Otterhound
The Otterhound is described by the AKC as even-tempered, amiable, boisterous, a member of the Hound Group, originally from England.
Last updated: October 2026 · 5 sources · see sources
| Height | 27 inches (male), 24 inches (female) [1] |
|---|---|
| Weight | 115 pounds (male), 80 pounds (female) [1] |
| Life expectancy | 10–13+ years [1] |
| Temperament | Even-Tempered / Amiable / Boisterous [1] |
| AKC group | Hound Group [1] |
| Origin | England [1] |
| AKC popularity (2025) | No. 189 of 202 [2] |
Traits at a glance
Scores are the AKC's 1–5 breed trait ratings. [1]
Exercise needs
Otterhounds need mental as well as physical exercise. A large, securely fenced yard is a good beginning, but some hounds will lie under a tree in a fenced acre rather than self-exercise. Long walks to sniff the world and visit passersby are good for both owners and hounds. [1]
Grooming
While Otterhounds should be shown as naturally as possible, their coats do need brushing once or twice a week, depending on length and texture. A good slicker brush and medium comb work for this. The Otterhound's beard may need cleaning at the same time, since the dogs tend to drag them on the ground and store snacks in them. [1]
Health issues to budget for
Otterhounds are healthy for a large breed, and responsible breeders screen their stock for health conditions such as epilepsy and hip dysplasia, though even dogs with moderate hip dysplasia on radiographs may move very well for their entire lives. Like all large dogs, Otterhounds can experience bloat, a life-threatening condition where the stomach enlarges and sometimes twists. Owners should educate themselves about the signs of bloat and the action to take should it occur. [1]
AKC-recommended health tests for breeding dogs: Hip Evaluation, Elbow Evaluation, CHIC DNA Repository, Glanzmann's Thrombasthenia (Otterhound) (GT) - DNA Test. [1]
Estimated costs
| Item | Estimate | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Typical vet bill for a large dog (median $640) | $308 – $1,224 | [3] |
| Emergency visit, large dog | $698 – $1,580 | [3] |
| Surgery when needed, large dog | $541 – $3,903 | [3] |
| Yearly cost of a dog, any breed (ASPCA 2021) | $1,391 | [4] |
| Average accident & illness insurance, dog (US 2025) | $836/year | [5] |
Breed-specific price data is rare. These figures are for dogs of this size or for the conditions above, not a quote for your pet.
Did you know?
- The AKC first recognized the Otterhound in 1909. [1]
- It ranked No. 189 on the AKC's 2025 most-popular list, compared with No. 180 in 2015. [2]
- Its nickname is the “OH.” [1]
- The AKC lists England as the breed's country of origin. [1]
- The AKC breed page lists 4 recommended health screenings for breeding dogs, such as Hip Evaluation, Elbow Evaluation. [1]
Good fit for
- ✅ First-time trainers who want an eager learner (AKC trainability 4/5)
- ✅ People who want less dog hair at home (AKC shedding 2/5)
- ⚠️ Think twice: Close neighbors or thin walls: AKC rates barking 5/5
Common questions
How long do Otterhounds live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 10-13 years.
How big does a Otterhound get?
AKC breed information lists height 27 inches (male), 24 inches (female) and weight 115 pounds (male), 80 pounds (female).
How much are vet bills for a Otterhound?
Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For large dogs like the Otterhound, a typical vet bill runs $308 – $1,224 (median $640). The AKC notes health screening for this breed; see the cost guides linked on this page.