Hi, I have done some reading and think the dog I want is an otterhound. I'd like to hear from anyone who owns one, with any thoughts on having one. I live more in the suburbs than rural, but am 100 yards away from woodlands, and am near the coast for long wet walks. I have a 3 bed semi with 100 ft back garden for it to demolish.
is this a suitable environment for a happy Otterhound? other concerns are
are 5ft fences enough to stop one chasing the foxes we have?
how vocal are otterhounds - too much for the neighbours?

it would also be good to hear from anyone who knows of a litter/adult in the south east/essex where I could visit and spend some time with them.

OTTERHOUND CLUB. Sec. Mrs A J Ansell. Tel No: 01725 512817

I strongly suggest you do spend some time both with them (have you smelt them?) and a reputable breeder or two.

I know of two people who own otterhounds and they are escape artists of houdini proportions, once they are on the trail of something they have been known to disappear for hours! On their social gatherings they all have to be kept on leads!

5ft fences are nor really sufficient to stop any dog determined to escape and hunt something unless you have an inward projection.  They can also be very vocal, love to spend most of their time in putrid water; you have to be a real enthusiast to have one as a pet.

Good luck!

A lady near us breeds otterhounds, and her fences are at least 6 feet high, with a thick hedge on the outside too. They are very vocal dogs and their baying carries a long way (we hear them from over half a mile away!). They also have a very 'distinctive' ;) smell - I wouldn't want one in the house, especially not wet!

Terrific animals - but certainly not for the faint-hearted!

They are fantastic but not as house dogs unless you have no sense of smell or are prepared to bath the dog every time you bath. To be serious I expect you can stop them smelling but I have not met one who does not a little bit but too much for me to have in the house, and I'm a hound lover. So I would think your best plan would be to visit a breeder or owner and do a sniff test. After all what reminds me of wet socks may smell like roses to you ;)