Otterhound Dog Breed Information

Group

Hounds

Weight

43-52 kg

Height

68 cm

Lifespan

10-13 years

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About the Otterhound

Reviewed by:

Dr. Liza Cahn

Veterinarian

Otterhounds are giant balls of fluff and sunshine, and unfortunately, they are about as rare as four-leaf clovers. This guide tells you everything and more you need to know about this wonderful breed.

These loving, enthusiastic, and friendly dogs make an excellent addition to any family. The only struggle is actually getting your hands on one!

What is the history & origin of the Otterhound?

The Otterhound has deep roots in England’s history, with a lineage that spans several centuries and cultures. Their primary role in 18th century England was to hunt otters, which were causing significant damage to the fish populations in English rivers. This hunting tradition became so established that otter hunting is often recognized as one of the earliest regulated sports in Britain. Alongside terriers, Otterhounds excelled in tracking and chasing otters through various water bodies, such as ponds and streams.

Their proficiency in hunting contributed significantly to the decline in otter populations, leading to the eventual declaration of otters as a protected species and ban on otter hunting in 1982.

Beyond their hunting expertise, Otterhounds also held a special place in the hearts of the English nobility, frequently becoming companions to kings. The Otterhound Club of America was established in 1960, and later, the breed received official recognition from the American Kennel Club in 1991. Otterhounds are still treasured in England and elsewhere, though today, they remain an exceedingly rare breed.

What is an Otterhound breed?

The Otterhound is a large dog breed, and they have a distinct and adorable shaggy look. They were bred to hunt in water and on land, so they have large webbed feet and a rough double coat.

They are also known for their excellent sense of smell. Their genetic makeup is a mix of various other dogs, including Bloodhounds and Griffons.

In terms of temperament, Otterhounds are known for their friendly, jovial, and sometimes independent nature. While they have a playful side, they are also incredibly affectionate, thriving on human companionship. Their demeanor is typically calm and amiable, making them excellent companions for families, though their size and energy should always be taken into consideration. They are approachable and generally get along well with other animals, showcasing a balanced and even temperament that endears them to many.

Who is an Otterhound best for?

The Otterhound is not suitable for people living in apartments, tiny homes, or families without yards. An Otterhound would be the ideal dog though for an active family who could take it walking or swimming every day.

They are great with kids, making for a wonderful family dog. However, due to their large size they may be too boisterous for very young kids and senior citizens. They work well with other animals, especially if they were raised together.

They are also best for people who don’t mind dirt and sloppiness. Otterhounds are hairy, messy eaters and drinkers, and love playing in the mud and dirt – so don’t expect much of a clean house with these guys around!

It is important to note that an Otterhound is not a guard dog despite its size. If you are looking for a protector, then keep looking. But if you are looking for an affectionate companion, then you’ve found your pooch!

Otterhound Grooming & Shedding

The Otterhound coat does shed, so it’s best to give it a good brush once a week to avoid any matting. If their coat is relatively soft, you will likely need to brush it 2-3 times a week.

Their beards also get quite dirty as they get dragged through their food as well as dirt, so you should give it a good rinse every day to avoid a foul odour. Consistent nail trimming and teeth brushing is also recommended.

Do Otterhounds bark a lot?

These vocal dogs love barking and hearing the sound of their own voice.

They may bark if they get bored or have been left alone for too long. They will also bark if they feel threatened, afraid, or feel they need to protect themselves and their family.

What is the average weight & height of an Otterhound dog?

Male Otterhounds:

Height: Typically around 68 cm
Weight: Generally between 43 to 52 kg.

Female Otterhounds:

Height: Usually between 61 to 66 cm
Weight: Ranges from 36 to 45 kg.

Are Otterhounds easy to train?

This breed is considered to be of medium intelligence and trainability. It is best to keep training and socialization sessions sessions fun, short, and positive. Obedience and puppy classes are highly recommended.

These are opinionated and independent dogs, so you need to be extremely patient with them when training. They are also very sensitive and won’t respond well to negative or aggressive training.

How do Otterhounds behave? A look at their temperament and personality

Otterhounds are incredibly affectionate dogs, and they love being around their human families. They are also very independent, playful, friendly, and goofy. Because of this, they won’t make great guard dogs; they are too soft and kind-hearted.

They are highly energetic and love playing and being active, but they also love cuddling up on the couch with their humans. Due to their activity levels, they make great contestants for dog sports. If not provided with enough mental or physical exercise they can become bored and start barking, digging, and wreaking havoc.

Does the Otterhound have any common health issues?

Otterhounds are generally very healthy dogs, but they are prone to a few specific health issues. To help avoid this, ensure that your breeder can show you health clearances for their breeding dogs, and always seek veterinary care if you are concerned for your dog’s health.

Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV or Bloat): This is a life-threatening condition where a dog’s stomach twists on itself, preventing blood flow and leading to tissue death. Immediate veterinary intervention is crucial.
Hip Dysplasia: A genetic condition where the thigh bone doesn’t fit snugly into the hip joint. This can lead to pain or arthritis over time.
Canine Idiopathic Thrombocytopenia: An autoimmune disorder where the body attacks its own blood platelets, leading to bleeding and bruising. Regular monitoring and treatment can manage this condition.

What is the lifespan of an Otterhound?

On average, Otterhounds live 10 to 13 years.

How much does an Otterhound need to be fed?

You should work together with your trusted veterinarian or a canine nutritionist to decide the most appropriate food for your pup. These large dogs require a lot of food to maintain their size and strength without straining their bones and joints.

When choosing a diet, look for WSAVA and AAFCO seals of approval, indicating that the food is complete and balanced. It is also important to feed a large breed puppy food to your growing Otterhound. Avoid boutique foods like raw and grain-free, which have been linked to infections and heart disease.

Most owners feed two meals per day after puppyhood, with the amount depending on your dog’s diet, size, and activity level. You can give your dog quality treats in moderation, especially during training, but avoid feeding table scraps as this could be unhealthy and also result in unwanted begging behaviour. Additionally, fresh water should always be available.

As with many large deep chested breeds, bloat (twisting of the stomach also known as gastric dilitation and volvulus or GDV) is possible, so feeding smaller more frequent meals, encouraging eating slowly, and avoiding exercise after meals is recommended.

Otterhounds have a very keen sense of smell, so they can also smell out food very easily. They may even open cupboards and fridges to get it, so be aware of this as you’ll also want to avoid any overeating.

How much can you expect to pay for an Otterhound in Australia?

This breed is rare and can be difficult to find, so it is common for these dogs to be on the more expensive side. The price will depend on the breeder, where you live, and on who the puppy’s parents are. Make sure that you buy from a registered and reputable breeder. An Otterhound puppy can cost $1,500 to $3000 AUD or more.

Finding a dog at an animal shelter or breed-specific rescue is another excellent option.

Otterhound FAQs

Is an Otterhound ideal for a first-time dog owner?

Otterhounds are great dogs, and many first time owners would love them. However, they are relatively large dogs and require a lot of grooming, so be prepared for a lot of maintenance. On the other hand, they are friendly and easy to train and a good choice for new pet parents.

Do Otterhound suffer from separation anxiety?

Separation anxiety can affect any breed of dog, however Otterhounds are quite independent and many will easily find ways to keep themselves entertained until you come back home.

Can Otterhounds swim?

They most definitely can! Otterhounds were initially bred to take on and hunt otters, so they are excellent swimmers and love the water. Swimming is a great form of exercise for them!