Otterhound
The Otterhound is a rare British scenthound with a rough, waterproof coat and webbed feet, originally bred to hunt otters in rivers and streams.
Personality Traits
History and Origins
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undefinedIs a Otterhound Right for You?
undefinedLiving with a Otterhound
Otterhounds are friendly, boisterous dogs who love everyone. They are good with children, other dogs and even cats if raised together. They are not suited to tidy homes - they are messy drinkers, their beards trail through everything and they love mud and water. They need space and are not suited to flat living.
Training Tips
- Use positive methods with patience - they can be stubborn
- Start recall training early - their nose leads them astray
- Accept that perfect obedience is unlikely with this breed
- Secure fencing is essential - they are determined escapers
- Channel their scenting ability with trailing and tracking activities
Temperament
Friendly, boisterous and independent. Otterhounds are amiable dogs who love life and everyone in it. They are not the easiest breed to train, following their nose rather than commands. They have a deep, melodious bay that carries far. They are even-tempered and rarely aggressive.
Exercise Needs
At least 60-90 minutes of exercise daily. They love swimming and will seek out any water. They enjoy long walks in the countryside and have great stamina. They are scent-driven so walks involve a lot of sniffing. They need secure areas as they will follow interesting scents over any obstacle.
Grooming
The rough, double coat needs brushing two to three times per week. The coat should not be clipped as it provides waterproofing. The beard gets wet and dirty and needs regular cleaning. They can have a distinctive hound smell. Regular ear cleaning is important as their long ears are prone to infection.
Health
Prone to hip dysplasia, bloat, epilepsy and a bleeding disorder called Glanzmann thrombasthenia (unique to the breed). Ear infections are common due to their pendulous ears. Regular health screening is recommended. Average lifespan 10-13 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
How rare are Otterhounds?
Extremely rare - they are one of the most endangered native British breeds. Fewer than 600 Otterhounds exist worldwide, with only around 40-60 puppies born in the UK each year. They are rarer than giant pandas. The breed declined after otter hunting was banned in 1978.
Are Otterhounds messy?
Yes, they are famously untidy dogs. Their beards soak up water and trail through food. They love mud and water and will happily roll in anything unpleasant. Their rough coat picks up debris. If a tidy home is important to you, an Otterhound is probably not the right choice.
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