Longevity
Life expectancy
The life expectancy of the Otterhound is generally between 10 and 12 years. This longevity is respectable for a large-sized dog provided that appropriate activity, a quality diet and regular monitoring of the joints and digestion are maintained.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
Well-built and hardy, the Otterhound tolerates exertion well and cool climates. Its natural robustness does not rule out vigilance regarding certain hereditary predispositions and the risks linked to its morphology as a large active dog.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
Particular attention must be paid to the joints, ear health and the risk of gastric dilatation-volvulus. Monitoring is all the more important because the breed is rare and a serious breeder must be able to document the health of the breeding dogs.
Hip dysplasia: A joint malformation that can cause pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility, especially with age or excess weight.
Elbow dysplasia: This elbow condition can cause lameness, discomfort during exertion, and arthritic progression.
Gastric torsion: A serious digestive emergency in large dogs, promoted in particular by large meals and exercise around feeding times.
Thrombocytopathy: A clotting disorder that can increase the risk of bleeding and requires veterinary advice if suspected.
Sebaceous cyst: An accumulation of sebum under the skin, most often benign but to be monitored if the lesion grows or becomes inflamed.
Otitis: Its long ears and its fondness for water can promote moisture in the ear canal and infections.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
The Otterhound tolerates cold well thanks to its protective coat and its undercoat. It tolerates high heat less well and must then have shade, fresh water and activities limited to the mildest hours.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
The breed shows a moderate tendency to gain weight if exercise decreases or if rations are poorly adjusted. It is useful to regularly monitor the body shape, to weigh the ration and to avoid any intense physical activity just before and just after meals to also limit the digestive risk.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Regularly monitor the ears, especially after swimming or a wet outing.
- Maintain a stable weight to protect the joints.
- Consult promptly in case of a swollen belly, agitation, or an ineffective attempt to vomit.
- Request joint follow-up if lameness appears.
Vaccination
Otterhound vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Otterhound need? Like all dogs, Otterhounds should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Otterhound vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on their lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All animals |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughDepending on lifestyle Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisDepending on lifestyle Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult Otterhound booster shots are given annually for leptospirosis and rabies. For distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog's actual risk.
Which boosters does your Otterhound need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing well
Adopting a healthy Otterhound
Orthopedic monitoring of the hips and elbows is relevant, with regular monitoring of the ears in this dog that loves water. In the event of a breeding project or family history, evaluation of coagulation disorders also deserves to be discussed with the veterinarian.
This information is for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
