Otterhound

• ExerciseModerate

  A daily walk plus some playtime hits the spot.

• GroomingBrush a few times a week

  Brushing several times a week prevents mats.

• Living spaceHouse with room

  Does best with room to move and a yard.

• Owner experienceFor experienced owners

  Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• Commitment10–13 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Hip dysplasia · Bloat (GDV) · Ear infections

The Otterhound is one of the rarest breeds in the world — with fewer individuals than giant pandas — a large, shaggy, webbed-footed scent hound built to swim and hunt otter, with a magnificent rumbling bass voice. Friendly, boisterous, good-humoured and hardy, it is affectionate and easygoing with its family and gets on well with other dogs, but it is very much a working water-hound: it has real stamina, loves to swim, follows its powerful nose single-mindedly (recall is unreliable), and is independent and cheerfully stubborn. It needs a great deal of daily exercise, a securely fenced yard and on-lead walks, plus patient, positive, food-motivated training, and it is loud. The rough, oily, water-resistant double coat needs regular brushing to prevent matting, plus cleaning of the beard and long ears. As a large breed the Otterhound has a moderate lifespan of around ten to thirteen years and real risks: buy from one of the few reputable breeders, and be aware of hip and elbow dysplasia, bloat and gastric torsion (feed measured meals from a raised bowl and rest after eating), ear infections and a bleeding disorder in the breed. Give an Otterhound serious exercise, swimming, secure containment and patient training, keep the coat and ears clean, and this rare, jolly water-hound will be a devoted companion for ten to thirteen years.

• How much exercise does a Otterhound need?

  Moderate. A daily walk plus some playtime hits the spot.

• How much grooming does a Otterhound need?

  Brush a few times a week. Brushing several times a week prevents mats.

• Is a Otterhound suited to apartment living?

  House with room. Does best with room to move and a yard.

• Is a Otterhound a good fit for first-time owners?

  For experienced owners. Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• How long do Otterhound live?

  10–13 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the Otterhound?

  Keep an eye out for Hip dysplasia, Bloat (GDV), Ear infections. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

Be the first to join this community!