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> Index of every page on this site: [llms.txt](https://www.pedibase.com/llms.txt)
+4
Dogs
# The Otterhound: temperament, price, health, and breeders
United Kingdom
Large British scenthound, the Otterhound combines family gentleness, endurance and a natural talent for water.
Size LargeLife expectancy 10–12 yearsBudget ≈ €140/monthPuppy €1,200 – €2,000
[Find a breeder 6](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-otterhound) [ Compare with other breeds](https://www.pedibase.com/en/compare-dog-breeds?races=otterhound)
The right choice?
## Is this breed right for you?
[Find your ideal breed with our online quiz!](https://www.pedibase.com/en/choose-your-dog)
Families and children Good
Daily exercise needs Very high
Apartment living Fair
First-time owners Fair
Other pets Good
Tolerance of being alone Fair
Guarding instinct Fair
Strengths and weaknesses
- Affectionate: He is gentle and close to his family when he lives in an environment suited to his needs.
- Enduring: Selected for work, he copes well with long outings and sustained activities.
- Comfortable in water: His webbed feet and protective coat make him a dog that is naturally very skilled in aquatic environments.
- High exercise needs: He does not tolerate an overly sedentary life well and requires real daily exercise.
- Demanding training: His learning consistency must be high because he can be independent and not very obedient.
- Not ideal in an apartment: His large size and need for space make him more comfortable in an open setting.
- Ear monitoring: His long ears and his attraction to water require regular checks.
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- Active owners: It is suitable for people who like to walk for a long time and offer regular activities.
- Experienced owners: Its training and daily management are easier with an owner already used to dogs.
- House with outdoor space: It thrives more when it can enjoy a fenced garden in addition to outings.
Not recommended for
- Sedentary people: Its need for daily exercise is too great for a low-activity household.
- First-time adopters: The breed is not the easiest to start with due to its independence and its size.
- Small home with little time outside: A limited space without real outdoor outings does not meet its needs.
Meet the breed
## What does it look like?
1,75 mHuman
65 cmOtterhound
- Height at the withers
- 60–69 cm
- Weight
- 32–52 kg
- Coat
- Long, dense and harsh
- FCI group
- 6
- Origin
- United Kingdom
- Grooming
- Moderate grooming needs
## Photos and videos
See the Otterhound in photos and videos: coat colors, size, and distinctive expressions.
Origins
## Where does it come from?
Also called the Otter Dog, the Otterhound was developed in the United Kingdom for otter hunting, a discipline now prohibited. This selection shaped an enduring dog, capable of working on land as well as in water for long hours thanks to its webbed feet and its protective coat. The breed was definitively recognized by the FCI in 1974.
Appearance
## What does it look like?
The Otterhound is a large, solidly built dog, harmonious and powerful. It has a well-defined head, higher than it is wide, covered with a harsh coat with moustaches and a light beard, long drooping ears and a lively and kind look. Its long, dense and harsh coat is accompanied by an undercoat that effectively protects it from moisture.
Temperament
## Temperament and personality
The Otterhound is a well-balanced, affectionate and gentle dog with its family. A former hunting dog, it retains a strong taste for activity and work, while proving pleasant to live with on a daily basis when it benefits from a suitable environment. Its temperament combines sociability, energy and a certain independence.
Affectionate Playful
Living together
## Living with children and other pets
Active and playful, the Otterhound needs long daily outings and particularly appreciates natural environments as well as bodies of water. It can live in the city if it is really well exercised, but it thrives more in a home offering space and regular opportunities for exploration. Its daily life must include movement, stimulation and contact with its loved ones.
Training
## Training and socialization
The education of the Otterhound must begin early and be based on an approach that is both firm, calm and consistent. This dog does not respond to brutality and progresses better with patience, rewards and stable reference points. Regular work is important to channel its energy and prevent the establishment of undesirable behaviors.
Budget
## Price and budget for the Otterhound
The Otterhound is a rare breed, which strongly influences its availability and the cost of acquisition. The price depends mainly on the quality of the breeding, the pedigree, health monitoring, and the rarity of the available litters.
[See cost breakdown](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/otterhound/price)
Health
## Health at a glance
The Otterhound is generally a robust and hardy dog, but like many large breeds it requires careful monitoring of the musculoskeletal system, the ears and digestion. An active lifestyle, well-controlled weight and regular veterinary follow-up help to maintain its good overall condition.
[Prevention and things to watch for](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/otterhound/health)
Nutrition
## Feeding your pet well
The Otterhound needs a complete, high-quality diet, adapted to its age, size and activity level. Its ration must support an athletic dog without promoting overweight, with particular monitoring of digestion.
[Our feeding advice](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/otterhound/food)
Did you know?
## Fun facts and popularity
The name Otterhound literally means otter hunting dog. The breed is known for its webbed feet, its remarkable ease in water and its ability to swim for a long time. Today having become rare, it remains highly appreciated by enthusiasts of large rustic and versatile scenthounds.
FAQ
## Frequently asked questions about the Otterhound
Answers to common questions from future owners before their new companion arrives.
### Is the Otterhound a good family dog?
Yes, it is generally gentle and affectionate with its family, but its large size and need for activity require a well-organized environment.
### Can the Otterhound live in an apartment?
It is not the ideal setting for it. It can adapt only if its exercise needs and daily outings are very well met.
### Is the Otterhound easy to train?
Its training requires consistency and some experience, as it can be independent. A positive, firm, and consistent method gives the best results.
## Find a Otterhound breeder
The areas where Pedibase lists the most Otterhound breeders, along with their litters and typical prices.
### Otterhound breeders by country
[4 breeders of Otterhound in Germany](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-otterhound/germany) [1 breeder of Otterhound in the Netherlands](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-otterhound/netherlands) [1 breeder of Otterhound in Switzerland](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-otterhound/switzerland)
[All breeders of Otterhound in France](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-otterhound)
## Ready to welcome a Otterhound?
Find a registered, verified breeder near you and meet your future companion with confidence.
[View breeders](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-otterhound)
## Discover other breeds
[Black and Tan Coonhound
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/black-and-tan-coonhound)
[Basset Hound
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/basset-hound)
[Bloodhound
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/bloodhound)
[Irish Water Spaniel
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/irish-water-spaniel)
[English Foxhound
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/english-foxhound)
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