Otterhound
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Find Otterhound BreedersGet to Know Otterhounds
- Most Endangered: The Otterhound is one of the most endangered dog breeds in the world, with fewer than 600 dogs existing globally.
- Webbed Feet: Otterhounds have large, webbed feet that enable them to swim powerfully through water.
- Incredible Nose: Their scenting ability is so refined they can detect otter scent on objects that a trail passed 12 hours earlier.
- Royal Packs: English monarchs including Henry II, Elizabeth I, and Charles II kept packs of Otterhounds for otter hunting.
Breed History
The Otterhound is a large, rough-coated English scenthound developed in medieval England for hunting otters—which were considered pests that depleted fish stocks. The breed's ancestry likely includes Bloodhounds, various water spaniels, and rough-coated terriers. Otterhounds were kept in packs by the English nobility. When otter hunting was banned in England in 1978, the breed's purpose disappeared, and it became one of the most endangered dog breeds. Fewer than 600 Otterhounds exist worldwide.
Personality and Behaviour
- Friendly & Boisterous: Otterhounds are gregarious, boisterous dogs with a great sense of fun. They are friendly with everyone.
- Independent & Stubborn: They are scenthounds first—once on a scent, they follow their nose and not their owner's commands.
- Vocal: They have a deep, melodious bay that carries for miles. They are not quiet dogs.
- Good-Natured: They are kind, good-natured dogs that get along with people, children, and other dogs.
Care
- Exercise: About 45 to 60 minutes of daily exercise. Swimming is their favorite activity. They also enjoy walks and exploring on lead.
- Grooming: Their rough, double coat needs brushing two to three times weekly. They can track in significant water and mud. Clean ears regularly—their pendant ears are prone to infections.
- Diet: Feed a high-quality food for large breeds. They are not particularly food-driven but should have measured portions. Avoid exercise immediately after meals.
- Health: Watch for hip dysplasia, bloat, epilepsy, and a rare bleeding disorder (Glanzmann's thrombasthenia). Regular vet checkups support long-term health.
Otterhound Summary
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GroomingHow Much Does It Cost to Own an Otterhound Per Year?
Determining the cost of owning an Otterhound is essential for responsible dog ownership. Use our calculator to estimate expenses, including food, grooming, veterinary care, and more.
The Ultimate Dog Cost Calculator
Calculate NowFrequently Asked Questions About Otterhound
When you talk to a breeder, you're not just asking “do you have available Otterhound puppies?” You're looking for a match in the process of rehoming a dog. As a prospective dog owner, you are assessing how predictable the dog's health, temperament, and long-term welfare will be and whether the breeder's practices reduce avoidable risk.
You should engage in a conversation about the following topics:
- Which health tests and genetic screening do you do specifically for Otterhound, and can I see the results?
- What do you do if a puppy develops a serious genetic condition? What contract, policies and support do you offer as a breeder?
- How are puppies raised from birth to 8+ weeks? Ask about socialization, philosophies on early neurological development, handling, and exposure.
The real cost of a dog isn't just the puppy price. After year one, the cost of a dog includes the predictable annual costs + the unpredictable “risk costs.” Your goal is to make the cost legible before you commit, as one of the top causes of surrendering a dog is not being able to afford the dog in later years.
To help you assess these costs, Paction has created the Ultimate Cost Calculator. You can also read an article written by a Paction breeder on why a prospective dog owner should focus on the ongoing costs of dog ownership and not “how much” the puppy costs.
Every dog breed has certain health issues that tend to occur more often, but what matters most is how predictable and preventable those risks are. For many breeds, common concerns include inherited conditions (such as orthopedic, eye, or cardiac issues) as well as lifestyle-related challenges like weight management, dental health, skin or ear problems, and anxiety.
Responsible breeders help reduce inherited risk through appropriate health testing, careful selection of breeding pairs, and transparency about family history. To understand more about responsible breeding programs that prioritize health and genetic screening of breeding pairs, check out Making Science Simple: Canine Genetics for Puppy Shoppers.
As an owner, you play an equally important role. Consistent preventive veterinary care, proper exercise and enrichment, healthy nutrition, and early screening can significantly improve long-term health outcomes.
Whether an Otterhound is right for you depends less on the breed itself and more on how well its typical energy level, temperament, and care needs align with your daily life. Important factors include your schedule and activity level, living environment, household dynamics (such as children, other pets, or allergies), and tolerance for noise or independence. Long-term fit also comes down to maintenance like grooming, training needs, and how often you travel or rely on outside dog care.
Use Paction's Dog Breed Matchmaker and Pup Time Estimator to find out more about what dog is right for you.
