Breed History:

The Otterhound is a rare and ancient British breed developed specifically for hunting otters in medieval England. With records dating back to the 12th century, it was traditionally used by the nobility for tracking and eliminating otters, which were once considered a threat to fish populations in rivers. The breed was developed from a mix of scent hounds, including the Bloodhound and various French griffons, giving it an exceptional nose and stamina in water.

Following the ban on otter hunting in the United Kingdom in 1978, the breed's numbers declined dramatically. Today, the Otterhound is considered one of the rarest dog breeds in the world but remains highly valued for its friendly temperament, remarkable scenting ability, and versatility as an active family companion.

Today, the Otterhound is admired as a loyal family companion, exceptional tracking dog, and versatile scent hound known for its endurance, intelligence, and outstanding swimming ability.

If you want to learn about other scenthound breeds, check out our page "Different Scenthound Dog Breeds".

Size – Large

Life Expectancy: 10–13 years

Breed Appearance:

The Otterhound is a large, rugged, and strongly built dog with a distinctive shaggy appearance.

The breed commonly features:

• Large, slightly domed head
• Long, strong muzzle
• Dark brown or hazel expressive eyes
• Long, low-set pendant ears
• Deep, broad chest
• Strong, muscular neck
• Straight, sturdy limbs
• Long tail carried in a gentle upward curve

Its dense, rough, double coat is weather-resistant and protects the dog while working in cold water and rough terrain.

Common coat colours include:

• Black and tan
• Wheaten
• Grizzle
• Liver
• Blue and tan
• Red
• White with coloured markings

Many colour combinations accepted for hounds are recognised.

The breed also has large, webbed feet, making it an exceptionally powerful swimmer.

Breed Type – Scent Hound:

The Otterhound is an intelligent, friendly, and determined scent hound.

It is known for being:

• Loyal
• Friendly
• Intelligent
• Independent
• Playful
• Energetic

The breed forms strong bonds with its family and is generally excellent with children and other dogs. It possesses an exceptional sense of smell and retains strong hunting instincts.

Training:

The Otterhound is intelligent but independent due to its scent-driven nature.

Training should focus on:

• Early socialisation
• Positive reinforcement methods
• Basic obedience training
• Reliable recall training
• Leash manners
• Scent-based enrichment activities

The breed excels in:

• Tracking
• Scent work
• Search and rescue
• Water-based activities
• Hunting
• Canine sports

Consistent, reward-based training helps maintain engagement while managing the breed's independent streak.

Health & Care:

The Otterhound is generally healthy but may be prone to several health concerns, including:

• Hip dysplasia
• Elbow dysplasia
• Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat)
• Ear infections
• Epilepsy
• Thrombasthenia (a rare inherited bleeding disorder)

Routine veterinary care, responsible breeding, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight help support long-term health.

Living Conditions:

The Otterhound thrives in homes with ample space and opportunities for exercise.

Ideal environments include:

• Houses with large, securely fenced yards
• Rural or suburban homes
• Active families
• Experienced dog owners
• Homes with access to lakes, rivers, or hiking trails

The breed prefers living indoors with its family but is not well suited to apartment living due to its large size and high activity level.

Exercise:

The Otterhound has high exercise requirements.

Recommended activities include:

• Long daily walks
• Hiking
• Swimming
• Tracking games
• Scent work
• Mental enrichment activities

Regular physical activity and opportunities to swim help maintain the breed's physical and mental well-being.

Grooming:

The rough double coat requires moderate maintenance.

• Brushing two to three times per week
• Occasional bathing
• Regular ear cleaning
• Nail trimming
• Routine dental care

The breed sheds moderately throughout the year.

Advantages:

• Loyal and affectionate family companion
• Outstanding scent-tracking abilities
• Excellent swimmer with webbed feet
• Friendly with children and other dogs
• Hardy and adaptable working breed
• Excels in scent work and outdoor activities

Disadvantages:

• Requires extensive daily exercise and mental stimulation
• Strong scent drive may lead to wandering if off leash
• Can be stubborn and independent during training
• Moderate grooming requirements
• Prone to ear infections due to long ears
• Rare breed with limited availability and not well suited to apartment living