BreedHealth

Otterhound vs Bloodhound — Complete Comparison

Choosing between the Otterhound and the Bloodhound comes down to lifestyle fit, living space, and the time you can commit to training and grooming. Both breeds are large-sized dogs, so their space and feeding requirements are broadly similar. Both breeds have comparable exercise needs, though individual dogs will vary. Both breeds are well-suited to families with children.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Trait Otterhound Bloodhound
Size Large Large
Weight 30–52 kg 36–50 kg
Height 58–69 cm 58–69 cm
Lifespan 10–13 yrs 10–12 yrs
Exercise Need
Moderate (3/5)
Moderate (3/5)
Grooming Need
Moderate (3/5)
Low (2/5)
Shedding
Moderate (3/5)
Moderate (3/5)
Trainability
Low (2/5)
Low (2/5)
Good with Children ✓ ✓
Good with Dogs ✓ ✓
Apartment Friendly ✗ ✗

Bold green indicates the better result for that trait. Exercise, grooming and shedding: lower is easier to manage. Trainability and lifespan: higher is better.

Health Comparison

Understanding each breed's health profile helps owners budget for insurance, schedule appropriate screening, and make informed decisions before purchasing.

Otterhound (4 conditions)

Bloodhound (5 conditions)

Conditions shared by both breeds: hip dysplasia , bloat , ear infections .

Which Breed Is Right for You?

Based on data across health, exercise, trainability, and temperament, here is how the two breeds compare across common owner priorities:

Best for families with children both Otterhound and Bloodhound
Best for apartment living neither breed — both thrive with access to outdoor space
Best for active owners Otterhound (exercise level 3/5)
Best for first-time owners both breeds are reasonably manageable for committed first-time owners
Longer average lifespan both breeds have a similar average lifespan

Explore Each Breed in Depth

Otterhound

The Otterhound is one of Britain's rarest and most endangered native breeds, with fewer than 1,000 estimated worldwide, …

large · Hound · 10–13 yrs

Bloodhound

The Bloodhound possesses the most highly developed olfactory system of any animal on Earth, with approximately 300 milli…

large · Hound · 10–12 yrs

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is bigger — a Otterhound or a Bloodhound?

The Bloodhound is the larger breed, typically weighing 36–50 kg compared to the Otterhound's 30–52 kg.

Which breed lives longer — Otterhound or Bloodhound?

Both breeds have a comparable average lifespan. The Otterhound typically lives 10–13 years and the Bloodhound 10–12 years.

Are Otterhounds or Bloodhounds easier to train?

Both the Otterhound and Bloodhound have comparable trainability (2/5). Consistent positive reinforcement methods work well for both breeds.

Which needs more grooming — Otterhound or Bloodhound?

The Otterhound requires considerably more grooming (3/5) than the Bloodhound (2/5). The Otterhound's rough oily double coat needs more frequent brushing and professional grooming to stay in good condition.

Which breed is better for families — Otterhound or Bloodhound?

Both the Otterhound and Bloodhound are generally considered good family dogs and are typically patient and gentle with children. As always, early socialisation and teaching children how to interact respectfully with dogs are essential regardless of breed.

Do Otterhounds and Bloodhounds have the same health problems?

Some health conditions are shared between both breeds, including hip dysplasia, bloat, ear infections. The Otterhound has 4 documented conditions overall and the Bloodhound has 5. Pet insurance is strongly recommended for both.

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