Otterhound breed guide: Care, training, and fun facts
Breed guide overview
About Otterhounds
Temperament
Exercise
Grooming
Training
Diet
Health
About the Otterhound breed
Otterhounds are large, friendly scent hounds with a unique history and a distinctive shaggy coat. Originating in England, they were bred for hunting otters in waterways, combining exceptional swimming ability with a keen sense of smell. Their strong, webbed feet and dense, waterproof coat made them perfectly suited for this task.
Weight, height & life expectancy
Otterhounds have an imposing yet gentle presence, standing between 61 to 69 cm tall for males and 58 to 66 cm for females. They typically weigh between 36 to 54 kg, with males being larger than females. Their shaggy, weather-resistant coat comes in a variety of colours, including grizzle, black and tan, and wheaten.
These dogs are known for their boisterous and cheerful nature, making them excellent companions for active households. Their average life expectancy is 10 to 13 years, and while they are a rare breed, Otterhounds are loved for their outgoing personalities and lovable charm.
What Is the Temperament of Otterhounds Like?
Otterhounds are known for their friendly and affectionate temperament. They are playful, good-natured, and generally get along well with children and other pets, making them wonderful family dogs. However, their independent and stubborn streak can sometimes pose challenges during training.
As scent hounds, Otterhounds are driven by their nose, which can lead them to wander off if they catch an interesting scent. They thrive on human companionship and enjoy being part of the family’s activities. Early socialisation and consistent training are crucial to help them develop into well-rounded companions.
Our Otterhound Community
"Dixie is very friendly, loves other dogs with the same nature, loves walks, he never pulls on lead, he's not sure about cats and yet he was brought up with 22 rabbits when he was younger."
Dixie's owner, Frederick from Yeovil
"Valley is a 5 month old otterhound puppy. She loves food and can be more reserved and unsure with people, she just needs someone to be patient to warm up to."
Valley's owner, Barb from Edinburgh
How Much Exercise Do Otterhounds Need?
Otterhounds have high exercise needs, requiring around 1.5 to 2 hours of activity per day. They are happiest when engaging in activities that stimulate both their body and mind, such as:
- Walks or hikes: Long walks in natural environments allow them to explore with their keen sense of smell.
- Swimming: As natural water lovers, they excel in swimming and enjoy access to safe bodies of water.
- Interactive play: Games like fetch or hide-and-seek with toys or treats can keep them mentally stimulated.
Puppy Exercise: Otterhound puppies require controlled play and limited exercise to protect their developing joints. Gradually increase their activity levels as they grow, with full adult exercise suitable by around 18 to 24 months.
Do Otterhounds Need a Lot of Grooming?
Otterhounds have a dense, shaggy double coat that requires regular maintenance. Their coat is designed to be weather-resistant, but it can become tangled or matted if not cared for properly.
- Brushing: Weekly brushing is essential to prevent mats and manage shedding.
- Bathing: As water-loving dogs, they may require more frequent baths, especially if they’ve been swimming or playing outdoors. Use a dog-friendly shampoo to avoid stripping their coat’s natural oils.
- Ears: Their long, floppy ears should be checked and cleaned regularly to prevent infections, especially after swimming.
Are Otterhounds Easy to Train?
Otterhounds are intelligent but independent thinkers, which can make training a bit challenging. They respond best to positive reinforcement techniques, such as treats, praise, and play.
Start Early: Begin training and socialisation as puppies to instill good behaviour and reduce their tendency to wander.
Keep It Fun: Otterhounds can lose interest if training becomes repetitive, so keep sessions short and engaging.
Focus on Recall: Due to their strong scenting instincts, recall training is crucial to ensure they return when called.
While they may require extra patience and consistency, Otterhounds are eager to please and can excel with the right approach.
What Do Otterhounds Eat?
Otterhounds thrive on a high-quality, balanced diet tailored to their age, size, and activity level.
Puppies: Feed them a puppy-specific food for large breeds 3-4 times a day, reducing to twice daily by 6 months of age. Transition to adult food between 12 and 18 months, as recommended by your vet.
Adults: Provide two meals per day of a nutritionally complete dog food designed for large, active breeds.
Monitor their weight, as Otterhounds can easily gain weight if overfed. Treats should make up no more than 10% of their daily calorie intake.
Are Otterhounds Healthy?
Otterhounds are generally a healthy breed, but like all dogs, they can be prone to certain health conditions. Some potential concerns include:
Bones and Joints:
Hip Dysplasia: A common condition in large breeds where the hip joint doesn’t fit properly, leading to discomfort and arthritis.
Elbow Dysplasia: An issue with the elbow joint that can cause pain and lameness.
Bloat (Gastric Dilatation Volvulus):
A life-threatening condition where the stomach twists, trapping gas and contents. This requires immediate veterinary attention.
Ears:
Due to their floppy ears, Otterhounds are prone to ear infections, especially after swimming. Regular cleaning is essential.
Epilepsy:
Some Otterhounds may develop epilepsy, a neurological condition causing seizures.
Regular vet check-ups, a balanced diet, and proper exercise can help manage or prevent these issues.
Vet Top Tip:
Otterhounds love the water but are prone to ear infections due to their long, floppy ears. Always dry their ears thoroughly after swimming and check for signs of redness, irritation, or foul smells. Regular ear cleaning with a vet-approved cleaner can help prevent infections.
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Information on this page should never replace advice given by your veterinarian. Potential health issues presented are given as a guide only and are not meant to be comprehensive. If you ever have any concerns about your dog’s health contact your local vet.
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Information on this page should never replace advice given by your veterinarian. Potential health issues presented are given as a guide only and are not meant to be comprehensive. If you ever have any concerns about your dog’s health contact your local vet.