Otterhound
The Otterhound is a large, distinctive hound breed with a fascinating history rooted in medieval hunting traditions.
Originally developed to track and hunt otters along British waterways, these remarkable dogs retain the physical and behavioural traits that made them excellent working animals.
25-34kg
Weight
Large
Size
12-14yrs
Lifespan
About the Otterhound
Today, they make engaging and affectionate family companions for those with the space and lifestyle to accommodate their needs. Physically imposing yet gentle, Otterhounds are instantly recognisable by their powerful, muscular build, weathered facial features including a characteristic beard and moustache, and notably webbed feet that reflect their aquatic heritage. Their medium-length double coat is waterproof and dense, providing protection in wet conditions whilst requiring regular grooming and tolerating moderate shedding. Temperamentally, these hounds are friendly, good-natured, and playful, though their independent streak and scent-driven instincts mean they can be wilful at times. They thrive with experienced dog owners who understand hound behaviour and can provide consistent training, mental stimulation, and substantial daily exercise, ideally exceeding two hours. Otterhounds are best suited to active households with access to spacious gardens or rural settings where they can safely explore and satisfy their natural instincts. With proper care, training, and an appropriate environment, they become loyal, entertaining companions.
Otterhound at a Glance
⚠ Vulnerable Native Breed
The Otterhound is listed as a Vulnerable Native Breed by the Royal Kennel Club, meaning fewer than 300 puppies of this breed are registered each year in the UK. These are British and Irish breeds at risk of disappearing simply because not enough people know they exist. Choosing one of these breeds helps keep an important part of our heritage alive.
- Group
- Hound
- Size
- Large
- Weight
- 25–34 kg
- Height
- 51–61 cm
- Lifespan
- 12–14 years
- Coat
- Medium
- Sheds
- Yes
- Exercise
- More than 2 hours per day
- Typical price
- £800–£1500
Otterhound Lifestyle
The Otterhound does best with plenty of indoor space and needs access to a large garden. They are happiest in a more rural environment.
Dog Food for Otterhound
Top-rated foods for Large breeds, ranked by FurScore. How we score →
Recommended Food for Otterhound
Otterhound Food Costs
Estimated based on a typical Otterhound weighing around 30 kg, using the food prices shown above.
Per day
£5.22 - £5.57
Per month
£157 - £167
Per year
£1906 - £2032
Otterhound Characteristics
The Otterhound is built for activity and needs owners who can keep up and is eager to please and takes to training naturally. They are brilliant with children, but cope with some alone time if properly settled. The coat requires moderate upkeep and produces a reasonable amount of loose hair. They are a highly intelligent breed that needs mental stimulation as well as physical exercise.
Otterhound Pros & Cons
Pros
- Naturally gentle and patient, they get on well with children of all ages
- Their distinctive webbed feet make them strong swimmers and well-suited to water work
- Relatively easy to maintain, with a coat that doesn't demand too much attention
- Generally calm and not given to excessive or unnecessary barking
Cons
- Large and boisterous, so they need secure, spacious living arrangements to thrive
- Their independent streak makes them a poor fit for inexperienced owners
- Recall can be unreliable once a scent catches their attention
- The beard needs regular cleaning to prevent matting and food build-up after meals
