With its charmingly rough coat, booming voice, and webbed feet, the Otterhound is one of the most unique and endearing of all hound varieties. This large, amiable animal was originally developed to hunt otters in medieval England, a job it was perfectly suited for. Today, this animal is extremely uncommon, but it has found a new purpose as a lively and loving family companion for those lucky enough to share their lives with this magnificent creature.
Otterhound Dog Breed Facts
This is a large scent hound with a history stretching back centuries. This hunting variety was developed in England to control the otter population. Today, this good natured dog is one of the rarest types. In fact, there are fewer than 1,000 of these animals in the world. For more information on the pedigree and standard, you can visit the Kennel Club website.
Vitals and Life Span
Height
~24-27 inches
Weight
80-115 pounds
Life Span
10-13 years
AKC Group
Hound
Personality Traits
Ratings (1–5). This big dog is known for its amiable and goofy disposition, but its coat care needs are high.
History and Origins
This animal’s story is one of purpose-driven development. It was originally bred to hunt otters, a task that required a unique set of skills perfectly suited for land and water.
Medieval Origins
The ancestors of this large hound date back to medieval England. Landowners maintained otterhound packs to hunt otter and protect their fisheries. This was its primary purpose for centuries.
The Golden Age of Otter Hunting
Otter hunting with packs of these canines was a popular field sport in England from the 19th century until the mid-20th century. The variety was perfected during this time for its stamina and scenting ability in water.
The Ban and Decline (1978)
In 1978, otter hunting was banned in England. With its job gone, the breed’s numbers plummeted, and it became an endangered breed. This animal found itself on the path to becoming extinct.
Modern Preservation
Today, this is an extremely rare variety. Dedicated enthusiasts and the Otterhound Club of America are working to preserve this unique animal. This breed only accounts for a tiny fraction of all registered purebreds.
Physical Characteristics
This is a large dog with a distinctively rugged and shaggy appearance, built for a life of activity in and out of the water. The breed characteristics are all geared towards its original function as an aquatic hunter.
Coat and Color
They have a dense, oily double coat that is water-resistant. The topcoat is crisp and rough, while the undercoat is woolly. Common colors include grizzle or black and tan.
Unique Features
One of the most notable features of this animal is its large webbed feet, perfect for swimming. They also have a large head with long, pendulous ears and a keen nose designed for tracking scents in water.
Understanding This Hound’s Temperament
This animal’s temperament is a wonderful combination of a hardworking canine and a lovable, goofy companion. They are known for being boisterous and having a great sense of humor, but prospective owners should understand their scent hound instincts.
💖 Amiable and Good-Natured
These animals are famously friendly and even-tempered. They are not a one-person animal and tend to love everyone they meet. They make great family companions and are typically patient with children.
🗣️ Vocal Communicators
This type of hound has a deep, melodious bay that they love to use. They will “talk” to their owners with a series of grumbles, groans, and bays. This is not a quiet animal.
🧠 Independent Thinker
As a scent-trailing animal, this one was bred to think for itself while on a trail. This independence can translate to stubbornness during training. A good dog training book can help owners with this smart but sometimes willful animal.
🌊 Water Lovers
True to their name, these animals enjoy water. They are powerful swimmers and will happily dive into any available body of water, from a lake to a muddy puddle.
Otterhound Health Issues
While generally a robust large variety, this animal is prone to certain health conditions that potential owners should be aware of. Because the breed is rare, responsible breeding practices are crucial for its long-term health. For a full overview of breed health, it’s wise to consult a source like VCA Animal Hospitals.
🔴 Serious Concerns
Bloat (GDV): Like many large, deep-chested canines, this one is prone to bloat, a life-threatening condition.
Glanzmann’s Thrombasthenia (GT): A rare inherited bleeding disorder. Reputable breeders will test for this, and identifying affected dogs is crucial before breeding.
🟡 Moderate Concerns
Hip & Elbow Dysplasia: These large canines can develop joint problems due to their large size.
Epilepsy: Seizure disorders can occur in this line of hounds.
Megaflex Complete Nutritional Supplement for Joint Care
Essential for a large variety like the Otterhound, which is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia. This supplement supports joint health and mobility, which is crucial for such a big animal.
