Otterhound

Otterhound Grooming Profile

Otterhounds are large, shaggy-coated scent hounds that reach full maturity by age two. They feature a waterproof double coat with moderate shedding, necessitating weekly brushing and regular beard care. As high-energy, independent dogs, they require significant exercise and consistent training. Not hypoallergenic, their maintenance involves managing their robust size and rapid puppy growth with frequent, high-quality meals.

Breed Group

Hound Dogs

Country of Origin

United Kingdom

Breed Size

Giant

AKC Recognition

Yes, recognized in 1909

FCI Recognition

Yes, recognized in 1954

Allergy-friendly

Worst Choice

4 / 10

Shedding

Moderate

6 / 10

Grooming need

30 mins/week

10 / 10

Low-maintenance

Hard

2 / 10

Size

Large

9 / 10

Growth timeline

2-3 years

7 / 10

Grooming FAQ

Are Otterhound hypoallergenic or allergy-friendly?

Otterhound are considered to have moderate allergy-friendly tendencies. They possess a double coat coat that has moderate shedding. Their grooming needs are moderate.

Allergy-friendly: 4 / 10

Do Otterhound shed?

Otterhound have a double coat coat with moderate shedding. Overall, their shedding level is considered moderate. Regular grooming is recommended to manage loose hair.

Shedding: 6 / 10

How often should you groom a Otterhound?

Check and clean their long, floppy ears regularly to prevent infections, especially after swimming. Checking and cleaning their long, floppy ears regularly to prevent infections, especially after swimming.

Grooming need: 10 / 10

Are Otterhound low-maintenance dogs?

Otterhounds have high exercise needs, requiring approximately 1.5 to 2 hours of activity per day. They have high exercise needs, requiring approximately 1.5 to 2 hours of activity per day.

Low-maintenance: 2 / 10

How big do Otterhound get?

Otterhounds are large, athletic dogs with a sturdy build. They typically weigh 80-115 pounds and stand 24-27 inches tall.

Size: 9 / 10

When do Otterhound stop growing?

Otterhounds typically reach their full adult height between 18 and 24 months of age. However, they are slow-maturing and often continue to fill out, gain muscle, and broaden in the chest until they are fully mature at approximately 2 to 3 years old.

Growth timeline: 7 / 10

How much should a Otterhound eat?

Adult Otterhounds typically require 3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food daily, split into two meals. Adjust their portions based on their specific energy levels, age, and weight to avoid obesity.

Feeding amount: 4 / 10

How often should a Otterhound puppy eat?

Otterhound puppies start at 3-4 meals per day, and should transition to two meals daily by 6 months of age. While they start at 3-4 meals per day, they should transition to two meals daily by 6 months of age.

Puppy feeding frequency: 4 / 10

Vet Insights

Otterhounds are large, shaggy-coated scent hounds that reach full maturity by age two. They feature a waterproof double coat with moderate shedding, necessitating weekly brushing and regular beard care. As high-energy, independent dogs, they require significant exercise and consistent training. Not hypoallergenic, their maintenance involves managing their robust size and rapid puppy growth with frequent, high-quality meals.

Dr. Vojtech Gabriel
Reviewed by
Dr. Vojtech Gabriel
DVM · PhD · MBA
VeterinarianResearcherDog breed specialist
Verified