Hound Group · Purebred · Britain's magnificent shaggy river hound — one of the world's rarest breeds, with webbed feet and a waterproof coat built for otter hunting
Watch this video for a quick overview of the Otterhound — see the breed in action before diving into the details below.
The Otterhound is one of the oldest, rarest, and most distinctive of all British hound breeds — a large, shaggy, deeply devoted dog bred specifically to hunt otter in the rivers and streams of medieval England. With its extraordinarily dense, rough, oily double coat (water-resistant enough to work in cold water for extended periods), large webbed feet ideal for swimming, and a nose capable of following an otter's underwater scent trail across a river, the Otterhound is uniquely adapted to aquatic hunting in a way no other breed can match. The breed has been documented in England since at least the 12th century, with some historians suggesting connections to ancient French hound breeds brought over after the Norman Conquest.
Otter hunting was practiced in England for centuries, partly because otters were considered a pest that depleted fish stocks from rivers and streams important to the food supply. Packs of Otterhounds were maintained by dedicated masters of otterhound packs, hunting the riverbanks in summer when foxhunting was out of season. When otter hunting was banned in England in 1977 (the European otter having become endangered), the primary purpose for the Otterhound's existence disappeared almost overnight — and the breed fell into drastic decline. Today the Otterhound is one of the rarest breeds in the world, with some years seeing fewer than 50 puppies registered in the UK and fewer than 400 total estimated worldwide. The breed's large size, need for space, and shaggy coat that requires significant maintenance have limited its appeal as a companion breed, and dedicated breed enthusiasts are working urgently to ensure its survival.
Real Otterhounds — browse photos showcasing their look, size, and personality.
Otterhounds are known for being driven by instinct — scent or sight. They form deep bonds with their families and thrive on consistent human connection. They strike a good balance — lively enough to enjoy playtime and adventures, but calm enough to settle indoors when the day is done.
Otterhounds can be trained with patience and consistency, though they may occasionally test boundaries. They are typically gentle and patient with children, making them a reliable family companion.
Otterhounds need regular daily exercise to maintain a healthy weight and an even temperament. They are versatile companions who enjoy active outings but are equally content to relax at home after their needs are met.
Otterhounds have a distinctive wiry, rough coat that benefits from hand-stripping to maintain its correct texture and weather-resistant properties. Clipping changes the coat texture over time and removes the protective outer layer.
Otterhounds have an independent side that can make training a test of patience. They are intelligent, but they may decide when (or if) they want to cooperate. Harsh corrections make this worse — they simply disengage.
High-value food rewards, very short sessions, and variety are your best tools. Consider working with a professional trainer who has experience with independent breeds. Once they understand what's expected, they can be reliably trained.
Otterhounds are generally robust dogs but like all breeds they carry some genetic predispositions. Responsible breeders screen breeding stock for the most common conditions, significantly reducing risk in puppies from health-tested parents.
A Otterhound fits well with families or individuals who can provide moderate daily exercise and consistent companionship. They adapt reasonably well to various living situations as long as their exercise and social needs are met. Not ideal for owners away from home for long hours without a pet care solution in place.
Otterhounds need consistent, well-portioned meals matched to their life stage. Overfeeding is one of the biggest health risks for any dog — use these guidelines and adjust based on your dog's activity level and body condition.
These are general guidelines for a giant-breed dog. Always check the feeding instructions on your specific food brand, and adjust based on activity level and body condition score.
Look for dog foods where the first ingredient is a named protein — chicken, beef, salmon, or lamb. Giant-breed formulas are calibrated for their metabolism and nutritional needs.
These common human foods can be toxic — even life-threatening — for dogs. Keep them safely out of reach at all times.
Always bring your Otterhound's regular food when boarding. Switching food suddenly can cause digestive upset. Provide the facility your exact feeding schedule and portion sizes.
The upfront cost of a Otterhound is just the beginning. Here's a realistic breakdown of what to expect — both to acquire one and to own one for their lifetime.
Beyond the purchase price, owning a Otterhound costs between $200–$400 per month on average. Here's where the money goes:
Over a 7–10 year lifespan, a Otterhound typically costs between $18,000–$35,000 total — depending on health, lifestyle, and the services you use.
Pet insurance is worth considering for any breed. Buying before your dog turns 1 gives the best rates and fewest pre-existing condition exclusions. Compare 2–3 providers before committing.
Because Otterhounds have such wonderful traits, they're a popular choice for intentional mixed breeding. Here are the most common — and most loved — Otterhound crosses.
Otterhound × Labrador. Two water-loving, deeply affectionate large breeds — a shaggy, devoted family companion with love of swimming and generous heart.
Two of Britain's great scent hounds united — extraordinary nose with the Otterhound's rough coat and the Bloodhound's legendary tracking determination.
Two rough-coated British working breeds — Airedale spirit and versatility with the Otterhound's gentle, clownish affection in a large package.
Otterhound × Golden Retriever. Shaggy, sweet, water-mad — combining the Otterhound's unique coat and swimming ability with Golden warmth.
Otterhounds are full of surprises. Here are some of the most fascinating, funny, and heartwarming facts about this breed.