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England•hound
Otterhound
vulnerableGood with KidsGood with Pets
Amiable, boisterous, and even-tempered. Otterhounds are rare, shaggy scent hounds with webbed feet and a love of water.
Weight36-52 kg79.5-114.5 lbs
Height61-69 cm24-27"
Lifespan10-13 yrs
Overview
Personality and care at a glance
AmiableBoisterousEven-temperedFriendlyClownish
Height
61-69 cm24-27"
Weight
36-52 kg79.5-114.5 lbs
Lifespan
10-13 yrs
Breed Traits
Size
Large - Size category based on typical adult weight
Energy Level
Active - needs regular exercise and mental stimulation
Trainability
Independent thinker - requires patience and creativity
Grooming
Regular grooming - weekly brushing
Barking
Frequent barker
Attachment Style
How much this breed typically wants to be near their people versus enjoying time on their own.
IndependentHighly Dependent
Balanced companionship
Size Comparison
🧍
Human~6ft / 183cm🐕
Otterhound61-69 cm24-27"Compatibility
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Good Fit
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Things to Consider
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Exercise
Activity requirements for Otterhound
high energy60-90 min/day
The Otterhound is energetic and requires substantial daily exercise. Plan for dedicated activity time to prevent behavioral issues from pent-up energy.
1-2 hours daily with swimming opportunities
Recommended Activities
Moderate intensity
Long Walks/Hikes
Extended walks or hiking adventures to burn energy.
45-60 min
Moderate intensity
Swimming
Low-impact but excellent full-body workout.
20-30 min
High intensity
Running/Jogging
Running alongside you for cardiovascular exercise.
20-30 min
High intensity
Active Play Sessions
High-energy games like fetch, frisbee, or tug-of-war.
20-30 min
High intensity
dog Sports
Agility, flyball, or other organized activities.
30-45 min
Grooming
Coat care and maintenance for Otterhound
Moderate Carefur coat
Otterhounds need regular grooming attention to maintain a healthy coat and prevent matting. Establish a consistent routine.
Regular Brushing
Brush 2-3 times per week to prevent tangles, remove dead hair, and keep the coat shiny and healthy. Increase to daily during seasonal shedding.
2-3 times per week
Bathing as Needed
Bathe every 1-2 months or as needed. Over-bathing can strip natural protective oils from the coat.
Every 1-2 months
Optional Professional Grooming
Professional grooming is optional for nail trimming, ear cleaning, and deshedding treatments. Many owners handle grooming at home.
As needed
Ear Cleaning
Check and clean ears weekly to prevent infections, especially in breeds with floppy ears.
Weekly
Nail Trimming
Keep nails trimmed to a comfortable length. Long nails can cause pain and affect gait.
Every 2-3 weeks
Training
Training approach for Otterhound
Independent Thinker
The Otterhound thinks for itself and may question why they should follow commands. Training requires creativity and understanding their motivation.
Best Approach
Understand that independence isn't disobedience - it's how they're wired. Find what motivates them (often not just treats) and make training feel like their idea.
Training Tips
Essential
Find Their Motivation
Discover what truly motivates them - it might be play, specific treats, or simply their own curiosity.
Essential
Keep It Interesting
Vary your training approaches and keep sessions unpredictable to maintain their interest.
Essential
Build Relationship First
A strong bond makes them more willing to cooperate. Focus on relationship before commands.
Recommended
Respect Their Nature
Don't expect robot-like obedience. Appreciate their unique personality while establishing boundaries.
Common Challenges
- May ignore commands they find pointless
- Can be selectively obedient
- May need 'what's in it for me' motivation
- Recall can be challenging
Nutrition
Feeding guidelines for Otterhound
Large Breed2 meals$61-153/month
Large breeds need careful nutrition management, especially during growth. Controlled growth and joint support are key priorities.
Feeding Tips
Large Breed Formula
Use foods specifically formulated for large breeds, especially during puppyhood for controlled growth.
Joint Support
Look for foods with glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health throughout life.
Don't Overfeed puppies
Rapid growth stresses developing joints. Large breed puppies should grow slowly and steadily.
Consider Bowl Placement
Some large dogs benefit from elevated food bowls for comfortable eating posture.
Important Considerations
- Rapid puppy growth increases risk of joint problems
- Higher risk of bloat - avoid exercise right after eating
- Prone to obesity in less active individuals
Health
Common health conditions to watch for in Otterhound
1
High Risk
3
Common Issues
Understanding breed-specific health risks helps you provide better preventive care. Regular vet checkups and health screenings can catch many issues early.
High Risk Conditions
Common Issues
This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult with your veterinarian about your pet's specific health needs.
Ownership costs
Estimated expenses for Otterhound
Monthly costs
Food
$61-153
Insurance
$38-89
Supplies
$17-35
Monthly total
$116-277
Annual costs
Veterinary care
$492-828/yr
Parasite prevention
$432/yr
Annual total
$924-1,260/yr
Estimates based on 2024-2025 research, adjusted for Otterhound's size. Actual costs vary by location and provider.
Regional insights
Local factors affecting pet ownership costs in United States
- •Pet industry expenditure reached $152B in 2024, projected $157B for 2025
- •66% of households own pets (86.9 million homes)
- •Pet CPI continues to outpace general inflation
What's not included
- •Initial adoption/purchase fees
- •One-time equipment purchases (beds, bowls, leashes)
- •Emergency veterinary surgeries
- •Boarding/daycare services
Sources
5 references for Otterhound
American Kennel Club Breed Information
Registry·American Kennel Club
Hip Dysplasia in Dogs
Veterinary·Orthopedic Foundation for Animals
Canine Health Information Center - Otterhound
Health·OFA-CHIC
Bloat in Dogs
Veterinary·American Kennel Club
Seizures in Dogs
Veterinary·American Kennel Club
Information sourced from breed registries, veterinary organizations, and peer-reviewed research