Otterhound

The Otterhound is a big, shaggy, and wonderfully amiable hound bred in medieval England for one purpose: to hunt otters that raided trout and salmon rivers. This rare working pack dog combines a rough, water-resistant double coat, webbed feet, and one of the most sensitive noses in the dog world, all wrapped up in a boisterous, even-tempered personality. Because otter hunting was banned in 1978, the breed's traditional job vanished, yet the Otterhound remains today much as it was in the nineteenth century — a large, powerful, and endlessly charming companion.

Today the Otterhound is among the rarest breeds in the world, with only a few hundred registered worldwide. Those who own one describe a clownish, affectionate dog that believes it is a lapdog despite often weighing well over 100 lb. Its deep, melodious voice carries across a field, its drive to follow a scent can be all-consuming, and its love of water is practically in its genes. For the right household, the Otterhound offers an uncommon blend of hunting heart and gentle, devoted companionship that few breeds can match.

A History Rooted in England's Rivers

The Otterhound's story begins in medieval England, where packs of hounds were kept to pursue otters that threatened the trout and salmon fisheries. To succeed on land and in water, the breed needed a rare combination of traits: a thick, oily, weatherproof double coat, substantial webbing between the toes for swimming, and a nose sensitive enough to follow a cold trail across wet terrain. For centuries these dogs worked in organised packs, and the breed we know today was shaped largely in the nineteenth century.

The turning point came with the ban on otter hunting in 1978. With their purpose gone, many packs were dispersed and destroyed, and the Otterhound's survival rested on a small circle of dedicated enthusiasts. Breed records suggest French hounds were mixed into the ancestry, which shows in the breed's noble head and expression. Today the Otterhound is recognised by kennel clubs worldwide but remains critically rare, and responsible breeders work hard to protect its health and its heritage.

A Working Look Built for Water

Standing 23–27 in at the shoulder and weighing 65–115 lb, the Otterhound is a large, strongly built dog with an imposing head and a look of great strength and dignity. Its rough, shaggy double coat is slightly oily, which makes it highly water-resistant — though the oil also gives the coat a distinctive, doggy odour. Beneath that shag lies a muscular body on strong-boned legs, built for a long day of work on land and in water. The breed's large feet are noticeably webbed, and its deep chest and broad, well-developed nostrils speak to a lifetime of swimming and scenting.

Colours include grizzle and tan, wheaten, blue and cream, brown, black, and red, usually with light markings on the head, chest, and feet. The Otterhound moves with a long, effortless stride that covers ground efficiently, and its expression is open and amiable. A heavy dewlap, pendant ears, and a high-set tail carried merrily complete the picture of a hound that is at once powerful and wholly good-natured.

Temperament: A Boisterous Family Friend

The Otterhound is described in breed standards as amiable, boisterous, and even-tempered, and that combination sums the breed up well. These are sociable, affectionate dogs who assume every stranger is a friend they have not yet met, which makes them hopeless guard dogs and wonderful family companions. They are playful and full of clownish charm, yet surprisingly sensitive to their owners' tone of voice, so harsh correction does more harm than good. Their voice is deep and melodious, and they are quick to raise it when excited or on a scent.

With children, Otterhounds are typically gentle and patient, though their size and enthusiasm mean close supervision is wise with the very young. They get along well with other dogs and generally tolerate cats they were raised alongside, but the hunting instinct can still trigger a chase of small furry creatures. This is an intelligent, stubborn hound that thinks for itself, so owners need patience, humour, and a clear sense of direction.

Exercise and Activity

Otterhounds are active, athletic dogs that need more than a short stroll around the block. Expect to provide at least an hour or two of meaningful activity each day, mixing long walks with opportunities to run free in a securely fenced space. Swimming is the breed's greatest joy, and given the chance these dogs will swim for hours, making ponds, lakes, and gentle rivers ideal playgrounds. Without enough exercise, a bored Otterhound will find its own entertainment — usually of the noisy, destructive variety.

Although energetic outdoors, the Otterhound is remarkably calm and laid-back inside the house, often spending long stretches dozing. The key is the daily routine: generous exercise first, relaxed snoozing later. Because their noses rule their behaviour, they must be walked on a lead or in a fully enclosed area, as a tempting scent will overwhelm any recall. The Daily Exercise Guide offers a framework for keeping an active hound fit and satisfied.

Training an Otterhound

Training an Otterhound is a lesson in patience. These are independent, intelligent hounds bred to make their own decisions at the end of a lead, and they are not naturally eager to please like many gundogs or shepherds. Keep sessions short, positive, and genuinely rewarding, using food and praise rather than pressure. Harsh methods backfire with this sensitive breed and can damage the trusting bond that makes an Otterhound such a delightful companion.

Early socialisation is vital, and the puppy months are the time to meet new people, places, dogs, and situations. Recall work deserves particular attention, although the honest truth is that a truly reliable off-lead recall is rare in this breed. Crate training helps with housebreaking and gives a boisterous puppy a calm retreat. The Dog Training Guide covers reward-based methods that suit stubborn hounds, while the Puppy Care Guide walks through socialisation and early routines.

Grooming an Otterhound

The Otterhound's shaggy double coat is handsome but demanding. It needs brushing two or three times a week with a firm pin brush or slicker to remove loose hair, prevent matting, and keep the coat in good condition. The dense undercoat and slightly oily outer coat mean the dog sheds year-round, so be prepared for hair around the house. Many owners have their Otterhound professionally stripped or clipped a few times a year to manage the coat, though clipping changes its texture.

