Dog breed profile
Otterhound
A detailed profile covering characteristics, everyday care and linked health conditions.
Quick facts
Typical guide only; individual needs vary.
Profile description
The Otterhound is a large British scent hound developed to track and hunt otters in rivers and across rough countryside. Most adults stand around 61 to 69 centimetres tall and weigh approximately 36 to 52 kilograms. The breed has a powerful body, large webbed feet, long hanging ears and a rough, water-resistant double coat.
It also has a deep, carrying voice and an exceptionally strong sense of smell. Otterhounds are typically friendly, independent, energetic and good-natured. Their pack-hound background means they often enjoy people and other dogs, although they may be less responsive to commands than breeds developed for close cooperation. They are strong swimmers and can follow scent trails over land or through water for long distances.
Their prey drive may make them unsafe around smaller pets or wildlife, and their large size, muddy coat and drooling can be challenging in a highly ordered household. The Otterhound is extremely uncommon and is best suited to active owners with secure space who understand scent-hound behaviour. The Otterhound's typical energetic, independent qualities are most constructive when household rules are predictable and desirable behaviour receives regular reinforcement. Because movement can trigger the Otterhound's chase response, calm exposure and physical management around wildlife and smaller pets remain important even after good training.
Before choosing an Otterhound, prospective owners should consider adult temperament, activity and handling needs as well as appearance. Responsible selection of an Otterhound should consider stable temperament, functional structure and documented health history alongside colour, coat and outward breed type. A prospective Otterhound owner should plan for a high activity commitment and double-coat maintenance, while allowing for the breed's energetic and independent manner.
First-time dog owner tips
Practical preparation for welcoming this breed into your home.
Care requirements
The Otterhound benefits from at least one to two hours of daily exercise, including long walks, swimming, tracking activities and controlled running in a secure area. The dog should usually remain on lead outside fenced locations because a scent trail may override recall. Build the Otterhound's weekly routine around several forms of movement rather than repeating one route, and include lower-intensity recovery after unusually demanding activity. Mental work for an Otterhound can come from scent searches, food puzzles, cooperative handling and short training problems matched to the dog's confidence and physical ability. Increase duration and impact gradually in a young or previously unfit Otterhound; fatigue, altered gait or reluctance should prompt rest and assessment instead of forced completion.
Secure fencing should be strong and checked for gaps or digging points. Training should use positive reinforcement, food rewards and varied sessions. Recall, lead manners and calm behaviour are important, although physical management remains essential.
The rough double coat should be brushed and combed several times a week to prevent matting and remove debris. The beard should be cleaned after meals and drinking. Long ears should be inspected frequently for moisture, wax, redness or infection, especially after swimming. Teeth should be brushed regularly and nails kept short.
A complete diet should maintain a lean body condition. Meals should be divided, and vigorous activity avoided around feeding times because the breed is deep-chested and vulnerable to bloat. Regular veterinary examinations should monitor hips, elbows, eyes, ears and bleeding or clotting health. Care requirements for a senior Otterhound should be reviewed as mobility, senses and recovery change; shorter sessions, better footing and easier access can preserve independence without removing enrichment. Seek veterinary advice promptly if an Otterhound develops breathing difficulty, collapse, severe pain, repeated vomiting, inability to urinate, sudden weakness or a rapidly worsening change in behaviour.
Conditions linked to this breed
Elbow Dysplasia
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Epilepsy (Idiopathic, Primary or Inherited Seizures)
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Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (GDV, or “Bloat”)
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Hip Dysplasia
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Osteochondrosis
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General dog health conditions
These conditions can affect dogs generally and are not presented as conditions specifically associated with this breed.
Cataract [Cloudiness of the Lens of the Eye]
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Diabetes Mellitus
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Hypothyroidism
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Otitis Externa (Ear Infections)
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Pancreatitis
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