Lily’s Second Chance

Otterhound Breed Guide: Size, Temperament, Grooming, Health and Adoption

Otterhound history and overview

Otterhounds were developed to hunt the large European otters, which were regarded as predators because they depleted fish. The Otterhound is a large, rough-coated hound. VCA Animal Hospitals notes that the first documented pack belonged to King John in 1212, and that the breed is probably older than that. The breed has never been popular, and VCA describes it as remaining perilously close to extinction worldwide. The American Kennel Club places the Otterhound in the Hound Group and lists England as its origin.

Otterhound size and weight

The American Kennel Club puts the Otterhound in its large size category. On height, the American Kennel Club publishes 27 inches for males and 24 inches for females, while the United Kennel Club gives ranges of 24 to 27 inches for males and 23 to 26 inches for females. On weight, the American Kennel Club publishes 115 pounds for males and 80 pounds for females, while the United Kennel Club gives 75 to 115 pounds for males and 65 to 100 pounds for females.

Otterhound personality and temperament: are Otterhounds friendly?

Both the American Kennel Club and the United Kennel Club describe the Otterhound's temperament as amiable, boisterous and even tempered. VCA describes a hound who is often easygoing, tolerant and affectionate, and who tends to get along with children, other dogs and other pets, though a quick chase of the cat may happen. The American Kennel Club rates family affection at the top of its scale and openness to strangers high. The American Kennel Club rates vocalization at the top of its scale, and VCA mentions a loud, melodious voice.

Otterhound grooming and shedding: do Otterhounds shed?

The American Kennel Club lists the coat as medium, double and rough, and rates both shedding and grooming frequency in the lower part of its scale. VCA advises brushing the coat at least once a week, trimming nails, keeping teeth clean and drying the ears after a swim to reduce the chance of bacterial infection. VCA also notes that the oily coat tends to smell doggy, that big hairy feet track in dirt, and that water drips from the beard after drinking. The United Kennel Club states that the breed is shown in a natural coat with no sculpting or shaping.

Exercise and activity needs

VCA says the Otterhound needs a long walk or a short romp in a secure area every day, and that she loves to add swimming to an outing. VCA advises keeping her on leash, since a dog following a scent trail may ignore calls entirely. The American Kennel Club rates energy in the middle of its scale.

Otterhound training

VCA describes the Otterhound as independent by nature, so obedience is not her strong point and she responds in her own time, though treats can speed things up. The American Kennel Club rates trainability on the higher side of its scale.

Otterhound health issues, health problems and life expectancy

VCA lists hip dysplasia and gastric torsion, also called bloat, among the breed's chief health worries, and describes the second as a stomach-twisting emergency that can be fatal. VCA suggests asking a breeder for proof of hip screenings and about any history of bloat in her lines. The American Kennel Club gives a general life expectancy of 10-13 years for the Otterhound.

Otterhound adoption and rescue dogs: what to ask

People considering Otterhound adoption or an Otterhound rescue dog may ask the placing organization about the dog's hip history and any signs of bloat, since VCA names these as the major health concerns. Because the American Kennel Club rates vocalization at the top of its scale and VCA notes a scent-driven independent streak, it helps to ask how a particular dog behaves around noise, leashes and open spaces.

AKC breed facts

These are the American Kennel Club’s general facts and 1 to 5 ratings for the Otterhound as a breed. General tendencies don’t establish any one dog’s ancestry, personality or health; ask the listing organization about the dog you are considering.

AKC group
Hound Group
AKC recognition year
1909
Height (AKC published)
27 inches (male), 24 inches (female)
Weight (AKC published)
115 pounds (male), 80 pounds (female)
General life expectancy
10-13 years
AKC size category
Large

AKC general breed ratings (1 to 5)

  • Energy: 3 of 5
  • Mental enrichment: 3 of 5
  • Trainability: 4 of 5
  • Grooming frequency: 2 of 5
  • Shedding: 2 of 5
  • Vocalization: 5 of 5
  • Drooling: 3 of 5
  • Adaptability: 4 of 5
  • Playfulness: 3 of 5
  • Watchful or protective tendency: 3 of 5
  • Affection toward family: 5 of 5
  • Openness toward strangers: 4 of 5
  • AKC child compatibility rating: 3 of 5
  • AKC dog compatibility rating: 3 of 5

Health screenings AKC lists for the breed

Breeding evaluations AKC names for the breed; they are not a diagnosis or a testing plan for any one dog.

  • Hip Evaluation
  • Elbow Evaluation
  • CHIC DNA Repository
  • Glanzmann's Thrombasthenia (Otterhound) (GT) - DNA Test

Source: American Kennel Club breed profile (opens in a new tab), retrieved November 4, 2026 (snapshot akc-2026-11-04).

Written by Lily's Second Chance with AI assistance from the sources listed under References. Facts were checked automatically against those sources on November 8, 2026.

References

Senior Otterhound dogs looking for homes

Each dog is listed by the shelter or rescue named on the card. Please confirm availability with them.