CHAPTER VI. 

 THE OTTER HOUND. 



THERE is no finer type of the canine race in this 

 country than the otter hound. His hardy, character- 

 istic expression, shaggy coat, and rough wear and 

 tear appearance, have always reminded me of that 

 ancient British warrior so often depicted in our 

 boyish story books, but who, perhaps, with his coat 

 of skins, his shield, and hirsute face, was the inven- 

 tion of the artist rather than the actual inhabitant 

 of our island. 



It has been said that the otter hound is a 

 cross between the Welsh harrier, the southern 

 hound, and the terrier. Perhaps he may be so, 

 but more likely not, for a good well-grown specimen 

 has more coat than any ordinary terrier or the 

 rough Welsh hound, and he is bigger than either, 

 and of the southern hound likewise. My own 

 opinion is that he has been crossed with the blood- 

 hound at some not very remote date. The black 

 and tan colour often appears in some strains, and 



