Otterhound is originated from United Kingdom but Borzoi is originated from Bosnia and Herzegovina. Otterhound may grow 15 cm / 5 inches shorter than Borzoi. Otterhound may weigh 7 kg / 16 pounds more than Borzoi. Otterhound may live 3 years more than Borzoi. Both Otterhound and Borzoi has almost same litter size. Both Otterhound and Borzoi requires Moderate maintenance.
There 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.
Developed in Russia and also known as the Russian Wolfhound, the Borzoi was used to hunt wolf in the country. By 1873 there were only a few Borzoi which remained, and the Imperial Association was created to protect this graceful, elegant dog. They were often presented to European nobility as gifts, and thanks to a few dedicated breeders, the breed was saved from extinction and exported to other parts of the world. He was imported to the UK in the late 19th century, and it was Princess Alexandra who did a lot to increase the dog’s popularity in Britain.
The tall, slender, elegant dog was recognized by the AKC in 1891. The Borzoi Club of America, which started off being known as the Russian Wolfhound Club was formed but in 1936 the name was changed to Borzoi. The Russian world ‘Borzoi’ is a term used to encompass all Sight Hounds. Today he is no longer used for hunting but is a gentle companion.
The 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.
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.
The Borzoi’s silky coat is longer with the male dogs than with the females. The height of these tall graceful dogs is 68 to 74cm. You’ll find that the Borzoi’s back is quite bony and it rises in a curve. He has a tall, lean body and a long, narrow head to match with small, thin ears which rest backwards towards the neck.The silky coat comes in a number of colors - tan, white, black or a mix such as sandy and white or tan and white. The coat is often wavy or slightly curly. The soft undercoat becomes thick in the Winter and he sheds this hair in hotter weather. You’ll find the coat frills on the neck and there is feathering on the hindquarters and with the long tail.
The Borzoi is a gentle, sweet dog, to such an extent that they don’t make good watch-dogs. He is good with other pets and children, although he isn’t the kind of dog to indulge in games with children. He doesn’t bark much and he is also not a high-energy dog, being fairly happy to make himself at home indoors. This is a faithful, loyal and courageous dog.
His temperament is quiet, sensitive, intelligent and somewhat aloof. Even though he has these quiet characteristics, he will still need training and socialization as this just rounds your dog off, making him a pleasure to have around.
Your 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.
If you’re looking for a quiet, amicable, elegant breed, you’ll love the big Russian Borzoi, known for his gentleness, sweetness and gracefulness. He is a friendly dog with his human family, although not too keen on children with their boisterous games. It is his gentleness however, that has endeared him to so many dog lovers.
Even though he isn’t one of the most active dogs, he will still need exercise and a walk as he is a big dog used to wide, open spaces. He’ll need the opportunity every now and then to simply run.
He makes a wonderful pet for new- or seasoned pet owners, and if you’re looking for a quiet, devoted companion, why not welcome an elegant, graceful Borzoi into your home?
The 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.
The Borzoi is a healthy dog, and you’re not likely to be taking him to the veterinarian often but you do need to know about illnesses which are more prevalent in these large breed dogs.
This is a common bone tumor found in dogs and it is more commonly found in large breeds. It can spread quickly to other parts of the body, and although there are treatments, the long term prognosis isn’t good. Your dog will have pain and swelling.
Lymphosarcoma is a common cancer diagnosed in dogs. It is a cancer of lymphocytes and the average dog gets it from 6 years on. Some dogs may not necessarily feel sick, while others are tired, they don’t eat, they lose weight and may have diarrhea.
This is a disease that can be deadly for your dog. Known as gastric dilatation, the stomach twists and fills with gas, putting pressure on the diaphragm, and creating breathing problems. Bloat is more common in large breeds and its up to you as a responsible dog owner to watch out for a swollen stomach with drooling and attempts to vomit.
Remember that some health problems are inherited, but there are other health problems that can be prevented by the way you treat- and raise your dog.
Your 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.
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.
Long coated dogs shed, and the Borzoi female sheds after her season and the males shed annually. Once the female is spayed, she sheds like the males. You will need to be brushing your Borzoi every day to rid the dogs of this loose hair.
Borzoi teeth collect tartar, more so than with other breeds, so their teeth will need to be brushed at least 3 times a week with special dog toothbrushes and toothpaste to prevent gum and tooth problems.
Good quality food is the foundation for good health with your pet. Home-made food is always good for your dog and should include meat, rice and vegetables. Apart from top quality commercially manufactured food for large breed dogs and recommended by your vet, make sure to include some raw meat into your Borzoi’s diet too. This is imperative to stave off ill health and skin problems. Make sure he has a constant supply of fresh, cool water available to him.