Character & Temperament

The Otterhound is a fascinating mix of friendliness and independence. He is naturally friendly and usually gets along well with people and other dogs. Its origins as a hunting dog gave it a certain tenacity and endurance that can still be seen in its character today. Because of his heritage as an otter hunter, the Otterhound loves the water. If you have a yard with a pond, or live near a lake or river, your Otterhound will likely take every opportunity to take a swim. This can be a wonderful way to provide your dog with exercise and activity, especially in the warmer months. The Otterhound is quite independent and often has a mind of its own. That doesn't mean he doesn't enjoy spending time with his family, but he's also happy when he's alone. This breed can learn to stay alone without causing problems, but it is important that they receive enough mental and physical stimulation to avoid boredom. Hunting and prey-catching behaviors are often pronounced in otter dogs. If he smells or sees something interesting, he may forget everything else and rush off. Therefore, it is important that you keep him in a safe environment and train him to control this behavior. His temperament is rather calm and relaxed. He's not a hyperactive dog, but that doesn't mean he doesn't have the urge to move. Regular walks and the opportunity to swim in the water are ideal for him. When it comes to alertness, the Otterhound shows a medium level. He will probably let you know when someone is at the door, but he is not an excessive barker and is not prone to being aggressive.

What Awaits You

The Otterhound is a highly passionate, independent hunting dog and should be kept busy and, ideally, hunted.

Housing & Care

The Otterhund is not necessarily the ideal city dog. He needs a lot of exercise and loves being outdoors. A house with a garden or close to parks and water would be ideal. Otter dogs are friendly and tolerable; small children are usually not a problem. However, they are quite large and can be boisterous, so it is important to supervise them when around children. As for other pets, the Otterhound can usually get along well with cats and other dogs if it is introduced to them from an early age. However, their hunting instinct can come into play with small animals such as rabbits or guinea pigs.

Training & Education

Otterhounds are intelligent but often independent. It is important to start training early and be consistent. A lot can be achieved through positive reinforcement and patience. It is also important to provide the Otterhound with sufficient mental and physical stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. The Otterhound loves water activities, so swimming is a great way to exercise him. It is also important to pay attention to impulse control and frustration tolerance with this breed. Training should be focused on teaching the dog how to deal with frustration and how to control his impulses, especially in relation to his hunting instincts. The Otterhound can also become a “ball junkie,” so it is important to keep ball play in moderation and instead offer a variety of activities.

Nutrition & Care

Otterhounds are active dogs and their diet should be tailored accordingly. High-quality dog ​​food with a balanced ratio of proteins, fats and carbohydrates is important. The breed is not prone to obesity, but appropriate feeding and regular exercise are crucial. In terms of grooming, the Otterhound has a dense undercoat and a coarse top coat. This fur is water-repellent and allows him to swim well in the water. The coat requires regular care to prevent matting and keep the skin healthy. Otterhounds shed moderately, but regular brushing can minimize hair loss. The climate in Germany is generally well tolerated by Otterhounds, especially in the cooler months.