Hound group
Otterhound
A big, shaggy, amiable water hound — rare, messy and full of good humour.
Otterhounds are large, rough-coated scent hounds with webbed feet, bred to hunt otters along English rivers. They are friendly, boisterous and endearing, but stubborn, loud and one of the rarest breeds in the world.
- Height
- 24–27 in61–69 cm
- Weight
- 80–115 lb36–52 kg
- Life expectancy
- 10–13 years
- Size
- Giant
- Group
- Hound
- Origin
- England
Coat: Rough, dense, oily double coat that is water-resistant. Colours: Any colour or combination.
At a glance
Ratings describe typical dogs of the breed on a 1–5 scale. Individual dogs vary with lines, upbringing and training.
Temperament
Otterhounds are amiable, easygoing and affectionate. They love people and dogs and often have a goofy sense of humour.
They are stubborn and independent, with a loud, musical bay. On a scent they are hard to recall, and they love water and mud.
Living with a Otterhound
Exercise
Needs an hour or more of exercise daily; swimming and long walks are ideal.
Grooming
Brush weekly and wash the beard often. Expect muddy paws and a wet beard.
Training
Stubborn and scent-driven; patient, food-based training works best.
Kids & other pets
Good with children and other dogs, though boisterous and large.
Time alone
Tolerates moderate alone time but may bay or dig when bored.
Home fit
Best suited to a house with secure outdoor space; apartment living is hard on this breed and its neighbours.
Is a Otterhound right for you?
Take the Breed Fit quiz to see how a Otterhound matches your home, schedule and tolerance for shedding, barking and exercise — or find out which breed matches your personality with Dogsona.
Health
With good breeding and care, a Otterhound typically lives 10–13 years. These are the conditions most associated with the breed — not a prediction for any individual dog.
Hip and elbow dysplasia
Screened parents reduce the risk of joint disease.
Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat)
A deep-chested breed at risk; learn the warning signs.
Glanzmann’s thrombasthenia
An inherited bleeding disorder; a DNA test is available.
Epilepsy
Seizure disorders occur in the breed.
Ask a breeder for
- Hip and elbow evaluation
- DNA test for Glanzmann’s thrombasthenia
Sources: OFA CHIC breed requirements: Otterhound; Otterhound Club of America. This is general information, not veterinary advice — talk to your vet about your own dog.
Cost to own
After the first year, expect roughly $2,000–$4,000 a year for food, routine vet care, preventives, insurance and supplies (US estimate).
- Food, medication and anaesthesia are dosed by weight, so every vet visit costs more for a big dog.
- Pet insurance for a puppy typically runs $30–$60 a month; premiums rise with age and breed risk.
History
Otter hunting with hounds was recorded in England from the Middle Ages. The Otterhound developed from Bloodhounds, rough-coated French hounds and water dogs.
Otter hunting was banned in England in 1978, leaving the breed without a job. Today it is considered vulnerable, with only a few hundred Otterhounds worldwide. The AKC recognised it in 1909.
Did you know?
- Otterhounds have webbed feet and can swim for hours.
- There are only a few hundred Otterhounds in the world.
- Otter hunting was banned in England in 1978.
Library guides for Otterhound owners
Training
Come (Recall)
High chase drive makes a reliable recall essential.
Training
Heel and Loose-Leash Walking
A strong Otterhound needs loose-lead manners early.
Exercise & Play
Fetch
A fast way to meet a high exercise need.
Exercise & Play
Tug of War
An energy outlet that also builds impulse control.
Grooming
Ear Cleaning
Ear care matters for this coat and ear type.
Exercise & Play
Dog Walking
Getting daily walks right for a Otterhound.
Similar breeds
Frequently asked questions
- Are Otterhounds good family dogs?
- Yes — they are friendly and affectionate, but big, messy and loud.
- Are Otterhounds rare?
- Extremely. They are one of the rarest dog breeds.
- Do Otterhounds shed?
- Moderately. Their oily coat needs regular brushing.