Anti Field Sports bodies are pressing hard for the abolition of hunting with hounds, for humane reasons. One of the arguments put forward by supporters of fox hunting is that without hunting, the British Fox Hound could no longer exist, as they believe them to be impossible to control outside of the established environment of a fox hounds routine.

The obvious alternative of 'Drag Hunting' which not only involves no live prey, (a scent is laid by a runner), but ensures pursuit over safe ground (only an idiot would lay scent over barbed wire, rusting metal, etc.,) thereby reducing the often horrific injuries to hounds, horses and humans does not seem to have the same appeal to Masters, Huntsmen or their followers!!!

Other than living next to the Old Surrey and Burstow Hunt kennels and stables, and having observed and listened carefully to their lifestyle I cannot claim to have first hand knowledge of these hounds, but, their history can be considered to be in `parallel' to the Otterhound of which I do have first hand experience and, which has ceased from hunting the Otter and been `domesticated'.

In ancient times the otter was probably hunted for its skin. After the Norman invasion monks brought over their native breed of scent hound, which helped them hunt deer and boar for food. Stew ponds for storing live fish were established and otters stealing these were hunted.

Inland fisheries became important during those years; more fishponds and stews were made and otter hunting became more widespread throughout the land. Most hunting took place with very few hounds, perhaps only a couple, aided by a man with other dogs of terrier size. A royal pack of Otterhounds was established in the reign of King John (1167-1216). This is the first record of a pack of hounds being formed for hunting otter. It is most likely that others in the country formed packs in following years, but in the main hunting continued using very few hounds; man playing the major part in dealing with the otter.

From around 1869 onwards otter hunts were formed all with regular hunting areas and a few travelled sometimes to areas where they were needed, there were also a few privately owned establishments which had a few hounds and terriers, and the otter was also hunted on occasions by fox hound packs. In the United Kingdom in 1902 there were 23 packs of hounds registered for hunting otter. Of these only four claimed to use pure bred hounds. By the 1970s only two packs of purebred Otter hounds remained, although very small numbers of Otterhounds existed amongst the mixed packs (Foxhounds, Welsh Foxhounds, Beagles etc.,) then being established to hunt Mink.

Otter hunting evolved over more recent years into a form of sport to be enjoyed more by its followers, with less emphasis on the killing of the quarry. Efforts were made to kill only where otters were present in fair quantities, and were causing concern to those in charge of fisheries. Hound breeders made sure their hounds were capable of a quick kill at the end of a hunt This particularly applied to the pure bred Otter hounds which up to the 1930s had been guilty at times of messing up a kill.

In the 1960s it became obvious to Hunt Masters and their staff that in some areas the otter was becoming scarce. These findings were made available to conservation organisations and great interest was taken. Although it was apparent that the decline in numbers of otter was caused by pollution, and not hunting, no otter hunter wished to be guilty of contributing to an otter shortage.

The Masters of the remaining packs, the Dumfriesshire (Capt. John Bell- Irving M.H.) And the Kendal (Mr. Hollins Gibson M.H.) responded, and along with cooperation from the Kennel Club the Otterhound Club of Great Britain was formed. In September 1978 twenty three hounds from the Kendal Pack were registered with the Kennel Club and in May, 1979 a further forty three from the Dumfriesshire were added. They were to form the nucleus of the Otter hounds future and were passed to carefully scrutinised and experienced hound breeders to safe guard their future.

As can be seen from the pictures the O. H. closely resembles the Griffon Nivernais thought to be amongst its ancestry of Bloodhound, Harrier, and Rough Terrier. Others argue that the Barbet (French) with its indisputable likeness played a major part in the evolution. There is also an indisputable likeness to the Italian Spinone although this of course falls in the Gun dog category.

NEVER BEFORE had Capt. John Bell Irving Master of the Dumfriesshire Otterhounds for almost thirty years witnessed such a meet of Otterhounds, as arrived at Glendon Farm, Dorset, on September 14, 1986. There were 114 Otterhounds present with their owners, who travelled from as far as Durham, Yorkshire, Cumbria, Wales the Southeast and West.

The object of the exercise, besides providing a happy day out for hounds and owners, was to assess the progress or otherwise of the breed in private ownership, and discuss such topics as temperament and training. Happily the ex Masters were, in their own words “surprised and delighted” to see some really good hounds and that “the standard was indeed high”. There could not have been a better example of perfect temperament throughout the day, happy hound faces, and sterns waving in spite of being at close quarters with completely strange hounds to each other. And when being displayed in the center of the yard, there were not enough handlers for the hounds and volunteers were called in, to help with hounds they had never even seen before, and the hounds took it all in good spirit, and acted as though they had known their temporary guardians all their lives.

