As the name implies, they were developed to give chase to the otter and so they do have swimming instincts. Otters at one time were so plentiful in the British Isles that they endangered the fishing industry and the hounds would be set upon the otters to keep this from becoming so great a problem.
However, the Otter is now on the endangered species list and of course their hunting is banned. The dog still remains popular as a pet and a Show dog and makes a gentle but protective guardian as well. They are not really a guarding breed but their voice alone is enough to sound quite an alarm not to mention their large size. Their bay is actually a delight to hear, being melodious and deep and the bark is gruff but soft.
The Otterhound looks rather rough in a natural state, the coat is shaggy and wiry or coarse. Historically, he has both Terrier and Hound in his genetic makeup and the coat reflects the characteristics of the Terrier type of coat. Colors are mostly tans and salt and pepper. The outer hairs are water resistant with a dense protective undercoat. He is a large breed standing 24 to 26 inches at the withers, with a large head and pendulous ears. His coat is easy to maintain as being of terrier type it easily sheds dirt and brambles and bits of leaves, etc.
This is not a dog that is for a neat housekeeper since he is continually bringing in such items on his coat and dripping them off onto the floor. Although he usually doesn't slobber he has a large mouth that can produce a lot of saliva when the smell food is in the air. Furthermore his hairy face will collect the water as he drinks and if his face is not wiped immediately it drips off of his hairs as he makes his way across a room. Many owners will keep a towel handy near the water dish or will allow access to water only when he is outside.
The Otterhound is in the same predicament as many of the large breeds when it comes to hip dysplasia. It continues to be a problem in the breed and care must be taken to x-ray this dog before breeding. Also the possibility of bloat or gastric torsion can be a problem. There is no way of knowing is this condition is genetic in nature though it is suspected that it is "familial".
After the Otterhound outgrows his puppyhood (which will last at least until the age of two) he usually settles down somewhat and at least is not so awkward . He retains a bit of stubbornness in his personality, after all, he is a pack dog and has a tendency to tend to his own desires rather than those of his master.
He is also a playful and boisterous breed, quite active and energetic. However he is intelligent and will respond to training. He needs plenty of exercise and of course needs a fenced in enclosure. He enjoys nothing more than being with his family on a regular basis but is not unhappy if in the yard and is not demanding of constant attention, especially if he has another dog to keep him company.
The sight of the Old English Sheepdog actually driving a flock of sheep or cattle is not unusual in Great Britain but is not often seen in the United States, where he has become more popular as a show dog and a family pet. In Great Britain, the dogs used commonly as drovers dogs, draft dogs and shepherds in years past were considered "working dogs" .
Because of the tax which was levied on dogs who performed no "work" , the custom of bobbing the tail was begun to distinguish the dogs who "worked" from dogs who were used only for companionship. Dogs with the docked tail were also spoken of as "Bobtails" and this name became associated with the Old English Sheepdog. In truth many of these dogs are born without a tail.
In years past the Old English was shown in a more natural appearance than it is today. The Exhibitors in the ring today do an excessive amount of back combing, fluffing, spraying and "chalking" (a practice of brushing fine chalk powder into the coat to whiten it and to give it an appearance of "body" ) and the dog has become so overdone that it presents an entirely different picture than it is in everyday life.
If the coat is not cared for on a daily basis it is going to be nothing but a shaggy coat, unkempt and quite straggly, like the sheep whom it protects. A pet owner who becomes taken with the show appearance of this breed soon finds out that they must brush at least twice a week or give in and get the dog shaved. This solution is never good for the dog since it can lead to sunburn or skin irritations.
The A.K.C. standard says that the dog should stand 21-22 inches at the shoulder "and upwards" of that size. His appearance when he is done up for the show is impressive and he appears to be much heavier of bone and substance than he is when his coat is not excessively "pouffed".
The Old English is a Drovers dog, first and foremost and should have the structure and endurance to perform this work for long periods of time. The dog should stand taller at the rump than at the withers and this is a distinguishing characteristic of the breed. The hair is so profuse over the face that often the eyes are not visible unless the hair is pulled back and fastened with a barrette, which is not allowed in the show ring.
The Old English is a steady and reliable dog, reserved in affection for strangers and often overly boisterous with his family. He will not be a "watchdog". Although he will bark, he is as a general rule polite with strangers. This is a dog who makes a big and gentle companion for children. The Old English is said to be the "Nana" in the story of J.M. Barrie's Peter Pan. This fits the description of the Old English in a household, for he is a gentle and loving protector of the children in his "flock".