THE OTTEBHOUND 67 



and the hocks are well let down. The coat is a dis- 

 tinguishing feature, being rough and well adapted 

 to resist the wet. Colours may be grizzly or sandy, 

 or sometimes black -and -tan. The height at shoulder 

 is about 26 inches for dogs and somewhat less for 

 bitches, and the weight is about 90 Ib. Large feet 

 are desirable, as they are supposed to enable the 

 hound to swim better. Considering the rough work 

 he has to accomplish, it necessarily follows that he 

 must be symmetrical and powerful, and his nose 

 must be of the best. Youatt considered that he was 

 a cross between the Southern Hound and the rough 

 Terrier, while some think that he has a trace of 

 pure Bloodhound in him. Certainly he has very 

 considerable resemblance to some of the French 

 Griffons, and it is quite possible that his ancestry 

 hail from across the Channel. Owing to the fact 

 that the otter is a very shy animal, rarely seen, some 

 people imagine there is a scarcity, but the sport 

 shown by the different packs throughout the kingdom 

 is sufficient proof that this is an illusion. Otter- 

 hounds are rarely exhibited, but the Master of the 

 Dumfriesshire is good enough to send a few couples 

 to leading shows, thus giving the non-hunting public 

 an opportunity of seeing the pick of these beautiful 

 hounds. 