“ it happens that the breed has become unusually savage and that they are constantly fighting in kennel. Indeed instances are common enough of more than half being destroyed in a single night, in the bloody fight which has been commenced by perhaps a single couple”...

In retrospect I believe a little more emphasis could have been made on the problems of tracking off and recall, but, since not every owners experiences have been identical, bowed to the committee decision that these notes are a fair and balanced description of life with a young O.H.

I have always admired the hound group generally for their gracefulness, dignity, and sometimes-snooty manner giving rise to the impression that, perhaps THEY have belonged to a statelier era. However, not to be considered were any of the sight hounds, my husband Chris, and I live in a house surrounded by sheep farms, and we felt certain the sight of lambs frolicking at the end of the garden would be too much of a temptation for any self respecting gaze hound. Happily this problem was solved when by chance we learned of a breeder of O.H's in our part of the world.

I very much wanted to add to the existing canine family of Russett, a cross Alsatian/Labrador now ten years old, and Shambles a chaotic/neurotic border collie now rising twelve years, both of whom came to us as young adults needing new homes. If we were to introduce a puppy it had to be whilst they were still enjoying good health, and up to the rigors of a boisterous youngster. We also felt a bitch would be a wise choice because of our proximity to the Old Surrey and Burstow Hunt Kennels and a breeding unit of working collies immediately next door. A dog would surely be unkindly tempted with a stream of bitches in season so close by.

The only `she' puppy left in the breeders kennel was the one they said they would sooner keep for themselves and, as I could not even promise to show her regularly, would they agree to part with her? To go as a mere companion! Well we must have said the right things somewhere. Once having seen this enchanting puppy I could not bear to leave without her. At eleven weeks old, Splash, came with us to a new life and things have never been the same since.

Bringing Splash home by car through Hampshire and on to the Surrey/ Sussex border of home could not have been easier, nor more pleasant, for she has never once, even on that first long journey suffered any problems with car sickness and I treasured that one trip with her curled on my lap knowing that, once home, I would have to enforce the rules applied to the others, and teach her to stay in the rear area of the motor.

Once home the introduction to Russett and Shambles was easily and kindly carried out, in the garden first, and then indoors. I had decided beforehand that the pup should not be allowed to interfere with the sleep of the other `girls' overnight so prepared her a cosy bed along with ticking alarm clock in a snug corner of the kitchen (complete with small radiator as it happened). After a swift investigation of her surroundings and a feed prepared from a starter pack provided, she settled down quickly for a snooze. After five minutes of crying on the first night she settled quietly every bedtime.

At this point I must mention how easily house/toilet training was achieved with the minimum of trauma to Splash or us, but the maximum of energy and watchfulness. She was immediately taken into the garden upon waking and again within minutes of each meal or drink, after playing, when restless and even if her tailed twitched, and then praised lavishly when she `emptied'. The result happily was a clean pup within days and a dry pup within a week. She was even happy to last overnight providing this was kept to no more than six hours initially. Happily for me my husband has a job which requires many early morning starts or late finishes and he took much of this chore over.

As already mentioned the breeders had prepared a food pack and instructions for the early feeding of Splash, but we did find that she was not prepared to eat the portions stated and sometimes would refuse a meal altogether. We soon noticed however that although refusing food, the sight of a milk bottle from the fridge produced an instant reaction of big soft pleading eyes. On occasions I'll give it to Russett then would persuade her to pick a little, but very soon we found that she was weaning herself of breakfast, and at a later date supper, and so on. It was quite apparent sometimes that were it not for the threat to let the others eat it, she would go without food all day. No amount of worrying on our part made any difference and although she certainly did look rather lean at times reassurance was given from our Vet that she was perfectly healthy. So, we ignored this problem of an undersized appetite or tummy whatever, and it was not until after her first season at eleven months old that she finally found a reasonable appetite. I can now see that in the future this problem could be reversed and we shall be weight watching.

Very early obedience training commenced with lessons on not biting the hand that feeds you, nor feet or ears or other bits that stick out if it comes to that, which she was rather fond of doing, trying to play as she would have done with her siblings perhaps. All that was needed here was a very firm `NO' consistently each time she tried to nip.

