Pet Wiki

Otterhound

Rare breedFCI group 6Short profile

From England (Great Britain).12

At a glance the quick version

Weight, male52 kg32
Weight, female36 kg32
Height, male69 cm13
Height, female61 cm13
Lifespan10 to 10.2 years42
Sizelarge

AKC gives approximate weights of about 115 lb (52 kg) for males and 80 lb (36 kg) for females; the FCI standard sets no weight.

amiable and even-tempered
superb scenting nose
strong swimmer with webbed feet
134

Coat and looks how to spot one

rough double coat

A shaggy, weatherproof coat of coarse hair about 4-8 cm long over a softer undercoat, both slightly oily to shed water. The large, broad feet are webbed so the hound can swim strongly.134

Coloursgrizzlesandyredwheatenblueblack and tanblue and tanother hound colours13

Personality what they are like

A friendly, easy-going and rather boisterous hound with a big, deep voice. It follows its nose with great persistence and is good-humoured with people.13

Daily activity how busy a day looks

High. The Royal Kennel Club recommends more than two hours of exercise daily; it enjoys long walks and a chance to swim.4

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Brush more than once a week to keep the rough coat in order; it is kept natural and not trimmed for the show ring, and it sheds steadily.41

Home where they are happiest

Best in a large house with a garden in a rural setting, according to the Royal Kennel Club.4

Company who they like around

A pack hound by heritage that is sociable and gets along well with people and other dogs.14

The story where it all began

Hounds of this type were used in Britain to hunt otters, and dogs resembling the modern breed are recorded in north-west England in the early 1800s, later refined with French griffon blood. When the otter became a protected species in Britain in 1978 the hounds lost their job, and the breed has since been kept going by devoted enthusiasts.241

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    Webbed feet are a requirement in the FCI standard, which says the webbing must be visible on both front and back feet.1

  2. 2

    Its coat is naturally a little oily, helping it stay waterproof on long swims.1

  3. 3

    The breed first appeared at a dog show in Leeds in 1861.2

  4. 4

    It is often described as Britain's most endangered native breed, with only 41 new registrations reported in 2016.2

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed's name comes from its original purpose: hunting otters in medieval England. The Otterhound was bred to track and pursue otters in the water, using its webbed feet and oily, waterproof coat. [royalkennelclub.com](https://www.royalkennelclub.com/breed-standards/hound/otterhound/) [akc.org](https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/otterhound/)5

Name ideas for your new friend

SplashBrambleHoneyDukePuddlesRoverBiscuitMollyOtterBarkleyWilburDaisy

A day in the life told by an Otterhound

I wake up to the smell of damp earth and wriggle my nose. After a good stretch, I follow my favorite scent trail through the garden, past the muddy puddle I love. I splash in the stream, chase a floating leaf, then trot home for a belly rub. Later, I curl up by the fire, dreaming of otters and long walks. A perfect, muddy day.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI
Standard no. 294, Group 6 (Scenthounds and related breeds), Section 1.1 Large-sized hounds; standard dated 13.10.2010.1
The Royal Kennel Club
Hound group; listed as a vulnerable native breed.4
AKC
Hound Group; current standard approved 10 October 1995, effective 30 November 1995.3

How many 6002

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for an Otterhound. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Otterhound, and at what times?

Feed your Otterhound at least two meals a day, as adult dogs do best with regular feeding times. Puppies need three to four smaller meals daily. Follow the food label for amounts and check with your vet for a schedule that suits your dog.6

What should an Otterhound eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for your Otterhound's age and activity level. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts. Always avoid these and consult your vet for a complete list.7

How often should I bathe an Otterhound?

Furry Diary's starting plan suggests bathing every 56 days, but the ASPCA recommends at least once every three months. Bathe more often if your Otterhound gets very dirty or has skin issues. Use a gentle dog shampoo to preserve the coat's natural oils.8 Pet Wiki plan

How often does an Otterhound need brushing?

Brush your Otterhound more than once a week to keep the rough, double coat in good condition. The coat sheds steadily and should be kept natural, not trimmed. Furry Diary's plan suggests weekly brushing.14 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim an Otterhound's nails, and how often?

Trim nails every 28 days or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part inside). If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for guidance.8 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does an Otterhound need?

This breed has high exercise needs, with the Royal Kennel Club recommending more than two hours daily. Your Otterhound enjoys long walks and a chance to swim. Furry Diary's plan includes daily walks and play.4 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after an Otterhound's teeth and ears?

Brush your Otterhound's teeth two to three times a week using dog toothpaste, never human toothpaste. Check ears weekly, especially the floppy ones, and dry them gently without pushing anything into the ear canal. Furry Diary suggests daily tooth brushing and weekly ear checks.8 Pet Wiki plan

How long does an Otterhound live?

An Otterhound typically lives around 10 years. With good care, regular vet checkups, and a healthy lifestyle, they can enjoy a full life. Senior years usually start around age 7.42 Pet Wiki plan

Is an Otterhound good with children and other pets?

Yes, this breed is friendly, easy-going, and good-humoured with people. They are sociable and get along well with other dogs, thanks to their pack hound heritage. Always supervise interactions with young children and other pets.134

Can an Otterhound be left alone?

Otterhounds are sociable and enjoy company, so they may not do well left alone for long periods. They are best in a large house with a garden in a rural setting. If you must leave them, provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation beforehand.14

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. FCI Standard N° 294 Otterhound fci.beused for recognition, height, coat, colours, temperament, feet
  2. Otterhound - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for history, lifespan, population, fun facts
  3. AKC Official Standard of the Otterhound images.akc.orgused for height, weight, coat, colours, temperament
  4. Otterhound - The Royal Kennel Club royalkennelclub.comused for group, exercise, grooming, lifespan, habitat, history
  5. royalkennelclub.com royalkennelclub.com
  6. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  7. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  8. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.