Otterhound vs Golden 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
Golden 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.
Golden Retriever Overview
Golden Retrievers embody grace and athleticism with their sturdy, well-balanced frame and distinctive golden coat. Their broad head features intelligent dark eyes and a friendly expression, while their thick, water-repellent double coat comes in various golden shades. Known for their gentle mouth, developed for retrieving game without damage, these dogs combine strength with elegance in their fluid movement.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Otterhounds are less energetic than Golden Retrievers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Otterhounds require less grooming attention compared to Golden Retrievers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Otterhounds tend to be more reserved with strangers than Golden Retrievers.
- Trainability: Otterhounds may be slightly easier to train due to their Otterhound's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Golden 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 Golden Retriever, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Otterhound | Golden Retriever |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 10-13 years | 10-12 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Hound Group | Sporting Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Otterhound | Golden Retriever |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 24-27 inches 61-69 cm | 22-24 inches 55-61 cm |
| Weight | 80-115 lbs 36-52 kg | 55-75 lbs 25-34 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Otterhound | Golden Retriever |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Even-Tempered, Amiable, Boisterous | Friendly, Intelligent, Devoted |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Otterhound | Golden 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.
Golden Retriever Temperament
The Golden Retriever is characterized by being friendly, intelligent, devoted, 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 Golden 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
Golden Retriever
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Otterhound
Rating: 3/5
Golden Retriever
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Otterhound
Rating: 3/5
Golden Retriever
Rating: 5/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Otterhound
Rating: 3/5
Golden Retriever
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Otterhound
Rating: 3/5
Golden Retriever
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.
Golden Retriever Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Golden 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, Golden Retrievers 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
Golden Retriever Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Heart Issues
- Cancer
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
Golden Retriever
Pros
- Excellent family dog
- Highly trainable
- Great with children
- Friendly disposition
- Versatile working ability
Cons
- Heavy shedding
- High exercise needs
- Prone to health issues
- Can be mouthy
- Requires regular grooming
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Otterhound and Golden Retriever, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.