Otterhound characteristics
| Trait | Rating | How common |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | 32% of breeds |
| Energy level | Medium | — |
| Trainability | Medium | 48% of breeds |
| Friendliness | Very High | 22% of breeds |
| Good with children | Very High | — |
| Grooming needs | High | 20% of breeds |
| Shedding | Very High | 12% of breeds |
| Barking | Medium | 41% of breeds |
| Protectiveness | Low | 24% of breeds |
| Adaptability | Medium | 41% of breeds |
| Typical lifespan | 11 years | — |
| Hypoallergenic | No | — |
“How common” is the share of the 321 breeds we score that sit in the same band. Ratings describe the breed, not any individual dog.
Is the Otterhound right for you?
The Otterhound is a big, substantial dog that wants a roomier home and ideally a yard to move around in. In terms of temperament, it is renowned for its patience and gentleness with children and is not a natural guard and greets visitors warmly. Day to day, the Otterhound thrives on daily walks plus a bit of active play, which is the single biggest factor in whether it will suit your routine.
Exercise and daily routine
The Otterhound thrives on daily walks plus a bit of active play. With medium energy and medium athleticism, a consistent daily routine keeps this breed physically and mentally satisfied. Skipping exercise is the most common cause of problem behaviour, so match the Otterhound to a lifestyle you can realistically maintain.
Grooming, shedding and upkeep
The Otterhound needs plenty of coat work, including trips to a groomer and sheds constantly and keeps the vacuum busy all year. It is not considered hypoallergenic, so allergy sufferers should spend time around the breed first.
Temperament and training
The Otterhound trains reasonably well with regular positive sessions and gives voice moderately, typically when something warrants it. It tolerates being left alone for a normal working stretch if eased into it, so plan for company or gradual alone-time training if you work away from home. Early socialization and positive, reward-based training bring out the best in this breed.
What stands out about the Otterhound
Most breed descriptions call everything “loyal and intelligent”. These are the ratings where the Otterhound genuinely differs from the rest of the catalogue — the things worth knowing before you commit.
- Drooling: Medium — the Otterhound drools more than the typical breed, though not dramatically. Only 10% of breeds we score share this rating.
- Shedding: Very high — the Otterhound sheds more heavily than nearly every other breed we score. Only 12% of breeds we score share this rating.
- Grooming needs: High — the Otterhound needs more grooming than most breeds. Only 20% of breeds we score share this rating.
- Friendliness: Very high — the Otterhound is among the most sociable breeds we score. Only 22% of breeds we score share this rating.
What a week with a Otterhound actually costs you
| Exercise | About an hour a day of walking and play suits it. |
|---|---|
| Coat | Brushing several times a week, with professional grooming at intervals. |
| Time alone | Manages a normal working day if it is properly exercised and left something to do. |
| Noise | Average for a dog — it will bark at the door and at things it dislikes. |
Where the Otterhound fits — and where it does not
Each verdict below comes from the ratings in the table above, so you can check the reasoning rather than take it on trust.
| Household | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment living | Depends | Size alone rules out small flats, though the temperament can suit one. |
| Families with young children | Good fit | Very high child tolerance, and sociable with people generally. |
| First-time owners | Good fit | Medium trainability without an unusually strong will makes the learning curve forgiving. |
| Homes with cats | Good fit | Medium prey drive makes cohabitation straightforward in most cases. |
| Long working days | Depends | Medium independence, so time alone is less of a problem than for many breeds. |
| Allergy households | Poor fit | Very high shedding and no low-allergen coat recorded. |
Perfect for
- Water sports
- British breed enthusiasts
- Large properties
- Patient groomers
Things to consider
- Extremely rare breed
- Heavy shedding
- Large size
Not sure which breed is right for you?
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Find your perfect matchFrequently asked questions
- Is the Otterhound good with children?
- Yes — the Otterhound is known for being very good with children and makes an excellent family dog.
- Does the Otterhound shed a lot?
- The Otterhound has very high shedding.
- How much exercise does the Otterhound need?
- With medium energy, the Otterhound needs moderate daily exercise such as a good walk or two.
- How long does the Otterhound live?
- The Otterhound typically lives around 11 years.
- Can the Otterhound live in an apartment?
- The Otterhound is a larger breed and does better in a home with more space, though it can adapt with enough daily exercise.
- Is the Otterhound easy to train?
- The Otterhound trains reasonably well with regular positive sessions. Consistency, early socialization and reward-based methods work best.
- Can the Otterhound be left alone during the day?
- The Otterhound tolerates being left alone for a normal working stretch if eased into it. Build up alone time gradually and provide enrichment to prevent boredom.