Hound Group

Otterhound

Otterhound is a giant dog in the Hound Group. Adult weight is 115 lb (male), 80 lb (female), height is 27 in (male), 24 in (female), and the listed lifespan is 10–13 years. AKC describes the temperament as Even-tempered, Amiable, Boisterous.

Last reviewed November 1, 2026.

Otterhound dog
Photo: Author unknown, photograph taken in 1879 · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons
Lifespan10–13 years
Weight115 lb (male), 80 lb (female)
SizeGiantGroupHound Group

Height

27 in (male), 24 in (female)

Energy

3 / 5

Shedding

2 / 5

Grooming

2 / 5

Trainability

4 / 5

Good with kids

3 / 5

The breed record

Across 36 single-size giant breeds, a lifespan midpoint of 11.5 years is about 1.3 years longer than the 10.2-year average. A midpoint adult weight of 97.5 lb is about 18.5 lb lighter than the 116 lb average for those giant breeds.

The listed origin is England. The coat is described as double, rough, medium. The AKC energy score is 3 out of 5, 0.7 points below the group average of 3.7 for the Hound Group. Shedding scores 2 out of 5, so loose hair is limited. Grooming scores 2 out of 5, so home brushing covers most weeks. Trainability scores 4 out of 5, which is a biddable score. Good with children scores 3 out of 5. Good with other dogs scores 3 out of 5. AKC ranked this breed number 189 in 2025.

Adult size is usually reached in up to 24 months (size-band statement (Salt et al. 2017): larger breeds require up to 24 months). AKC parent-club recommended health screenings: Hip Evaluation, Elbow Evaluation, CHIC DNA Repository, and Glanzmann's Thrombasthenia (Otterhound) (GT) - DNA Test. These are screening tests, not a list of diseases the breed is guaranteed to develop.

Frequently asked

Questions from the breed record

The verified adult weight for a Otterhound is 115 lb (male), 80 lb (female).

Sources

More Hound Group breeds

All Hound Group breeds

More giant breeds

All giant dog breeds

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