They are a very ancient breed and quite rare nowadays, they were indeed bred to hunt otters and after that was banned in the 70's, a lot of the packs disappeared.
This is the last remaining big pack and hunts mink.
Very similar to otters in their habitat, but classed as vermin, our mink are all descended from escapees from fur farms.
The male Otterhound will be around 30 inches at the shoulder and the female about 28 inches, so they are big.
Being as they spend so much time hunting in water, they actually have webbed feet.
They have an interesting walk, in that they amble with a rolling gait.
Its really amusing to watch.
Here is a few more random pics.
Where's she gone ?
The dogs with the shorter coats are the juveniles, between 9 - 18 months old.
Just at the back of this last picture, you can see the hind quarters of a bitch hopping over a small gate.
Behind that gate are three 5 month old youngsters that are not allowed out with the pack, in case they get knocked over.
Thats their Mum paying them an unscheduled visit.
) do you get with those things... 