View on AmazonOtterhound Grooming Guide
The Otterhound care routine requires a significant commitment, especially when it comes to coat maintenance and exercise. This is not a low-maintenance animal. Much of their care is centered around their unique coat and high energy levels. Training Otterhound puppies from an early age is vital.
Exercise Requirements
Daily Activity
The exercise for the adult Otterhound should include at least an hour of activity per day. They are built for stamina, not speed, so long walks or hikes are ideal.
Best Activities
These animals enjoy swimming, hiking, and scent work activities. Properly trained and socialized, they can be good companions at a dog park.
Grooming Otterhound: The Shaggy Coat
Grooming this animal is a major task. Their shaggy, dense coat needs a thorough brush at least once a week to prevent painful mats. They are also messy, often getting food and water in their beards.
MalsiPree Pet Grooming Brush for Dogs/Cats, 2 in 1 Deshedding Tool
A high-quality grooming brush is non-negotiable for this variety. This tool will help you manage their thick, shaggy coat, prevent matting, and keep their skin healthy. It’s a must-have for any Otterhound owner.
View on AmazonNutrition & Diet
A high-quality dog food is essential for maintaining the health of this large, active animal. The breed requires a diet formulated for large breed dogs to support their joints and energy needs throughout their life.
Feeding Guidelines
- Puppies: An Otterhound puppy needs a large-breed puppy formula to support controlled growth and prevent joint issues.
- Adults: Feed a high-quality, AAFCO-approved dog food. Because the breed is prone to bloat, it’s best to feed them two or three smaller meals per day rather than one large one.
- Expert Advice: For more detailed information, consult our comprehensive dog food guide.
Finding a Puppy
Finding an Otterhound is a challenge, as this variety is extremely uncommon. The cost can be high. Prospective owners must be patient and prepared to work with the small community of dedicated enthusiasts who are preserving this wonderful hound.
Rescuing an Otterhound
- Extremely Rare: It is highly unlikely that an Otterhound will be found in a general shelter.
- Breed Club Rescue: The best chance of finding a rescue is through the Otterhound Club of America’s rescue program.
- Patience is Key: You may need to wait a significant amount of time for a rescue to become available.
Finding a Reputable Breeder
- The Breed Club: The Otterhound Club of America is the primary resource for finding a responsible breeder. They maintain a list of members who adhere to a code of ethics.
- Expect a Waitlist: Due to the low number of these hounds, there are very few litters born each year. Be prepared to be on a waiting list.
- Health Testing: A good breeder will be transparent about breed health and provide proof of health screenings for conditions like hip dysplasia and GT.
Consider rescue first — you can save a life!
Famous Hounds of this Breed
While individual animals are not typically in the limelight, the breed’s history is filled with famous packs and dedicated individuals who shaped its legacy. The most unique honor goes to the first lady Master of Otterhounds, a prestigious title.
Notable Masters and Packs
Throughout history, various packs like the Dumfriesshire Otterhounds gained fame. The title “Master of Otterhounds” was a position of great respect in the world of English country sports, held by men and women dedicated to the breed. You can learn more about their history from resources like The Otterhound Club (UK).
Otterhound FAQs
What is an Otterhound?
The Otterhound dog breed is a large, shaggy scent hound from Great Britain, originally developed to hunt otter. Known for its webbed feet, oily double coat, and incredible sense of smell, it is now one of the rarest dog breeds in the world.
Are these good family pets?
Yes, these canines can make great family companions for the right household. They are amiable, good-natured, and boisterous animals that get along well with children and other pets. However, their large size and high energy levels mean they need plenty of space and an active family.
How much grooming does this animal require?
This variety has high grooming needs. Their dense, shaggy coat requires a thorough brush at least once a week to prevent mats and tangles. They are also known for being messy drinkers and for tracking mud and water into the house.
Why is this dog breed so rare?
Because the breed is rare, puppy training classes are not widely available. This is an endangered breed primarily because its original purpose, otter hunting, was banned in the UK in 1978. With the end of organized packs, the numbers dwindled dramatically.
Making the Right Choice
This is a truly special variety, but it is not the pet for everyone. This large dog requires a serious commitment to grooming, exercise, and patient training. For those who can provide what this boisterous animal needs, the reward is a loving, loyal, and endlessly amusing companion. Owning one of these hounds is also a commitment to being a custodian of one of the rarest dog breeds in the world.
