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. My own opinion is 

 that he has been crossed with the bloodhound at 

 some not very remote date. The black and tan 

 colour often appears in some strains, and his voice 

 in many cases resembles the full, luscious tones of 



