Otterhound
A large, rough-coated British scenthound bred to hunt otter in water. Boisterous, friendly and affectionate, but independent, vocal and needing serious exercise.
Otterhound scorecard
Overview
The Otterhound is a large, rough-coated British scenthound, originally bred to hunt otter along rivers and so equipped with a powerful nose, a deep musical voice, webbed feet and a dense, oily, water-resistant coat. Standing around 61–69 cm and weighing roughly 30–52 kg, it is a big, boisterous, shambling dog with enormous stamina and a famously friendly disposition. Affectionate and sociable, the Otterhound bonds warmly with its family and generally gets on well with children and other dogs.
It is also one of the rarest native breeds in Britain and is among the most endangered dog breeds in the world, with only small numbers of puppies registered each year. The Otterhound is a wonderful companion for the right home, but it is an independent, vocal, exercise-hungry hound that needs space and an owner who appreciates its working nature. It is not a breed to take on lightly, both because of its demands and because every well-loved Otterhound helps keep a vanishing breed alive.
Good to know — a Otterhound needs plenty of space and better with some experience. Every dog is an individual, so meet a few and chat to a good breeder or rescue before deciding.
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History & origins
The Otterhound is an ancient British scenthound type, recorded in some form for many centuries and developed specifically to hunt otter in and along Britain's rivers, working in packs and entering cold water freely. Its rough double coat, webbed feet and deep bay all reflect this purpose. The breed declined sharply after otter hunting was banned in England and Wales (otters became legally protected in the late twentieth century), removing its original role.
Today The Kennel Club recognises the Otterhound and lists it among its most vulnerable native breeds; with very low annual registrations it is widely regarded as one of the rarest pedigree dogs in the world. Dedicated breed enthusiasts and clubs now work to preserve it.
Temperament & family fit
Otterhounds are typically amiable, even-tempered and affectionate, with a cheerful, somewhat clownish character. They are usually friendly with people, sociable with other dogs and good-natured with children, reflecting their pack-hound heritage. They tend to be devoted to their families and enjoy company.
That said, the Otterhound is an independent thinker with a powerful nose and a strong instinct to follow it. It can be stubborn, is often vocal with a loud, resonant bay, and may wander or become engrossed in a scent to the exclusion of its owner. These are endearing traits in the right context but require understanding and good management.
- Families with children of all ages
- Owners ready for consistent training
- Active homes with plenty of space
Training & intelligence
Training an Otterhound calls for patience, consistency and a good sense of humour. As an independent scenthound it is not naturally obedient in the way some working breeds are, and recall in particular can be unreliable once a scent takes hold. Reward-based methods, early socialisation and realistic expectations work far better than heavy-handed approaches.
Lead skills are important because the adult dog is large and strong, and a secure environment is essential since the breed will happily follow its nose for miles. Channelling the dog's love of scent and water into games and activities helps keep training engaging and the dog mentally satisfied.
- Start socialisation & handling early
- Reward-based methods only — no harsh corrections
- Channel energy into training games & enrichment
Exercise needs
A healthy adult Otterhound typically needs 90 minutes to 2 hours a day (roughly 90–120 minutes), split across walks, play and a little training. Higher-energy dogs also need their brains tired — sniffy walks, training games and puzzle feeding go a long way. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need adjusted amounts — check with your vet.
Grooming & coat
The Otterhound's rough, dense, slightly oily double coat is naturally weatherproof and benefits from regular brushing, roughly once or twice a week, to remove dirt, debris and dead hair and to prevent matting, particularly around the beard and feet. The coat should not be over-bathed or stripped of its protective oils. The beard tends to trap water and food and needs regular cleaning, and the ears, being long and pendulous, should be checked routinely.
- Brush several times a week
- Bathe every few weeks or as needed
- Check ears, nails and teeth weekly
Feeding considerations
Feed a complete, good-quality diet suited to the dog's age, size and high activity level, dividing the daily ration into more than one meal. Because the Otterhound is a large, deep-chested breed, bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus) is a recognised risk, so avoid vigorous exercise immediately before and after eating and watch for signs of a distended, painful abdomen. Monitor body condition to prevent excess weight, which would strain the joints, and provide constant access to fresh water.
Otterhound health & costs
Before bringing a Otterhound home it pays to budget for the whole picture — food, insurance, grooming and routine vet care all add up. The figures below are typical UK estimates for a healthy adult; your real costs vary with where you live, your dog's health and the cover you choose.
Food
£600–850 / year
Complete food sized to weight & life stage
Insurance
£35–62 / month
Lifetime cover — varies by age, breed & area
Grooming
£120–300 / year
Occasional pro + home brushing
Routine vet care
£200–450 / year
Vaccines, flea/worm, annual check
Otterhounds typically live around 10–13 years. As a large breed they can be affected by hip and elbow dysplasia, and breeders are advised to use the BVA/Kennel Club hip and elbow schemes. The breed is also recognised for an inherited bleeding disorder, Glanzmann's thrombasthenia, for which DNA testing is available, and for inherited risks of certain other conditions.
Because the population is so small, maintaining genetic diversity and careful health testing are particularly important in this breed. As with other deep-chested giants, bloat is a serious risk owners should be prepared for. Choosing a health-conscious breeder who follows Kennel Club guidance, and keeping the dog fit and lean, give the best chance of a long, healthy life.
Common health conditions to be aware of
- Hip dysplasia — a hereditary malformation of the hip joint; breeding stock should be hip-scored under the BVA/KC scheme.
- Elbow dysplasia — developmental elbow disease causing lameness; screened via the BVA/KC elbow scheme.
- Glanzmann's thrombasthenia — an inherited platelet bleeding disorder recognised in the breed, with DNA testing available.
- Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat) — life-threatening stomach twisting in deep-chested dogs; requires emergency treatment.
- Ear infections — the long, hanging ears and love of water predispose the breed to ear problems if not checked regularly.
- Hypothyroidism — an under-active thyroid can occur and is generally manageable once diagnosed by a vet.
These reflect typical, size- and coat-related risks for dogs like the Otterhound; individual breeds carry their own predispositions. Always buy from health-tested parents and speak to your vet — this isn't a diagnosis.
Protect against surprise bills
A single emergency can run into thousands. Lifetime insurance spreads the risk.
Estimate insurance →How pet insurance works →Puppy & senior care
Bringing home a Otterhound puppy
Puppies need controlled exercise (a rough guide is five minutes per month of age, twice a day) to protect growing joints, little-and-often meals of a complete puppy food, early socialisation, and a calm routine for toilet training and sleep. Book first vaccinations, microchipping and a vet check early.
New puppy checklist →Caring for a senior Otterhound
As they age, watch weight, joints and teeth, switch to a senior diet if your vet advises, keep exercise gentle but regular, and consider orthopaedic bedding and ramps. Twice-yearly vet checks help catch issues early — larger breeds age sooner, so start senior care from around 6–7 years.
Orthopaedic beds & mobility →Pros & cons
The good bits
- Friendly, affectionate and sociable
- Strong swimmer with great stamina
Things to consider
- Independent with a strong nose and big bay
- Large, boisterous and needs lots of exercise
Compare the Otterhound
See how the Otterhound measures up against similar breeds before you decide:
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Frequently asked questions
Why are Otterhounds so rare?
The Otterhound is one of the rarest native breeds in Britain and among the most endangered dog breeds in the world, with only small numbers of puppies registered each year. Because the population is so small, maintaining genetic diversity and careful health testing are particularly important. Prospective owners should expect a long wait, as so few puppies are bred annually.
Do Otterhounds really have webbed feet?
Yes. As a large British scenthound originally bred to hunt otter along rivers, the Otterhound is equipped with webbed feet, a dense, oily, water-resistant double coat and a powerful nose, all suited to working in and around water. The breed adores swimming, so safe opportunities to swim are an ideal part of its exercise routine.
How big is an Otterhound?
The Otterhound is a big, boisterous, shambling dog standing around 61–69 cm at the shoulder and weighing roughly 30–52 kg. With enormous stamina and a famously friendly disposition, it needs space and an active rural or semi-rural home. It is not a breed suited to small homes or to owners wanting a quiet, easily controlled companion.
Are Otterhounds good family dogs?
They can be wonderful family dogs in the right home. Otterhounds are typically amiable, even-tempered and affectionate, with a cheerful, somewhat clownish character, and are usually friendly with people, sociable with other dogs and good-natured with children. They are, however, large, vocal, exercise-hungry hounds, so they suit active households that appreciate their working nature.
Are Otterhounds easy to train?
Training calls for patience, consistency and a sense of humour. As an independent scenthound the Otterhound is not naturally obedient, and recall in particular can be unreliable once a scent takes hold. Reward-based methods, early socialisation and realistic expectations work best. A genuinely secure environment is essential, as the breed will happily follow its nose for miles.
How much exercise does an Otterhound need?
This is a high-stamina working hound needing plenty of daily exercise, well in excess of an hour for an adult, including long walks and ideally safe chances to swim. Secure, genuinely enclosed off-lead space is valuable given the strong prey and scent drive. Scent games provide good mental stimulation, and growing puppies need their exercise managed to protect developing joints.
What health issues affect Otterhounds?
Otterhounds typically live around 10–13 years. As a large breed they can be affected by hip and elbow dysplasia, so breeders are advised to use the BVA/Kennel Club schemes. The breed also carries an inherited bleeding disorder, Glanzmann's thrombasthenia, for which DNA testing is available. As a deep-chested giant, bloat is a serious risk owners should be prepared for.
Are Otterhounds good with children?
Good with children. As a general guide, Otterhounds tend to be patient and tolerant. Whatever the breed, always supervise dogs and young children and teach kids to interact gently.
How much exercise does an Otterhound need?
As a healthy adult, a typical Otterhound needs 90 minutes to 2 hours of exercise a day (90–120 minutes), split across walks plus play. Higher-energy dogs also need mental stimulation — sniffing, training games and puzzle feeders — to stay settled. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need less — ask your vet.
Do Otterhounds shed a lot?
Moderate shedding. Coat upkeep is regular brushing — brush regularly to keep the coat in good condition.
Are Otterhounds easy to train and good for first-time owners?
Better with some experience. Otterhounds are best for owners ready to commit to consistent training and plenty of activity. Reward-based training and early socialisation help any dog.
Do Otterhounds bark a lot?
Vocal / alert barker. They can be quite vocal, so early training and enough exercise and stimulation help keep barking in check.
Are Otterhounds good with other dogs?
Sociable with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.
Do Otterhounds suit flats or smaller homes?
Needs plenty of space. A Otterhound really needs plenty of space and a lot of daily activity — not ideal for a small flat.
Sources
- The Kennel Club — Otterhound breed information: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/breed-standards/hound/otterhound/
- The Kennel Club — Vulnerable Native Breeds: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/breed-standards/vulnerable-native-breeds/
- British Veterinary Association — Canine Health Schemes: https://www.bva.co.uk/canine-health-schemes/
- PDSA — Bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus) in dogs: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub/conditions/bloat-in-dogs
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Every dog is an individual — temperament and needs vary. Please research thoroughly, meet dogs in person, and consider adopting from a rescue. This is general guidance, not a substitute for advice from your vet or a qualified trainer.