Otterhound vs. Chestie: Breed Differences and Similarities

Hypoallergenic

Are Otterhounds or Chesties hypoallergenic, or neither?

Unfortunately, neither Otterhound nor Chestie are hypoallergenic, which may not make them the best choice for dog lovers who suffer from pet allergies.

Temperament

What are the personalities of Otterhound and Chestie dogs?

Amiable
Outright
Tempered
Boisterous

Independent
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Quick
Devoted
Lively

Shedding Level

Do Otterhounds shed more than Chesties, or which breed sheds more, Otterhounds or Chesties?

4 / 5

Otterhounds are heavy shedders, but regular brushing can help manage shedding and promote a healthy coat.

1 / 5

Chesties shed very little hair, making them a great choice for those who dislike excess hair in the house.

Watchdog Ability

Which dog breed makes a better watchdog, the Otterhound or Chestie?

2 / 5

Otterhounds aren't great guard dogs; they tend to just watch without taking action.

1 / 5

Avoid Chesties as watchdogs - they're not effective.

Origin

What is the origin of Otterhound and Chestie dog breeds?

England

United States

Ancestry

What are the origins of Otterhound and Chestie breeds?

griffon nivernais

Chihuahua and West Highland White Terrier

Breed recognition

Which kennel clubs recognize/register Otterhound and Chestie?

American Kennel Club
Australian National Kennel Council
Canadian Kennel Club
Continental Kennel Club
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club

ACHC = American Canine Hybrid Club
DDKC = Designer Dogs Kennel Club
DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.
IDCR = International Designer Canine Registry®

Date of Birth

When were Otterhound and Chestie breeds first developed?

1300s

Unknown

Eye Color Possibilites

What are the eye colors of Otterhound and Chestie dogs?

Hazel
Brown

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What are the natural nose colors of Otterhound and Chestie?

Black
Brown

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What are the natural colors of the coat for Otterhound and Chestie breeds?

Cream
Brown
Black
White
Fawn
Blue
Gray

Cream
Brown
Black
Fawn
White

Coat Length

What is the typical coat length for Otterhound and Chestie breeds?

3 / 5

The coat of Otterhound and Chestie dogs falls in the medium-length category.

Coat Density

What is the density of the coat of Otterhound and Chestie?

4 / 5

3 / 5

Coat Texture

What is the hair texture of Otterhound and Chestie?

Wiry

Litter Size

What is the usual litter size for Otterhound and Chestie?

An Otterhound can have a litter of 10-12 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

A Chestie can have a litter of 2-5 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

3 / 5

Otterhounds have average adaptability to changes in lifestyle and living environments compared to other breeds.

5 / 5

Chesties are highly adaptable and versatile, making them excellent companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Health Issues

Between Otterhound and Chestie, which breed is more prone to health problems?

2 / 5

Otterhounds are susceptible to health issues like all breeds, so it's important to monitor their health and seek veterinary care when needed.

5 / 5

The Chestie breed is generally very healthy, requiring minimal vet visits. Still, it's important to keep an eye on their health and seek veterinary care when needed.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns for Otterhound and Chestie breeds?

Hip Dysplasia
Congenital Heart Defect

Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
Collapsed Trachea

Minor Concerns

What minor health issues should be kept in mind when owning Otterhound and Chestie?

Elbow Dysplasia
Thrombopathia

Deafness
Cherry Eye

Occasional Tests

What occasional tests are recommended for Otterhound and Chestie breeds?

Hip
Elbow
Blood
Blood Test
X-Rays
Physical Examination

X-Rays
Fluorescein Test
Blood Tests
General Physical Examination
Blood Chemistry

Energy

How do the energy levels of Otterhounds and Chesties compare?

5 / 5

Otterhounds thrive on an active lifestyle due to their high-energy nature.

2 / 5

Chesties are a good choice for a low-key lifestyle due to their low energy levels.

Social Needs

Otterhound vs Chestie social needs comparison

3 / 5

Otterhound has average social needs and is less independent than other breeds.

5 / 5

Chestie has very high social needs and requires regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship.

Exercise Needed

Otterhound vs Chestie exercise need comparison.

5 / 5

Otterhounds need high physical activity and are ideal for active individuals, but not suitable for sedentary lifestyles or small apartments.

4 / 5

Chesties require significant physical activity and suit those with an active lifestyle.

Sleeping Need

Which of the two sleeps the most/least: Otterhound or Chestie?

1 / 5

Otterhounds are active and require sufficient sleep to stay healthy.

3 / 5

Chesties have moderate energy levels and typical sleep patterns of 12-14 hours per day.

Tendency to Bark

Do Otterhounds or Chesties bark more/less frequently?

3 / 5

Otterhounds bark moderately when necessary and may also bark due to certain triggers like fear, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety and compulsive barking.

4 / 5

The Chestie is a vocal breed that frequently barks and howls, and may not be suitable for those seeking a quiet companion.

Mouthiness

Mouthiness Comparison: Otterhound vs Chestie?

3 / 5

Roaming urge

Otterhound vs Labrador: Running away tendency?

