Coat/ Grooming:   They have rough coats approx. 2-3 inches in length. They tend not to moult but need a weekly brush to  remove any dead hair and prevent tangles forming, this doesn't take long and they enjoy the attention.  Daily health:   In our experience it is mainly the ears which need a close eye, the long pendulous ears are hairy on the  inside and wax build up needs to be controlled to prevent irritation and ultimately possibly ear mites.  They should be thoroughly cleaned inside during the weekly groom and there are easily accessible  products obtainable from your local pet supplier to break down any build up of wax. Noise:   We are disappointed with some information published suggesting that you need sympathetic neighbours  if you intend to have an Otterhound. This is most definately not our personal experience. Any large group  of dogs will be noisy which is why your local boarding kennel is usual up a long lane in the middle of a  field!  In fact it is our terriers which we have to watch with regard to noise, they have high pitched barks and  tend to set off at the slightest noise or activity. Our Otterhounds have a deep, low bark and tend not to  penetrate in the same way. As with all dogs you can train them, Mike likes Duke to bark for his supper, I  don't, Duke knows this so he barks when Mike feeds him and is silent when I do.  They are not guard dogs and generally will not bark when the postman delivers or when there is a knock  at the door, however, our terriers sound the alarm indoors and the hound will back them up with a deep  woof.  Ours do make lovely groaning noises when we stroke them and will mutter back when we talk to them,  they are famous for their tuneful voices and in a large group can sing like a choir completely in tune each  hound joining in and tapering off at a point, I have only heard it once and it was beautiful.