Otterhound vs Australian Shepherd
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Otterhound
Hound Group
Australian Shepherd
Herding Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
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.
Australian Shepherd Overview
Australian Shepherds showcase a medium-sized, muscular build with distinctive merle coats and striking eye colors, often heterochromatic. Their agile frame supports remarkable herding abilities, while their alert expression and medium-length double coat reflect their working heritage. Athletic and well-proportioned, they move with fluid grace and purpose, demonstrating the perfect blend of strength and agility needed for their herding duties.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Otterhounds are less energetic than Australian Shepherds, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Otterhounds require less grooming attention compared to Australian Shepherds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Otterhounds tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Australian Shepherds.
- Trainability: Otterhounds may be slightly easier to train due to their Otterhound's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Australian Shepherds 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 Otterhound and Australian Shepherd, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Otterhound | Australian Shepherd |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 10-13 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Hound Group | Herding Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Otterhound | Australian Shepherd |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 24-27 inches 61-69 cm | 18-23 inches 46-58 cm |
| Weight | 80-115 lbs 36-52 kg | 40-65 lbs 18-29 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Otterhound | Australian Shepherd |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Even-Tempered, Amiable, Boisterous | Smart, Work-Oriented, Exuberant |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Otterhound | Australian Shepherd |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Otterhound Temperament
The Otterhound is known for being even-tempered, amiable, boisterous, making them better suited for homes without young children. 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.
Australian Shepherd Temperament
The Australian Shepherd is characterized by being smart, work-oriented, exuberant, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Otterhound and Australian Shepherd, 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
Otterhound
Rating: 3/5
Australian Shepherd
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Otterhound
Rating: 3/5
Australian Shepherd
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Otterhound
Rating: 3/5
Australian Shepherd
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Otterhound
Rating: 3/5
Australian Shepherd
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Otterhound
Rating: 3/5
Australian Shepherd
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Otterhound Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Otterhounds 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, Otterhounds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Australian Shepherd Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Australian Shepherds need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Australian Shepherds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Otterhound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Epilepsy
- Bloat
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Glaucoma
Australian Shepherd Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- MDR1 Gene
- CEA
- Epilepsy
- Cataracts
Pros & Cons
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
Australian Shepherd
Pros
- Highly intelligent
- Excellent work ethic
- Versatile abilities
- Strong protective instincts
- Athletic and agile
Cons
- High exercise needs
- Intense herding instinct
- Heavy shedding
- Can be too energetic
- Requires constant mental stimulation
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Otterhound and Australian Shepherd, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.