Otterhound vs Dachshund
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
Dachshund
Hound 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.
Dachshund Overview
Dachshunds, with their distinctive long bodies and short legs, embody a perfect blend of charm and determination. Their smooth, wirehaired, or longhaired coats come in various colors, complementing their alert, intelligent expressions and paddle-shaped paws. Standing 8-9 inches tall, these compact hounds possess muscular bodies designed for tracking prey into burrows, while their long, tapered muzzles and powerful jaws reflect their hunting heritage.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Otterhounds are less energetic than Dachshunds, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Otterhounds require less grooming attention compared to Dachshunds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Otterhounds tend to be more reserved with strangers than Dachshunds.
- Trainability: Otterhounds may be slightly easier to train due to their Otterhound's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Dachshunds 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 Dachshund, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Otterhound | Dachshund |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 10-13 years | 12-16 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Hound Group | Hound Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Otterhound | Dachshund |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 24-27 inches 61-69 cm | 5-9 inches 13-23 cm |
| Weight | 80-115 lbs 36-52 kg | 11-32 lbs 5-15 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Otterhound | Dachshund |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Even-Tempered, Amiable, Boisterous | Friendly, Curious, Spunky |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Otterhound | Dachshund |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Dachshund Temperament
The Dachshund is characterized by being friendly, curious, spunky, 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 Otterhound and Dachshund, 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
Dachshund
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Otterhound
Rating: 3/5
Dachshund
Rating: 4/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Otterhound
Rating: 3/5
Dachshund
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Otterhound
Rating: 3/5
Dachshund
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Otterhound
Rating: 3/5
Dachshund
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.
Dachshund Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Dachshunds 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, Dachshunds 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
Dachshund Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- IVDD
- PRA
- Obesity
- Patella
- Heart
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
Dachshund
Pros
- Adaptable to various living situations
- Affectionate with family
- Good watchdogs
- Minimal grooming needs
Cons
- Can be stubborn during training
- Prone to back problems
- May be vocal
- Can be challenging to housebreak
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Otterhound and Dachshund, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.