Regular grooming should also include cleaning the long, pendant ears, which trap moisture and dirt and can easily become infected. Trim nails regularly, keep teeth brushed, and inspect the thick coat after every swim for tangles and debris. The coat's natural oil keeps it weatherproof, so frequent bathing is not needed — in fact, it strips those protective oils. The Dog Grooming Guide covers the tools and techniques for caring for this coat.

Feeding an Otterhound

As a large, active breed, the Otterhound needs a high-quality, nutritionally complete diet suited to its size, age, and activity level. Feed a measured amount in two meals a day rather than one large meal, and resist the temptation to overfeed — these easy-going hounds gain weight readily when exercise drops off. Otterhound puppies grow quickly and need a large-breed puppy food formulated to support steady, healthy bone development.

Fresh water should always be available, especially after swimming and exercise. Food and water bowls should be raised if your dog prefers it, and mealtimes should follow a calm, consistent routine. If you ever notice a change in appetite or thirst, mention it to your vet, as sudden changes can be an early sign of illness. A balanced diet, sensible portions, and regular weight checks will keep your Otterhound in lean, working condition throughout its life.

Health and Veterinary Care

The Otterhound is generally a robust, healthy dog for its size, with a life expectancy of 10–13 years, but the breed does carry some inherited conditions worth knowing about. Hip dysplasia is the most common concern, and responsible breeders screen their stock through the appropriate hip-scoring schemes before breeding. Bloat, or gastric dilation-volvulus, is a serious risk in deep-chested breeds like the Otterhound, so feed in smaller meals, avoid vigorous exercise around feeding time, and learn the signs of a swollen, painful abdomen.

The breed also has a rare inherited bleeding disorder called canine thrombopathia, which affects platelet function and should be checked for before any surgery. Epilepsy and some eye conditions have also been reported. Because the gene pool is small, choosing a breeder who tests for these issues is essential. The Signs of a Healthy Pet explains how to spot early warning signs and keep your dog in top condition.

Home Environment

The Otterhound is a big dog with a big voice, so it needs space to stretch out and a home where barking will not upset neighbours. A securely fenced garden is essential, and given the breed's powerful nose and love of escape, the fence should be tall and well maintained. Indoors, the Otterhound is a quiet, gentle house dog that will happily claim the sofa, so set boundaries early if you would rather keep the cushions hair-free.

This is not a breed for a tiny flat or a household that is away all day. Otterhounds form deep bonds with their people and thrive with company, generous exercise, and a calm, consistent routine. First-time owners may find the combination of size, stubbornness, and grooming demands a stretch, but experienced owners in the right setting find the Otterhound an unmatched, loving companion. The Choosing the Right Pet checklist helps match a breed to your home and lifestyle.

Common Ownership Challenges

Living with an Otterhound comes with challenges that go beyond the grooming kit. The nose is always in charge, so walks are often a series of long, deliberate sniffs, and an off-lead Otterhound in pursuit of scent is simply gone. The loud, melodious voice carries for miles and will be used freely, especially when the postman arrives or a rabbit is spotted. The coat is oilier and more fragrant than most, so fresh-smelling homes take constant work.

There is also the matter of wet-dog chaos: an Otterhound that has found water will shake, roll, and trample the aftermath into the house. The breed's stubborn streak can frustrate novice trainers, and its size means a happy, careless tail can sweep a coffee table clean. On top of all this, puppies are rare, waiting lists are long, and the breed's endangered status demands a genuine commitment to its future. For the dedicated owner, each challenge is simply part of loving a one-of-a-kind dog.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages

• Affectionate, amiable, and exceptionally devoted to its family
• Wonderful with children and other dogs when socialised early
• A magnificent, loyal companion for swimming and outdoor adventures
• Calm and laid-back indoors once its exercise needs are met
• Rare and distinctive, with a gentle temperament unique among hounds

Disadvantages

• Requires substantial daily exercise and strong, reliable fencing
• Stubborn and independent, making training a long-term project
• Loud, melodious voice that barks freely at triggers
• High-maintenance, oily coat that sheds and carries a distinctive odour
• Prone to hip dysplasia, bloat, and a rare inherited bleeding disorder
• Among the rarest breeds worldwide, with long breeder waiting lists

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Otterhounds good family dogs? Yes. They are affectionate, even-tempered, and devoted to their families, and they get on well with children and other dogs when socialised early.

Do Otterhounds bark a lot? They can. The Otterhound has a loud, melodious voice and is quick to use it when excited, when a scent is found, or when something unusual appears.

How much exercise does an Otterhound need? Expect one to two hours of activity a day, including long walks and as much swimming and free-running as possible.

Are Otterhounds easy to train? No. They are intelligent but independent and stubborn, so training needs patience, consistency, and plenty of positive rewards.

Do Otterhounds like water? Enormously. They were bred to hunt in rivers, and their webbed feet and water-resistant coat make them superb, enthusiastic swimmers.

How much do Otterhounds shed? A great deal. The dense double coat sheds year-round and needs brushing several times a week to keep it free of loose hair and tangles.

Are Otterhounds rare? Very. Only a few hundred are registered worldwide, so puppies are scarce and responsible breeders often have long waiting lists.

What health problems affect Otterhounds? The breed is prone to hip dysplasia, bloat, an inherited bleeding condition called canine thrombopathia, and occasionally epilepsy.

Are Otterhounds good guard dogs? No. They greet strangers as potential friends, and while they look imposing, their gentle nature makes them hopeless protectors.

How long do Otterhounds live? The typical lifespan is 10–13 years, which is quite good for such a large, heavily built breed.