Otterhound
A playful, affectionate companion with a keen nose and a love for adventure. Famous for a shaggy coat and friendly, easygoing personality.
Breed Characteristics
Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed.
HEIGHT
69–70 cm (male)
61–63.5 cm (female)
WEIGHT
34–52 kg (male)
29–41 kg (female)
LIFE EXPECTANCY
10–13 years
Otterhound: Breed snapshot
Everything you need to know about this beloved breed at a glance
Key Breed Characteristics
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Species
Canis lupus familiaris
Diet
Omnivore
"A Otterhound isn't just a pet — they're a loyal companion, a playful friend, and a loving family member all in one."
Temperament & personality
Understanding Otterhound's temperament is key to knowing if they're the right match for your lifestyle.
Personality Overview
The Otterhound is friendly, affectionate, and good-natured, often showing a gentle disposition with family members and other pets. They are sociable but can be independent and stubborn.
Key Personality Traits
Outgoing with people and other dogs
Learns at a moderate, steady pace
Requires daily activity and exercise
Enjoys games and interactive play
Adjusts with some difficulty to changes
Strengths
- Friendly with children and other dogs
- Excellent scent-tracking abilities
- Adaptable to various environments
- Generally good-natured and affectionate
- Strong swimming and outdoor skills
Challenges
- Prone to ear infections due to ear shape
- Requires frequent grooming and coat care
- Can be stubborn during training
- Needs high levels of daily exercise
- May bark or bay loudly and often
Protect your Otterhound
Otterhound are active and energetic, but they can develop hip dysplasia and epilepsy. Get peace of mind with PetSecur's comprehensive coverage.
Intelligence & exercise needs
Otterhounds are both highly intelligent and energetic, requiring mental and physical stimulation to thrive.
🧠 Intelligence & training
Trainability
Learns with consistency
Overall rating
Otterhounds are intelligent but have an independent streak, which can make training a challenge. They respond best to patient, consistent training with positive reinforcement methods.
Trainable Tasks:
🏃 Exercise & energy levels
Daily Exercise
60–90 minutes daily
recommended per day
This breed has high energy and stamina, requiring daily vigorous exercise and mental stimulation. Regular walks, play sessions, and scent-based activities are essential to keep them healthy and content.
Recommended Activities:
Is this breed right for you?
Otterhounds are versatile dogs that adapt well to many lifestyles, but they're not the perfect match for everyone. Here's a quick guide to help you determine if a Otterhound would fit well in your home.
First-time Owner
Their independent nature and training needs may overwhelm new owners
Apartment Living
Large size and high energy require more space than apartments provide
Active Lifestyle
High stamina and love of activity suit energetic, outdoorsy households
Kids
Gentle and patient but may be rambunctious around small children
Multiple Pets
Sociable nature but prey drive may need management with smaller pets
Being Left Alone
They can develop anxiety or destructive behaviors if left alone too long
Breed comparisons
Wondering how Otterhounds compare to other popular breeds? Check out our detailed comparison pages.
Frequently Asked Questions about Otterhound
Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about this breed
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