Otterhound vs Boxer
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
Boxer
Working 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.
Boxer Overview
Muscular and powerful, Boxers showcase a distinctive square-jawed face with an alert, intelligent expression. Their smooth coat, strong limbs, and graceful movement reflect their athletic heritage. Known for their expressive faces and playful demeanor, these medium-sized dogs combine strength with agility, featuring a deep chest, well-sprung ribs, and a short, tight-fitting coat.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Otterhounds are less energetic than Boxers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Otterhounds require less grooming attention compared to Boxers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Otterhounds tend to be more reserved with strangers than Boxers.
- Trainability: Otterhounds may be slightly easier to train due to their Otterhound's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Boxers 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 Boxer, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Otterhound | Boxer |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 10-13 years | 10-12 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Hound Group | Working Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Otterhound | Boxer |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 24-27 inches 61-69 cm | 22-25 inches 55-64 cm |
| Weight | 80-115 lbs 36-52 kg | 15-80 lbs 7-36 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Otterhound | Boxer |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Even-Tempered, Amiable, Boisterous | Bright, Fun-Loving, Active |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Otterhound | Boxer |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Boxer Temperament
The Boxer is characterized by being bright, fun-loving, active, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Otterhound and Boxer, 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
Boxer
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Otterhound
Rating: 3/5
Boxer
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Otterhound
Rating: 3/5
Boxer
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Otterhound
Rating: 3/5
Boxer
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Otterhound
Rating: 3/5
Boxer
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.
Boxer Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Boxers 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, Boxers 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
Boxer Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Cardiomyopathy
- Aortic Stenosis
- Degenerative Myelopathy
- Hypothyroidism
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
Boxer
Pros
- Great with children
- Loyal and protective
- Athletic and playful
- Easy to train
- Low grooming needs
Cons
- Prone to several health issues
- High exercise needs
- May drool significantly
- Temperature sensitive
- Can be stubborn
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Otterhound and Boxer, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.