PuppyBase

Otterhound vs Yorkshire Terrier

Side-by-side comparison across all 14 AKC trait ratings, with a clear verdict on which breed fits which kind of household.

Perfect Puppy Quiz · 5 questions · 90 seconds

Not sure which breed fits your life?

Answer five questions about your home, your schedule, and your tolerance for shedding. We’ll match you to your top three breeds from over 200.

The bottom line

Otterhound vs Yorkshire Terrier

You’re probably not seriously weighing an Otterhound against a Yorkshire Terrier unless you’re deep in the dog world or got sucked into a rabbit hole of "rare but charming" breeds. These two couldn’t be more different, but they do share a stubborn streak and a love for people who pay attention. If you’re comparing them, you’re likely torn between a big, shaggy outdoor companion and a tiny, fearless lapdog who thinks she’s 10 times her size. The Otterhound is a gentle giant with a beard full of river water and a bark that carries across valleys. At 100 pounds and built for swimming, this dog needs space, activity, and a yard that drains well after he shakes. He’s amiable but loud, affectionate but independent, and won’t come when called if he catches a whiff of something interesting. which is always. He’s for someone who lives rural, stays active, and doesn’t mind a dog that drools on your jacket and smells like a wet tent. The Yorkie? She’s the fearless diva in your purse at brunch, alert to every passing squirrel and suspicious glance. She’s light enough to carry in one arm, lives 13 years on average, and rarely sheds. but don’t mistake her size for chill. She needs training, supervision around bigger dogs, and someone who’ll protect her from being stepped on or swatted by toddlers. Here’s the real talk: the Otterhound bonds deeply but on his terms. The Yorkie will love you fiercely but never let you forget she’s in charge. Pick the Otterhound if you want a loyal, goofy force of nature. Pick the Yorkie if you want a bold, portable companion who’ll boss you around with glitter in her teeth.

Otterhound
Yorkshire Terrier
24–27 in
Height
7–8 in
80–115 lb
Weight
4–7 lb
10–13 yr
Lifespan
11–15 yr
$1.5–4.0k
Puppy price
$1.5–4.5k
#182
AKC popularity
#10

Trait-by-trait

Higher bar = more of that trait. Shedding, barking, drooling, grooming flipped for readability.
Affectionate w/ Family
Good with Young Children
Good with Other Dogs
Shedding Level
Coat Grooming
Drooling Level
Good with Strangers
Playfulness
Watchdog / Protective
Adaptability
Trainability
Energy Level
Barking Level
Mental Stimulation Needs
AffectionGood w/ KidsGood w/ DogsShedding LevelGroomingDrooling LevelGood w/ StrangersPlayfulnessProtectiveAdaptabilityTrainabilityEnergy LevelBarking LevelMental Stim.
Otterhound Yorkshire Terrier
Overlay

Where they diverge

Coat Grooming
Otterhound needs less grooming (3-point difference)
Otterhound
Good with Young Children
Yorkshire Terrier is better with kids (2-point difference)
Yorkshire
Drooling Level
Yorkshire Terrier drools less (2-point difference)
Yorkshire
Watchdog / Protective
Yorkshire Terrier is more protective (2-point difference)
Yorkshire
Shedding Level
Yorkshire Terrier sheds less (1-point difference)
Yorkshire
The verdict

Choose the Otterhound if…

  • Active families
  • Rural settings
  • Outdoor and swimming enthusiasts
  • You value drooling levelOtterhound scores noticeably higher.

Choose the Yorkshire Terrier if…

  • Apartment living
  • People with mild dog allergies
  • Seniors and retirees
  • You value coat groomingYorkshire Terrier scores higher here.
Otterhound Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Otterhound home.
Breed variants, breeder red flags, and what to ask
First-week checklist and daily schedules by age
Training timeline from 8 weeks to adulthood
Health screenings, emergency card, and feeding portions
Grooming schedule, first-year costs, and what nobody tells you
Get Your Guide
Yorkshire Terrier Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Yorkshire Terrier home.
Breed variants, breeder red flags, and what to ask
First-week checklist and daily schedules by age
Training timeline from 8 weeks to adulthood
Health screenings, emergency card, and feeding portions
Grooming schedule, first-year costs, and what nobody tells you
Get Your Guide

Other comparisons people run