, so they crossed them with smaller spaniel breeds. The English and the American Cockers were considered the same breed until 1935 when the American Kennel Club officially separated them into 2 distinct breeds. After this the American Cocker’s popularity increased dramatically. To this day they are one of the most popular breeds in the U.S. Recently their popularity has spread back to England. The American Cocker Spaniel has evolved from a hunting dog life to a very popular family pet.

Basic Information

Group:
Hound dog
Gun dog
Origin:
United Kingdom
United States
Height Male:
61 - 70 cm
24 - 28 inches
38 - 40 cm
14 - 16 inches
Height Female:
61 - 70 cm
24 - 28 inches
34 - 38 cm
13 - 15 inches
Weight Male:
35 - 54 kg
77 - 120 pounds
11 - 14 kg
24 - 31 pounds
Weight Female:
35 - 54 kg
77 - 120 pounds
7 - 12 kg
15 - 27 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 13 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 10
1 - 7
Size:
Large dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
None
Cocker Spaniel, Cocker
Colors Available:
black, red, grizzle, Wheat, cream and tan - white markings.
Black, black with tan, merle, buff ASCOB
Coat:
Medium length, curly, weatherproof
Long, fine, shiney
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Cheerful, Friendly, Gentle, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive, Stubborn
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

otterhound puppy - descriptionThe Otterhound has a weather-resistant double coat which is somewhat oily. The coat is available in a number of colors such as wheat, red, grizzle, black, cream and tan with some white markings.

The double coat is somewhat oily and he has webbed feet, making him particularly suited for his life around water. This large hound stands at between 61 and 70cm and weighs in the region of 35 to 54kg. He has a large head with a nose that can track and scent in mud.

Temperament:

Otterhounds are active dogs, loving nothing more than to be running and playing, and that of course includes swimming. He makes a great sporting companion too and won’t have trouble keeping up with you as you jog or cycle.

These dogs are friendly, social, docile and amicable but they are also strong-willed, stubborn and independent. If you want him to be obedient and well behaved, then he will most certainly require training and socialization.

They get on well with children and will appreciate a firm, consistent, kind owner. He isn’t a city dog as he requires room to run, and therefore a farm or home with large grounds will suit him. Not only that, he is quite a barker, especially when he is bored with nothing to do so city life and living close to neighbors won't do for him . He will suit an active, outdoor family.

american cocker spaniel puppy - descriptionThe American Cocker spaniel is a sturdy dog of medium size. The have a rounded head with a broad and deep muzzle. The jaw is even and square while the teeth have a scissors bite. The American Cocker has round eyes that are almost always dark with the exception of the Merle who can have blue colored eyes. They have long ears and a docked tail in the U.S. Docking is illegal in most of Europe. The American Cocker bred for field hunts have shorter coats than those bred for show. Grooming is essential for this longhaired breed. It is especially important for the eyes and ears to be kept clean.

Characteristics

otterhound dog - characteristicsYour Otterhound is a big, beautiful dog who is also lovable, making a great pet for an active kind of family. He is friendly, social and playful but he is also independent and likes to have his own space occasionally.

He is a loyal, fun dog who has a sense of humor, providing quite a bit of entertainment for his owner. He is the kind of dog that is willing to be 100% part of the family and will be thrilled to be counted in on all activities – whether camping, hiking or swimming.

Give him the love he craves and he will make you an awesome 4-legged friend.

Favored Qualities

american cocker spaniel dog - characteristicsThis is a gentle, happy dog. They are high energy, high spirited, friendly dogs who like people and other animals alike. They are happy to be with you and want to please you. He can find a home in the country and in the city alike. He is inquisitive and easy to train.

Potential Difficulties

But be warned they can be stubborn and hard to housebreak. They can be shy and need a lot of socialization as a pup. They can take over a household if you are not the strong pack leader they need. They have a tendency to urinate when excited and must live inside with the family. They are far too social to be left outside. An unhappy, unstable cocker can be into resource guarding of things, spaces and people. They can bark obsessively or be hyperactive. They must have a loving home with the family.

Health Problems

otterhound puppies - health problemsThe average lifespan of this dog is between 10 and 13 years, but with good care he can reach 15 years of age.

The Otterhound is generally a healthy breed but he can sometimes get one or two of the common dog diseases there are.

Common problems that can occur are hip dysplasia. There are things that can be done to prevent this joint condition and one is to ensure your dog doesn’t become overweight. You also want to prevent having your young dog exercise excessively before his first birthday and you don’t want him leaping off beds or other high places.

american cocker spaniel puppies - health problemsPerhaps the least of the American Cocker Spaniel’s health concerns are the tendency to overeat and become obese. The more serious concerns include glaucoma, cataracts, dysplasia, allergies, Cherry eye, lip fold pyoderma, liver disease, cardiomyopathy, and congestive heart failure (CHF).

