Drever vs Otterhound
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Drever
Foundation Stock Service
Otterhound
Hound Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Drever Overview
Drevers are compact, muscular hunting dogs with distinctive long bodies and short legs. Their well-proportioned frame supports a broad chest and strong neck, topped by a noble head with long, drooping ears. The breed's weather-resistant double coat comes in various colors, featuring alert, intelligent eyes that reflect their keen hunting instincts and determined nature.
Otterhound Overview
Majestic and powerful, the Otterhound stands out with its rough double coat and impressive webbed feet. Their large, athletic build features a broad head, substantial bone structure, and loose-hanging skin that creates distinctive facial expressions. Possessing keen swimming abilities and an exceptional nose, these hounds combine strength with agility, while their waterproof coat protects them in various weather conditions.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Drevers are less energetic than Otterhounds, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Drevers require less grooming attention compared to Otterhounds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Drevers tend to be more reserved with strangers than Otterhounds.
- Trainability: Otterhounds may be slightly easier to train due to their Otterhound's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Drevers adapt better to apartment living, while Otterhounds typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Drever and Otterhound, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Drever | Otterhound |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Large |
| Life Expectancy | 15-15 years | 10-13 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Foundation Stock Service | Hound Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Drever | Otterhound |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 12-15 inches 30-38 cm | 24-27 inches 61-69 cm |
| Weight | 35-40 lbs 16-18 kg | 80-115 lbs 36-52 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Occasional | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Drever | Otterhound |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Loyal, Even-Tempered, Determined | Even-Tempered, Amiable, Boisterous |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Drever | Otterhound |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Drever Temperament
The Drever is known for being loyal, even-tempered, determined, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Otterhound Temperament
The Otterhound is characterized by being even-tempered, amiable, boisterous, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Drever and Otterhound, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Drever
Rating: 5/5
Otterhound
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Drever
Rating: 5/5
Otterhound
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Drever
Rating: 3/5
Otterhound
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Drever
Rating: 2/5
Otterhound
Rating: 3/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Drever
Rating: 2/5
Otterhound
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Drever Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Drevers require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Drevers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Otterhound Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Otterhounds need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Otterhounds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Drever Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Back Problems
- Eye Issues
- Ear Infections
- Obesity
Otterhound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Epilepsy
- Bloat
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Glaucoma
Pros & Cons
Drever
Pros
- Excellent tracking abilities
- Good family companion
- Adaptable to different environments
- Low grooming needs
Cons
- Can be stubborn
- Requires secure fencing
- Moderate exercise needs
- May be vocal
Otterhound
Pros
- Excellent swimming ability
- Friendly temperament
- Good with families
- Strong tracking abilities
Cons
- High grooming needs
- Requires lots of exercise
- Can be stubborn
- Rare and expensive
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Drever and Otterhound, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.