Otterhound
Trait scores are tendency indicators from 0-100. Example: 42% alone tolerance roughly maps to around 4 hours alone.
Otterhounds are large, shaggy British hounds bred to hunt otters in rivers. These friendly, boisterous dogs are devoted family companions with powerful voices and substantial grooming needs, and their large size, webbed feet, love of water, and tendency to track mud indoors make them challenging house pets.
Verified source: American Kennel Club profile (2026-02-10)
Quick Facts
AKC VerifiedGroup
Hound
Life Expectancy
10-13 years
Height
24-27 in
Weight
80-115 lb
Alone-Time Tolerance
About 5 hours
Exercise
60 min/day
AKC popularity rank: #196
Hound context: Hounds were bred to track scent or chase game. They often have strong noses, prey drive, and independent streaks.
Source: American Kennel Club breed profile (verified 2026-02-10)
Finding Your Otterhound
🏠 Consider Adoption First
Many wonderful Otterhounds are waiting in shelters and breed-specific rescues. Adoption saves lives and gives deserving dogs a second chance.
Adoption Resources
Search for Otterhounds in shelters and rescues near you.
Responsible Breeder Checklist
- Provides health clearances for both parents
- Allows you to visit the breeding facility
- Offers a written health guarantee / contract
- Provides references from previous buyers
- Asks you screening questions about your home
- Breeds only one or two breeds
Whether you adopt or buy from a breeder, always prioritize the dog's health and well-being. Avoid puppy mills and pet stores that source from irresponsible breeders. For Otterhounds, ensure health testing for common breed-specific conditions.
Life Stage Simulator
Who This Breed Fits
Watch Out For
A Day in the Life
A purposeful walk and short training game helps this breed settle for the day.
Most do best with another activity block before winding down near their people.
Longer outings and enrichment games improve behavior and sleep quality through the week.
People often underestimate how quickly behavior slips when routine and enrichment are inconsistent.
Exercise & Activity
Expect about 60 minutes of daily activity, with a mix of walking, enrichment, and short training blocks. Consistency matters more than occasional intense sessions.
Moderate
Moderate
Mental Enrichment Ideas
Health
Long-term outcomes improve with weight control, preventive care, and condition-specific screening based on known breed risks.
Known Health Concerns
Long ears can trap debris and moisture without routine cleaning.
Low thyroid levels can cause lethargy, skin changes, and weight gain.
Disc degeneration can cause pain and neurologic deficits.
Boarding complexity and cost are driven by size, exercise demand, and any special handling needs.
Behavior Reality Check
Good news! This breed typically has manageable behavior traits with proper training and socialization. Of course, individual dogs vary, but Otterhounds generally don't present severe behavioral challenges.
Temperament & Traits
All traits rated on a 0-100 scale representing tendency scores.
Lifestyle & Activity
Moderate
Moderate
~8h alone capacity
High
Social & Compatibility
Very High
Moderate
Moderate
Moderate
High
Training & Behavior
High
High
Moderate
Very High
Maintenance & Care
Low
Low
Very High
Moderate
Environment & Adaptability
Low
High
High
High
Moderate
Grooming & Coat
Low
Low
Very High
Moderate
Coat care depends on coat type, but weekly brushing and routine nail, ear, and dental care are baseline requirements. Curly, silky, wire, and long coats usually need more frequent grooming support.
Shedding level varies by coat and season, but routine brushing keeps loose hair and skin debris manageable.
Common Barking Triggers
Lifestyle Planner
PROInteractive Cost Calculator
Adjust the options below to see how your choices affect ownership costs.
Monthly Cost Breakdown
Annual Cost Summary
Estimates based on breed size, grooming needs, and health risk. Actual costs vary by location, individual dog health, and lifestyle choices. Emergency vet visits and unexpected health issues not included.
10-Year Cost Calculator
PRONeighborhood Compatibility
Breed History
Origin
The Otterhound originated in United Kingdom.
Original Purpose
Otterhound lines were developed for scent/sight hunting. That working role still shows up today in temperament, stamina, and day-to-day needs.
Breed Group: Hound. Hounds were bred to track scent or chase game. They often have strong noses, prey drive, and independent streaks.
In modern homes, this history matters because it predicts what helps the dog thrive: enough movement, clear structure, and outlets that match their original instincts.
Fun Facts
Otterhounds are massive English hunting dogs (up to 115 pounds) that were developed specifically to hunt otters along English rivers.
The breed nearly went extinct after WWI and WWII when otter hunting declined, and only a handful of breeders kept them alive.
Otterhounds have a distinctive double coat that's water-resistant and was selected for retrieving from cold rivers.
The breed has an exceptionally strong scent-tracking ability and will ignore commands once they catch a scent trail.
Otterhounds are prone to hip dysplasia and ear infections due to their long, droopy ears.
Famous Otterhound Dogs
Scent and sight trailblazers
Famous representatives are usually known for tracking, hunting heritage, or storytelling roles.
Classic pop-culture hounds
Many of this group's recognizable dogs come from cartoons, books, and family films.
Practical Next Steps
First-Month Supplies Checklist
Breeder Red Flags
Preparation Timeline
Week Before
Purchase all supplies, puppy-proof your home, choose a veterinarian, and set up training schedule.
Day 1
Gentle introduction to home, establish crate/bed location, first bathroom break routine, quiet time to adjust.
Week 1
Vet checkup, start basic training, establish feeding routine, begin socialization carefully.
Month 1
Start formal training classes - this breed excels with early training! Regular vet visits for vaccinations, establish grooming routine.
Training Priorities for Otterhounds
- • Early "quiet" command training to manage barking
Recommended Products
Joint Supplements
Larger and active breeds often benefit from joint support supplements starting early.
Shop Supplements →Is Otterhound right for you?
Use our breed matcher to see how Otterhound compares to other breeds based on your lifestyle.
Try the Breed MatcherData Transparency
Quick facts for Otterhound are cross-checked against publicly available American Kennel Club breed pages.
AKC source: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/otterhound/ (verified 2026-02-10)
AKC sync coverage: 188/188 non-mix breeds as of February 10, 2026.
Last updated: February 10, 2026
Sources: American Kennel Club (AKC) breed profiles, Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) breed standards, United Kennel Club (UKC) breed standards, Merck Veterinary Manual (canine health references), Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) screening guidance, AKC: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/otterhound/