The sport of otter-hunting dates back into the Middle Ages, and it is still pursued with vigour in these Islands. The pure-bred Otterhound is a noble specimen of the hound tribe, and it is somewhat difficult to credit the belief that a Terrier or Deerhound enters into his composition. Anyhow he is a hound all over.

His Work

In spite of closely preserved streams the otter is still fairly plentiful, and there are some one-and-twenty packs in the United Kingdom, most of which cover a large tract of country. Few are composed of pure-bred Otterhounds, Foxhounds, cross-bred Foxhounds and Otterhounds, or Welsh Foxhounds all being used. A Bloodhound cross has also been resorted to. As a rule the otter-hunter must be an early riser, as the place of meet may be a considerable distance away, and he may rely upon getting plenty of exercise in the course of the morning's hunting. The pack is always accompanied by several little terriers, whose duty it is to dislodge the quarry when he has sought refuge in his holt.

His Points

In general appearance the pure Otterhound has much resemblance to the Bloodhound, saving that his coat is rough and wiry, while his colour will be sandy or grizzled, or black and tan. The head is somewhat broader, and of course it goes without saying that body and legs must be of the stoutest, with ample muscle and plentiful depth of chest, in which heart and lungs have free play.