Otterhound Dog Breed

Thinking of getting an Otterhound Dog and want to know if an Otterhound is suitable for your household?

Use the Otterhound information on this website to learn more about adaptability, health issues, life span of Otterhound and more.


Otterhound Breed Facts

Otterhound Facts

  • Name: Otterhound
  • Other Names: None
  • Origin: United Kingdom
  • Breed Group: Hound (AKC:1909)
  • Breed Type: Purebred


Otterhound Dog Facts

Otterhound Information

The otterhound is a large dog with a somewhat stocky build, slightly longer than tall, not exaggerated in any way, enabling it to trot at a slow, steady pace for long distances without tiring. Its coat, which consists of a rough, coarse outer coat combined with a soft wooly slightly oily undercoat, is essential for protecting it from brambles and cold water. It has a fairly large nose and muzzle, allowing ample room for olfactory receptors. Its large feet provide traction over rough and slippery terrain. This is a strong athletic breed that can withstand harsh weather and long strenuous hunts. Its expression is open and amiable, reflecting its temperament. The otterhound is noted for its steadfast pursuit of its quarry despite the roughest of conditions. It has an acute sense of smell and can trail unerringly through running water and over all sorts of terrain.

As a pack hound, the otterhound is amiable with other dogs. As a hunter, it has an innate urge to follow the trails of mammals. Once on the trail, it is determined, single-minded and nearly impossible to dissuade from its task. Even though the otterhound's job was not to kill its quarry, it will nonetheless give chase to small animals. The otterhound loves to hunt, sniff, trail and, especially, swim. At home it is boisterous, amiable and easygoing (although stubborn), affectionate with its family, and quite good with children. Because the otterhound was never traditionally kept as a pet, it is not among the most responsive of breeds. However, the otterhound is a low-key dog that can function as a quiet companion.

What to do if you lose your Otterhound

If your Otterhound Dog or any other pet has gone missing and it does not have an identification tag with a phone number, you can:

1. List your missing pet details at Pet Reunite website here.

2. Report the lost pet on the Local Lost Pets Facebook Groups Here.

3. Visit the nearby vet clinics to see if anyone has handed in your lost pet.

4. Contact the RSPCA or Visit the RSPCA Lost Pets website and complete a Lost Pet Report.

5. Visit Lost Pets Pages of Animal Shelters.

What to do if you find a lost Otterhound

If you find a Otterhound Dog or any other pet and it does not have an identification tag with a phone number, you can:

1. List the found pet details at Pet Reunite website here.

2. Register the missing pet on the Local Facebook Lost Pets Groups.

3. Contact the Local Council to collect the lost animal.

4. Take the animal to the local Animal Pound near to your area.

5. Take the animal to the local Vet who can scan the animal’s microchip and contact the registered pet owner.

Laws Regarding Missing Pets

1. It is against the law to keep any animal that you find.

2. Pets are generally considered property and it is illegal to take and keep someone else’s property.

3. You must contact your local animal control unit and file a FOUND AN ANIMAL report for any dog or cat you find.

4. To reclaim your lost dog, cat or other pet from the animal shelter you must pay a release fee.

5. If your dog or cat is unregistered, you will have to register your pet before you can take it home.