Definition

A type of dog that is small, strong, and has a thick, shaggy coat. This breed is known for its long ears and is used for hunting otters in England.

Example

The otterhound is known for its excellent swimming ability and keen sense of smell.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of an otterhound?

Yeah, I think they're pretty interesting dogs!

I read they were originally bred for hunting otters.

That's right! They have such a unique look with their shaggy coats.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

**Otterhound** → The word is formed from "otter" (from Old English *otter*, meaning a water-dwelling mammal) and "hound" (from Old English *hund*, meaning dog). An otterhound is a breed of dog specifically bred for hunting otters.

Memory Tip

Think of a dog ('hound') that is specifically trained to hunt a water-dwelling mammal ('otter'). This helps you remember that an otterhound is a type of dog used for hunting otters.

Visually Confused Words