otter hound
Definition
Noun: A breed of large, hardy dog originally developed in Britain for hunting otters. It is characterized by a distinctive, rough, shaggy double coat with a water-resistant oily undercoat, and long, pendulous ears.
Usage and Examples
- The otter hound was once a crucial working dog for controlling otter populations along British rivers.
- With its webbed feet and unique coat, the otter hound is an exceptionally strong swimmer.
- Due to the decline in otter hunting, the otter hound is now a very rare breed, often seen in dog shows rather than in the field.
Advanced Usage
- The term can be used attributively (like an adjective) to describe characteristics related to the breed.
- Example: "She specializes in otter hound rescue and rehabilitation."
Variants and Related Words
- Otterhound: This is the modern, single-word spelling for the breed name, which is now more commonly used than the two-word form "otter hound."
- Hound: A general type of dog used for hunting, often by scent.
- Water dog: A general term for breeds bred for retrieving from water.
Synonyms and Similar Terms
- Hound
- Water dog
- Scent hound (as the breed hunts primarily by scent)
Notes on Different Meanings
- The term specifically refers to the distinct breed of dog. It is not a general term for any hound that might chase an otter.
- The two-word form "otter hound" is often considered the historical or descriptive name, while "Otterhound" is the standardized breed name.
Noun
-
hardy British hound having long pendulous ears and a thick coarse shaggy coat with an oily undercoat; bred for hunting otters
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