IMHA

The most serious health issue the breed faces is IMHA or Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia which can be deadly. In fact, it is almost always fatal and comes on quickly. With this condition the dog can bleed out internally and there is little that veterinary medicine can do.

Caring The Pet

Grooming:

otterhound dogs - caringYour Otterhound has a curly, longish water resistant double coat which doesn’t shed much. The coat is easy to groom, requiring nothing much more than a brush twice a week.

The nails of the dog should be checked regularly and trimmed. Check in and outside his ears as well as his eyes for any sign of infection.

His teeth should also be checked. Some people are reluctant to brush their pet’s teeth, saying this is a new money-making fad and that it has never been required in the past. Whatever your views, periodically check inside your pet’s mouth for the sign of a rotten tooth as this can cause your pet a lot of pain and illness.

Diet:

The Otterhound has no special food requirements and relies on you to feed him quality, tasty food. For convenience, there are some excellent ready-to-eat, convenient commercially manufactured foods made to cater for your pet’s size and his activity levels.

He also relies on variety in his diet, so give him some home-made food added into the kibble a couple of times a week. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and some cooked vegetables such as carrots, sweet pototoes and spinach will be excellent for him.

He will thank you for keeping things so simple for him as then he won’t be plagued by digestive problems and visits to the vet. You can also add in some raw meat occasionally. Never leave him without fresh, cool water.

General Care:

  • Ensure he has a nice dry, warm place to sleep.
  • Never leave him in a hot car ever.
  • If he spends a lot of time outdoors, make sure he has shelter from the sun and rain.
  • Supply him with some stimulating toys.
  • Give him of your time. What’s the point of having a dog, if you neglect connecting with him. Dogs are social creatures and they need to be loved, touched and cared for by their human family.
  • Have him or her spayed or neutered if you don’t want puppies.
  • Get your pet to the vet if he shows signs of illness.

Feeding puppies and adults

american cocker spaniel dogs - caringThe American Cocker Spaniel breed requires attention to detail and making sure your puppy gets enough and your adult doesn’t get too much. Feed the pups twice a day until they reach the age of 4 months and then cut them back to the adult dose of once a day at supper time. Feed from a cup to a cup and a half.

Health Issues

not previously mentioned include Ectropion and Entropion, Prolapse of the nicititans gland, gastric torsion and elbow dysplasia. Have your puppy tested for eye diseases and any issues with the knee and hip. These are social dogs and will not do well alone outside. They need to live inside.

Exercise and games

The American Cockers love to play and need a lot of exercise. Nice long walks, games of fetch or even agility will keep your Cocker happy. have plenty of stamina and need regular exercise. They also enjoy a good hunt.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Otterhound - Breed Comparison
  2. Saluki vs Otterhound - Breed Comparison
  3. Rajapalayam vs Otterhound - Breed Comparison
  4. Plott Hound vs Otterhound - Breed Comparison
  5. Petit Gascon Saintongeois vs Otterhound - Breed Comparison
  6. Otterhound vs Bloodhound - Breed Comparison
  7. Otterhound vs Greyhound - Breed Comparison
  8. Otterhound vs Francais Blanc et Noir - Breed Comparison
  9. Otterhound vs American Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  10. Otterhound vs Borzoi - Breed Comparison
  11. Otterhound vs Black and Tan Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  12. Otterhound vs Mountain Cur - Breed Comparison
  13. Otterhound vs Black Mouth Cur - Breed Comparison
  14. Otterhound vs American English Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  15. Otterhound vs Ibizan Hound - Breed Comparison
  16. Otterhound vs Austrian Black and Tan Hound - Breed Comparison
  17. Otterhound vs Galgo Espanol - Breed Comparison
  18. Otterhound vs Azawakh - Breed Comparison
  19. Otterhound vs Hanover Hound - Breed Comparison
  20. Otterhound vs Majestic Tree Hound - Breed Comparison
  21. Otterhound vs Chart Polski - Breed Comparison
  22. Otterhound vs Grand Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  23. Otterhound vs Hortaya Borzaya - Breed Comparison
  24. Otterhound vs Circassian Orloff Wolfhound - Breed Comparison
  25. Mudhol Hound vs Otterhound - Breed Comparison
  26. English Springer Spaniel vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  27. Brittany vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  28. English Setter vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  29. French Brittany vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  30. Boykin Spaniel vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  31. Pudelpointer vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  32. American Water Spaniel vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  33. Picardy Spaniel vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  34. Braque d'Auvergne vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  35. Barbet vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  36. Ariege Pointer vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  37. Pont-Audemer Spaniel vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  38. Irish Water Spaniel vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  39. Blue Picardy Spaniel vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  40. Canadian Pointer vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  41. Deutsch Drahthaar vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  42. Clumber Spaniel vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  43. Stabyhoun vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  44. Styrian Coarse Haired Hound vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  45. Vizsla vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  46. Large Munsterlander vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  47. Tyrolean Hound vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  48. Cockalier vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  49. Braque du Bourbonnais vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  50. Cesky Fousek vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds