​Despite a deliberate, unhurried manner at times and captivating clownish demeanor, the Otterhound possesses great intelligence and an innate ingenuity.  He seems to be a fantastic problem solver when motivated by his own interests especially when food might be involved.  One owner reported her dog was able to open the refrigerator and the oven and most can figure out how to get ice from the front of a refrigerator dispenser. With a big personality, he excels at getting his “people” to do his bidding.  It may be through mental telepathy or sad eyes he asks for a tasty morsel at the table or manages ever so grandly to hurl his 100 pounds into your lap!  You will discover quickly that your Otterhound thinks of himself as a small lapdog!

​Whether walking in the rain, digging to the other side of the planet or resting on your couch, the Otterhound will inspire you to all sorts of emotions from aggravation at his not so tidy ways to becoming a kaleidoscope of amusing configurations, all cleverly orchestrated to win us over. And win us over he does. Boisterous and sociable in nature, the even tempered Otterhound is extreme in her loyalty to master and family but she should quickly make friends after announcing the arrival of strangers.  Some say the Otterhound will happily share the location of all family valuables!  Don't count on your Otterhound to be a guard dog.

Personality and Physical Traits

Personality Traits

What this means for you

• Amiable, Boisterous and Even-tempered
  
  

• Gets along well with people and other dogs and pets. 
• Good with children if exposed at young age
• Loves to be a lap dog. 
• Not a good guard dog.

• Sensitive and stubborn nature
  
  

• Takes punishment or reprimand to heart.
• Can be stubborn and conveniently “hard of hearing”.

• A scent hound
  
  

• Otterhounds were bred to trail game.
• Their keen nose can lead them into dangerous

        situations such as the path of a speeding car.

• They are safest in an enclosed area.

• Pack mentality

• A single Otterhound may not do well left alone for long periods.
• For working owners, the company of another dog

       is the next best thing to having you there.

• Moderate activity level. Prone to boredom.

• Healthy, trim Otterhounds have good energy levels.

 

• Older Otterhounds are content to snooze away the afternoon in a patch of warm sun.

    

• Otterhounds require plenty of exercise to keep them mentally stimulated

Physical Traits of the Otterhound

Traits

Comments

• A large, hefty dog

• The Otterhound is a large, rough-coated hound with an imposing head showing great strength and dignity.
• It has a strong body and long striding action fit for a long day’s work.

• A rough coated dog

• A wash-and-wear dog, who may be bathed as frequently as needed with the beard needing more frequent attention.
• A  weekly brushing will prevent matting which could lead to discomfort for the hound.

• Growing puppies have special needs
  
  

• Growing puppies should never be over-exercised because joints are still in the formation stage and continual trips up and down stairs and long walks may cause permanent damage.  Running with an Otterhound should not be done until the hound is fully mature.
  

• Otterhounds may be suspicious of things new and different.

• Otterhounds may require assistance getting in or out of a car especially as a puppy. 
• Give your Otterhound an opportunity to gain confidence in new situations.

• Long ears need cleaning.  Nails need trimming.

• Like all dogs with long ears, your Otterhound needs to have his ears checked regularly for hair in the ear canals and possible ear infections.  Nails also need regular care
  

Otterhounds enjoy the company of other dogs.

This puppy is experiencing bubbles for the first time.