5 / 5

3 / 5

Prey Drive

Otterhound or Chestie - which breed has a higher level of prey drive?

5 / 5

4 / 5

Past times

What are some enjoyable activities and ways to keep Otterhound and Chestie entertained?

Fishing, Go to Beach, Swim

Walks, Road trip, Fetch, Hike, Training, Tug-of-war, Run, Watching tv, Walking, Tug of war, Running

Activity Level

Which breed has higher energy, Otterhounds or Chesties?

Both Otterhound and Chestie are medium-energy dogs that enjoy socializing and playing with other dogs. They may engage in casual or sustained games of chase, and occasionally have bursts of barking or racing around the house.

Tolerance of being left alone

3 / 5

1 / 5

Walks per Week

How many miles should Otterhound or Chestie walk each week?

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Otterhound, it's at least 7 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Chestie, it's at least 8 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

Do Otterhounds or Chesties require more exercise?

In general most Otterhounds usually need at least 45 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

In general most Chesties usually need at least 30 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

Which breed is easier to maintain in terms of grooming, Otterhounds or Chesties?

4 / 5

Otterhounds require significant grooming, including regular trims and professional grooming assistance to maintain their coat. They may also require frequent bathing to keep their coat and skin healthy.

3 / 5

The Chestie requires an average amount of grooming compared to other breeds.

Brushing Frequency

What is the recommended brushing frequency for Otterhound and Chestie dogs?

Otterhound and Chestie should be brushed at least once a week. Of course, you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot.

Brushing Tools

What brushing tools are used for Otterhounds and Chesties?

Slicker Brush
Comb
Clipper
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Nail Clipper

Cups

How much food should be given to Otterhound or Chestie in cups?

For an average 90-110 pound (41 - 50 kg) Otterhound feed 3 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

For an average 5-10 pound (2 - 5 kg) Chestie feed 1 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

Which breed has a higher daily cost, Otterhound or Chestie?

The average cost of an Otterhound is somewhere $2.10 - $2.70 per day.

The average cost of a Chestie is somewhere $1.00 - $1.40 per day.

Monthly Cost

Which breed has a higher monthly cost, Otterhound or Chestie?

The average per month expenses of an Otterhound is between $55 - $73. This makes an average of $660 - $876 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

The average per month expenses of a Chestie is between $28 - $42. This makes an average of $336 - $504 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Intelligence

Comparing Intelligence: Otterhounds vs Chesties

3 / 5

Otterhounds are average in obedience intelligence but have a high IQ and may cause trouble if left unsupervised.

2 / 5

Chestie has below average obedience intelligence, but they excel in understanding human emotions.

Sensitivity Level

How do Otterhound and Chestie compare in sensitivity?

2 / 5

Otterhounds are adaptable and resilient, making them ideal for those seeking a less sensitive pet.

5 / 5

This breed is sensitive to its environment and best suited for patient and understanding families with a consistent routine.

Affection Dependance

Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Otterhound vs Chestie?

3 / 5

Apartment Friendly

Which breed is more apartment-friendly: Otterhound or Chestie?

1 / 5

The Otterhound is not suitable for apartments and requires a large yard to thrive. Pent-up energy in small spaces can lead to destructive behavior.

4 / 5

The Chestie is a great apartment dog, thriving with sufficient exercise and time outside as part of their daily routine.

Child Friendly

Do Otterhounds or Chesties have a friendlier temperament towards children?

4 / 5

Otterhounds are good with kids if socialized and trained from a young age.

3 / 5

Chesties have an average level of friendliness towards children.

Senior-friendly

Which dog is more suitable as a pet for the elderly - Otterhound or Chestie?

4 / 5

3 / 5

Cat Friendly

Do Otterhound or Chestie breeds have a better compatibility with cats?

3 / 5

Otterhounds are average in their friendliness toward cats and tend to do well with them, especially if raised together.

4 / 5

Chesties are good with cats, but early training is needed to prevent chasing behavior.

Dog Friendly

Which breed is more sociable with other dogs: Otterhound or Chestie?

3 / 5

Otterhounds are average in their friendliness towards other dogs, and socialization can help.

4 / 5

Chesties are friendly and active companions, and can be good family pets, though their friendliness towards other dogs may vary.

Pet friendly

How do Otterhound or Chestie dogs interact with other pets?

3 / 5

4 / 5

Stranger Friendly

Which breed is more friendly with strangers: Otterhound or Chestie?

2 / 5

Otterhounds are quick to announce strangers and can be standoffish or suspicious.

4 / 5

Chesties are friendly but may bark at strangers, and training is easy due to their intelligence.

Playfulness

Which breed is more playful between Otterhound and Chestie?

5 / 5

Otterhounds are very playful, so adopting an older one might be a better option for a more relaxed experience.

4 / 5

Chesties are a playful breed that needs daily playtime to be happy.

Trainability

How do the trainability levels of Otterhounds and Chesties compare?

4 / 5

Otterhound and Chestie dogs are known for their ease of training and ability to learn quickly, making them a popular choice for pet owners and trainers alike.