Otterhound
A large, rough-coated British scenthound bred to hunt otter in water. Boisterous, friendly and affectionate, but independent, vocal and needing serious exercise.
Overview
A large, rough-coated British scenthound bred to hunt otter in water. Boisterous, friendly and affectionate, but independent, vocal and needing serious exercise.
Good to know — a Otterhound is 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.
Temperament & family fit
In general, a Otterhound is good with children and sociable with other dogs. They tend to be a vocal / alert barker, and as a guide they are better with some experience. Early socialisation, reward-based training and supervision around young children make all the difference.
- Families with children of all ages
- Owners ready for consistent training
- Active homes with plenty of space
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
Coat upkeep is regular brushing and shedding is moderate. Brush regularly (a few times a week) to keep the coat healthy and remove loose hair.
- Brush several times a week
- Bathe every few weeks or as needed
- Check ears, nails and teeth weekly
Feeding considerations
Like any dog, a Otterhound should get most of its nutrition from a complete, balanced dog food suited to its size and life stage. Portions scale with body weight and activity, so a large breed will eat a fair amount compared with other breeds — follow the food’s feeding guide and your vet’s advice, and weigh portions to avoid creeping weight gain. Treats should make up no more than about 10% of daily calories.
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
Similar breeds
Labrador Retriever
The UK’s most popular family dog — friendly, biddable and brilliant with children, but needs proper exercise.
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Golden Retriever
Gentle, eager-to-please and devoted — a classic family companion that thrives on company and exercise.
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German Shepherd
A loyal, courageous and highly trainable working dog that needs experienced handling and plenty to do.
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Boxer
A bouncy, playful and devoted family dog that stays puppy-like for years — and needs the exercise to match.
View breed guide →Frequently asked questions
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 a 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.
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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.