Otterhounds have a relatively long life span of 10 to 13 years with 25% living to 12 or older, and a few living to 15 or even 16.

SPECIFIC HEALTH ISSUES:

Like many of the large breeds, they are subject to hip dysplasia and bloat. Otterhounds are also subject to a potentially fatal bleeding disorder. Though the problem appears to have been brought under control by testing breeding stock, if you are getting an Otterhound puppy make sure DNA tests for Otterhound bleeding have been done on both parents and that you get the results and understand them.

SEIZURES:

In the last few years, there have also been an increasing number of reports of seizures in Otterhounds. All Otterhound owners are encouraged to submit blood samples for the canine epilepsy study being done by the Universities of Missouri and Minnesota, Ohio State and the Animal Health Trust in the UK. The Otterhound Club of America's health surveys conducted in 1996 and again in 2003 indicated major health problems are uncommon until old age. This breed is usually quite slow to mature, both physically and mentally.

MORE HEALTH INFO:

For more complete health information, consult the website World Otterhound Survey:  which has a complete list of the health problems that Otterhounds are prone to, basic information about each, as well as links to websites focusing on those specific problems.

FEEDING:

What you feed an Otterhound depends on the dog and what you are doing with it. There are two things to consider. An Otterhound is large dog and will be more expensive to feed than a smaller dog. Some also may be prone to bloat - which may make multiple smaller meals a day preferable to one large meal. It's also possibly a bad idea to feed the dog immediately before or after vigorous exercise.

EXERCISE:

Otterhounds need and want a fair amount of exercise, particularly when young, so though you don't need a huge yard, you do need a fenced area for them, and if it isn't big, you'd better like long walks or dog jogging. Otterhounds are not good candidates for walking off leash. As with many other scent hounds, the desire to follow an interesting smell may overcome the desire to obey their owner, with potentially fatal consequences.