Comparison: Bloodhound and Otterhound

Bloodhound and Otterhound are marked as similar in our database. The table compares only the data we have on the breeds.

Bloodhound
Photo: Bruce, CC BY 2.0, source
Otterhound
Photo: Canarian, CC BY 4.0, source
BloodhoundOtterhound
FCI group6. Scent hounds and related breeds6. Scent hounds and related breeds
Country of originBelgiumUnited Kingdom
CategoryLargeLarge
Height at withers58–69 cm61–69 cm
Weight36–50 kg–
Life span10–12 years–
Recognition features
  • Loose wrinkled skin on the head
  • Long drooping ears and jowls
  • Black-and-tan or red coat
  • Long (4–8 cm), harsh, waterproof, broken-looking coat with oily undercoat
  • Webbed feet and large paws
  • Majestic head, strong body and long striding gait
CoatShort, dense, fine coat; black-and-tan, red.Long 4–8 cm, dense, rough, harsh and waterproof but not wiry; all recognised hound colours.
PurposeAn ancient hound from Belgian monasteries, still used by police to track people.Big, strong hound built primarily for a long day’s work in water, but able to gallop on land.

Breed page: Bloodhound · Breed page: Otterhound

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The information is indicative. Texts are based on available sources and may contain inaccuracies; for binding details (e.g. for breeding or shows) use the official breed standard.