Scent hound Large size 30-52 kg
Otterhound
A big, shaggy, good-natured scent hound with huge exercise needs; rare, independent, and not a flat dog.
Match with your household
See match detail → Quick overview
Large
Size
30-52 kg, 58-69 cm at the shoulder
High
Activity
High; needs long daily exercise
Moderate
Alone-time tolerance
Handles moderate alone time
Challenging
Trainability
Independent and easily distracted by scent
Moderate
Coat care
Rough double coat needs regular care
Good
Fit with kids
Good-natured with children
Moderate
Other pets
Sociable with dogs; prey drive to small pets
Moderate
Health burden
Dental disease; hip dysplasia; bloat (GDV)
The Otterhound typically weighs 30-52 kg, stands 58-69 cm, and lives 10-13 years.
Consider this breed if…
you can give 1-2 hours of daily exercise, ideally with swimming,
you want a rare, good-natured, even-tempered family hound,
you have a securely fenced yard - the nose leads them off,
you can handle a big, shaggy, sometimes muddy and messy dog.
Do not consider this breed if…
you live in an apartment or lack space for a large active hound,
you want quick off-leash reliability - the nose wins,
you cannot cope with a loud, deep bay and an independent streak,
you want a low-shedding, tidy, easy-to-groom dog.
A typical day with a Otterhound
- 6:30 · MorningLong walk or swim, 45-60 min
- 9:00 · MidmorningRest and a chew after breakfast
- 12:30 · NoonSniffy exploration walk on leash
- 16:00 · AfternoonYard time or scent games
- 18:30 · EveningSecond walk or a swim
- 21:00 · NightSprawls out and sleeps deeply
Family and environment
Kids Good
Gentle and tolerant with children.
Dogs Good
Pack hound, usually enjoys other dogs.
Cats Conditional
Prey drive; risky unless raised together.
Apartment Unsuitable
Too big and active for flat living.
House with a yard Suitable
Needs a large, securely fenced yard.
City Manages
Possible with lots of exercise; better with space.
Countryside Ideal
Room to roam and swim suits it best.
Health data provided by RealVetCost Overall health burden Moderate
Detailed health data - inheritance, prevalence, course, and typical treatment costs - lives in a separate expert database. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice - confirm any decision with your vet.
View the full health profileTop health concerns
Dental disease Routine brushing and cleanings help
Hip dysplasia Screen breeding stock and manage weight and activity
Bloat (GDV) A surgical emergency; a preventive gastropexy is an option
Chronic ear infections Keep ears clean and dry
Similar breeds - by reason
Not visually similar - similar in what they mean for you.
Bigger scent hound, same nose-led focus
Bloodhound
The ultimate tracking nose in a gentle giant - loving with family, but drooly, stubborn, prone to bloat and one of the shorter-lived large breeds.
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Large French pack hound alternative
Grand Blue Gascony Hound
A tall, deep-voiced French scenthound with real stamina and a strong nose - best for owners who can give it serious daily work.
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Lower-energy scent hound for calmer homes
Basset Hound
A gentle, low-slung scenthound that is wonderful with kids but stubborn on the trail and prone to ear, back, and weight issues.
View profile →Frequently asked questions
How much does an Otterhound cost in the US?
This is one of the rarest breeds in the world, so expect long waitlists and few litters a year; puppies commonly run $1,500-$3,000 when available, often with travel to collect one. Over a 10-13 year life, feeding a large dog plus routine care typically adds $15,000-$25,000 or more, and a major issue like bloat surgery or hip treatment can add thousands.
Are Otterhounds rare?
Yes, extremely. Only a few hundred exist worldwide and litters are uncommon, so plan for a waitlist, a possible import, and patience. Availability, not price, is the main hurdle.
Do Otterhounds need a lot of exercise?
Yes. They were bred to work all day and need 1-2 hours of vigorous daily activity, ideally including swimming. Without it they get bored, vocal and destructive.
Are Otterhounds good family dogs?
Generally yes - they are famously good-natured and patient with kids. The catch is their size, mess, loud bay and independent nose, which suit an active rural or suburban home far better than a small quiet one.