HOUNDS AND TERRIERS 



the recognised beasts of chase. The hound shown 

 swimming the otter is bloodhound-like, while two 

 smaller hounds appear to have broken coats. In 

 the fourteenth century the otter and various other 

 creatures, such as the rabbit, fox, wild cat, etc., 

 were hunted by biss hunters (fur hunters) for 

 their skins, and no doubt the smaller breed of 

 hounds then known as heyrers were employed in 

 their capture. 



Coming down to modern times, there are, as far 

 as we are aware, but two existing otterhound packs 

 entirely composed of pure, rough-coated otter- 

 hounds. All other establishments employ mixed 

 packs. Cross-bred hounds are usually the result 

 of a union between a pure otterhound bitch and a 

 foxhound. The majority of foxhounds which find 

 their way to the otterhound kennels have been 

 drafted for over-height, age, or faults. They are 

 often presented to the M.O.H., or he buys them at 

 a low figure. Having purchased or otherwise got 

 together sufficient hounds to make a start, you can 



gradually weed them out, retaining the best 



"5 



