Otterhound vs Old English Sheepdog
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
Old English Sheepdog
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.
Old English Sheepdog Overview
Majestic and shaggy, the Old English Sheepdog boasts a distinctive bear-like appearance with a thick, weather-resistant double coat. Their muscular build and agile movement reflect their herding heritage. Standing 22-24 inches at the shoulder, these gentle giants combine strength with remarkable agility. Their most striking feature is the abundant coat that flows over their eyes, giving them their characteristic peaked appearance.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Otterhounds are less energetic than Old English Sheepdogs, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Otterhounds require less grooming attention compared to Old English Sheepdogs.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Otterhounds tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Old English Sheepdogs.
- Trainability: Otterhounds may be slightly easier to train due to their Otterhound's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Old English Sheepdogs 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 Old English Sheepdog, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Otterhound | Old English Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 10-13 years | 10-12 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Hound Group | Herding Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Otterhound | Old English Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 24-27 inches 61-69 cm | 21-22 inches 53-56 cm |
| Weight | 80-115 lbs 36-52 kg | 60-100 lbs 27-45 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Otterhound | Old English Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Even-Tempered, Amiable, Boisterous | Adaptable, Gentle, Smart |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Otterhound | Old English Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Old English Sheepdog Temperament
The Old English Sheepdog is characterized by being adaptable, gentle, smart, 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 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 Old English Sheepdog, 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
Old English Sheepdog
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Otterhound
Rating: 3/5
Old English Sheepdog
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Otterhound
Rating: 3/5
Old English Sheepdog
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Otterhound
Rating: 3/5
Old English Sheepdog
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Otterhound
Rating: 3/5
Old English Sheepdog
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.
Old English Sheepdog Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Old English Sheepdogs 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, Old English Sheepdogs 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
Old English Sheepdog Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Bloat
- Deafness
- Thyroid Issues
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
Old English Sheepdog
Pros
- Excellent family companion
- Good with children
- Intelligent and trainable
- Adaptable to different living situations
Cons
- Heavy shedding
- High grooming requirements
- Can be stubborn
- Requires significant exercise
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Otterhound and Old English Sheepdog, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.