Otterhound vs Chesapeake Bay Retriever
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
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Sporting 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.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever Overview
Powerful and distinctive, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever boasts a thick, wavy coat in earthy tones perfectly suited for water work. Their strong, well-proportioned frame supports tireless swimming and retrieving, while their broad head features amber-colored eyes that convey intelligence and warmth. Known for their determined yet gentle nature, these retrievers combine rugged capability with family-oriented devotion.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Otterhounds are less energetic than Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Otterhounds require less grooming attention compared to Chesapeake Bay Retrievers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Otterhounds tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Chesapeake Bay Retrievers.
- Trainability: Otterhounds may be slightly easier to train due to their Otterhound's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Chesapeake Bay Retrievers 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 Chesapeake Bay Retriever, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Otterhound | Chesapeake Bay Retriever |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 10-13 years | 10-13 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Hound Group | Sporting Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Otterhound | Chesapeake Bay Retriever |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 24-27 inches 61-69 cm | 21-26 inches 53-66 cm |
| Weight | 80-115 lbs 36-52 kg | 55-80 lbs 25-36 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Regularly |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Otterhound | Chesapeake Bay Retriever |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Even-Tempered, Amiable, Boisterous | Affectionate, Bright, Sensitive |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Otterhound | Chesapeake Bay Retriever |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever Temperament
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is characterized by being affectionate, bright, sensitive, which makes them better for households without small children. 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 Chesapeake Bay Retriever, 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
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Otterhound
Rating: 3/5
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Otterhound
Rating: 3/5
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Otterhound
Rating: 3/5
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Otterhound
Rating: 3/5
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Rating: 4/5
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.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Chesapeake Bay Retrievers 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, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers require significant grooming attention. This includes brushing several times per week to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is typically necessary.
Health & Lifespan
Otterhound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Epilepsy
- Bloat
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Glaucoma
Chesapeake Bay Retriever Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Bloat
- Von Willebrand's
- Epilepsy
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
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Pros
- Excellent water retriever
- Loyal family companion
- Weather-resistant coat
- Strong work ethic
Cons
- Heavy shedding
- Needs extensive exercise
- Can be stubborn
- Reserved with strangers
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Otterhound and Chesapeake Bay Retriever, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.