Otterhound — breed guide
One of the rarest breeds in the world — fewer than a thousand left. Webbed feet, an oily coat and a voice that carries for a mile.
At a glance
- Group
- hound
- Size
- Large
- Weight
- 29–52 kg (64–115 lb)
- Life span
- 10–13 years
- Coat
- Rough, dense, oily, waterproof double coat
Living with a Otterhound
- High energy — needs real exercise every day, not a stroll.
- Heavy grooming — frequent brushing and regular trims.
- Moderate shedding.
- Trainable with consistency.
- Very vocal.
- Good with children.
- Gets along with other dogs.
- Can live with a cat, with a slow introduction and an escape route for the cat.
- Not well suited to a flat — space, exercise need or voice works against it.
- Better with previous experience behind you.
- Average heat tolerance.
- Handles cold well.
Temperament
Boisterous · Amiable · Determined · Booming
Health to watch
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Bloat (GDV)
- Glanzmann thrombasthenia
Owner-logged information shared via Leash Life is not veterinary advice; ask your vet about screening for these.
Questions people ask
Is a Otterhound good with kids?
Generally yes. Otterhounds are usually good with children when raised with them and given their own quiet space.
Is a Otterhound good with cats?
It can work, with management. Introduce them gradually, feed them apart, and make sure the cat has vertical space the dog cannot reach. Plan to manage it rather than assume it.
How much exercise does a Otterhound need?
An hour or more of proper exercise every day.
Can a Otterhound handle hot weather?
About average — use normal hot-day sense.
Leash Life keeps a Otterhound's day — walks, meals, meds, weight — in one shared feed for the whole household, and warns on the walk weather this breed can't take. Free to start.