Croatian Sheepdog Otterhound Mix

The Croatian Sheepdog Otterhound Mix, is a mixed breed dog resulting from breeding the Croatian Sheepdog and the Otterhound. Both of these dogs can be friendly but personalities differ, so you never know. The Croatian Sheepdog is known for being keen, agile, and alert. All dogs need proper socialization and that will be a big factor in how they interact with others. What does this mixed breed look and act like? Is it more like the Croatian Sheepdog or the Otterhound? Those are the questions we will try and answer below. Continue reading below to see pictures, videos, and learn more about the beautiful Croatian Sheepdog Otterhound Mix.

While we really recommend that you acquire all animals through a rescue, we understand that some people might go through a breeder to get their Croatian Sheepdog Otterhound Mix puppy. That is, if they have any Croatian Sheepdog Otterhound Mix puppies for sale.

If you are interested in helping animal rescues raise money, please play our quiz. Each correct answer donates to help feed shelter animals.

Croatian Sheepdog Otterhound Mix History

All hybrid or designer dogs are tough to get a good read on as there isn’t much history to them. Breeding specific dogs like this has become common in the last twenty years or so even though I am sure that this mixed breed found it’s share of dogs to the shelter due to accidental breeding. We will take a closer look at the history of both parent breeds below. If you are looking at breeders for new, designer dogs please beware of Puppy Mills. These are places that mass produce puppies, specifically for profit and don’t care at all about the dogs. If you have a few minutes, please sign our petition to stop puppy mills.

Croatian Sheepdog History

The Croatian Sheepdog quite obviously comes from Croatia. It is an ancient breed, and actually began in the region of Croatia before it became a sovereign nation. They were obviously a herding breed and used as such for centuries. In 1935 breeders started to purposefully breed and fine tune this breed. A Croatian veterinarian named Professor Doctor Stjepan Romic began selectively breeding Croatian Sheepdogs for various traits that he thought were desirable. The American Kennel Club does not fully recognize this breed but they are in the Foundation Stock Service.

Otterhound History

The Otterhound comes from an old British dog breed that originates in the United Kingdom; although the specific original are unknown. Currently, there are only about 600 Otterhounds worldwide, which puts this pet into the Vulnerable Native Breed category. The Otterhounds are in the Hound Dog category in the American Kennel Club dog breed group.

Being part of the Hound category, the Otterhound has an extremely sensitive nose, which is what made they such great companions for hunting. They can stay on a 12-hour-old trail. They can follow the scent through water and beyond.

Otterhunting was a past time enjoyed mostly by nobility and is first mentioned in the 12th Century, but it wasn’t for another 200 years that the first time the Otterhound is mentioned by name.

Along with small terriers, the Otterhound was used to hunt alongside banks of ponds and rivers for otters. Working together, the Terrier would flush out the Otterhound, while the Otterhound would go in for the final catch. Right before World War I, there were more than 500 hounds in 24 packs that hunted throughout England for otters.

It seems that the Otterhound came to the United States in 1900, and their first conformation show was in 1907 in Claremont, Oklahoma. The Otterhound Club of America was founded in 1960, and the Otterhound was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1991.

Croatian Sheepdog Otterhound Mix Size and Weight

Croatian Sheepdog
Height: 16 - 21 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 29 - 44 lb.
Lifespan: 13 - 14 years

Otterhound
Height: 24 - 27 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 64 - 110 lb.
Lifespan: 10 - 13 years

Croatian Sheepdog Otterhound Mix Personality

The Croatian Sheepdog and the Otterhound might be a little bit spunky. They can be an inquisitive little fella so keep on the lookout for that behavior! All dogs need attention and don't want to be left alone. That's why you have a pet, right? Plan on putting forth effort to socialize her as this will reap dividends in the long run. Please use always use positive reinforcement even though they can have a mind of their own. Enjoy being with your new mixed breed and love the relationship you will have with them.

Croatian Sheepdog Otterhound Mix Health

All dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems as all breeds are susceptible to some things more than others. However, the one positive thing about getting a puppy is that you can avoid this as much as possible. A breeder should absolutely offer a health guarantee on puppies. If they won’t do this, then look no more and don’t consider that breeder at all. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the breed and the incidence with which they occur. We obviously recommend that you look for a reputable animal rescue in your area to find your new mixed breed. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition.

The Croatian Sheepdog mixed with the Otterhound might be prone to hip dysplasia, retained testicles, bloat, among others.

Note that these are just common problems in both breeds.

Croatian Sheepdog Otterhound Mix Care

What are the grooming requirements?

Even if you know the breed, sometimes it is hard to tell if it will be a heavy shedder or a light shedder. Either way, Get ready to invest in a good vacuum if you want to keep your floors clean! Give them baths as needed, but not so much that you dry out their skin.

What are the exercise requirements?

Plan on taking them for extremely long walks and hikes to keep their energy level down. This mix will more than likely have a high energy level. This exercise will keep them from being destructive. A tired dog is a good dog. A tired dog is a good dog though. Never tie your dog up outside - that is inhumane and not fair to him.

What are the training requirements?

This is an intelligent dog that will be a little bit challenging to train. They are going to want to take the alpha position and need someone with a firm, strong, hand that can let them know their place. The best thing you can do is break the sessions into shorter daily sessions to keep their attention span higher. It might have a prey drive and be disposed to running for and chasing small prey, but if handled properly this can be managed. All dogs respond best to positive reinforcement. So make sure to praise her when she does well. She is an intelligent dog who loves to please, and loves a physical challenge. The more exercise she gets the easier she will be to train. Proper socialization is imperative to all dogs and puppies. Make sure to take her to the park and doggy day care to get her around as many people and dogs as possible.

Croatian Sheepdog Otterhound Mix Feeding

"A lot of times diet is done on a per-dog basis. Each one is unique and has different dietary requirements. Most dogs in the U.S. are overweight. A mix like this one that is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia should really be on fish oil and glucosamine and chondroitin supplements as soon as possible. A good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background.

Overfeeding any dog is not a good idea as that can really exacerbate health problems such as elbow and hip dysplasia.

I good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background."

Croatian Sheepdog Links

Links to other breeds you might be interested in