Very soon she began to make presents of her toys or old marrow bones to us and this was the start of retrieve lessons, for whenever an article was dumped in my lap (always gooey and smelly) I would toss this a short distance away and as she chased this toy called `fetch' and when presented with it again, rather than let her drop it into my lap, told her to `give' and gently removed the article from her mouth. This was a happy and easy way to teach retrieve but it did sometimes become rather boring (for me not Splash!). All attempts to catch up on the days newspaper or TV programme became hopeless in the face of an imp determined on further education.

Rules of `no dogs on the furniture' were enforced which meant me sitting on the floor playing with her or enjoying a cuddle, as it became apparent that she was hyper-active in the evenings. After a calm lazy morning and reasonable afternoon this endless boisterous behaviour when we were ready to `collapse' after a long day did in fact become rather tiresome, and although a firm `GO AND LIE DOWN' will control her ambitions to run riot, it is obvious that she still retains this characteristic. Given lengthy exercise in the late afternoon only ensures a peaceful morning the next day, exercise in the morning produces a catnap early afternoon! Banishment to the garden for too long resulted in attempts to visit her cousins down under (How are ya Sport?). Or on occasions holding a vole, shrew, or mole at bay under the bird table, usually purloined from Garfield, my husbands long suffering little ginger cat. Worse still she will end a game with Garfield by carrying her around the garden by the head, a practice we firmly disapprove of, but, which appears to alarm us far more than the cat who surprisingly has not left home yet.

Warm weather brought with it attempts to swim in the communal water bowl indoors and the floor was constantly awash, however Splash soon realised it was far more satisfying to jump into the horses trough, and learn't quickly the joys of holding down the ball-cock lever with a paw to enjoy the resultant rush of bubbly water on her face, in fact she submerges her head and blows bubbles from her nose as a game. What the horses think of this larking with their drink is not recorded.

As I introduced more formal training in the shape of heel work, sits, downs etc., I became aware that although laid-back in hectic circumstances, such as attending the South of England Agricultural Show with me or visiting a busy shopping area, and attending training classes, Splash became terrified in the event of an even moderately loud bang. If a car should backfire, a shotgun is fired etc., even at some distance she became almost uncontrollably frantic, and also on occasions `spooks' whilst out on a walk for no reason that can be imagined. These unforeseeable panics have caused me some very worrying moments as I have fought to hold onto her and prevent her `bolting' onto a road. For this reason, and to check her over enthusiasm, I invested in a Halti, introducing it carefully and gently into the routine.

Given old marrow bones and toys to play with there were no real problems with destructiveness but, suddenly, when she had grown considerably she showed us what she could do if she tried. After our being out for thirty minutes or so, the sight of Splash sitting in the middle of what looked like a battlefield had to be seen to be believed, and then I still had to blink. Never could we imagine how much could be achieved by one pup in so little a time, and I suspect, as she sat there sheepishly amongst the debris nor could she. Needless to say, Russett and Shambles refused to enter this den of destruction until reassured normality had returned. I just hope Mother-in-law never asks me what happened to the antique cheese dish she gave us last year!

Even though we had looked carefully into the type of hound to expect an O.H. to develop into we were open mouthed at her ability at eleven weeks old to track our scent around the garden, no matter how many-times it had been traversed by another. Not only would she accurately stick to the correct lines but do this at a gallop, and many times we were helpless with laughter as she `overtook' her own ears to end up in a tumbled heap before starting afresh. Of course mirth aside this determination, to follow her nose has obviously had its worrying moments. When on holiday in the New Forest Splash suddenly took-off baying, a sound that seemed only too quickly to diminish into the distance with us trying hopelessly to pursue her across bogs and ditches, terrified of losing her, since she was still only five months old. In fact I am told she was missing for only half hour but I felt it was a week. Since then of course it has happed on many occasions but at least I now know that she is more than capable of returning to us by the same route. Also (and I say this with my fingers crossed) I am able to recall her from minor detours providing I am within a reasonable range of her when she begins to whistle with excitement at a strong scent, once she has decided on a line and is baying this becomes much more difficult, but still possible on most occasions.

In early training of the recall I used the method of `Splash Come' as a friendly request, followed by praise when she responded, but as she developed beyond the obliging puppy stage to a wilful `teenager' found that a very forceful compelling command was often needed. Of course she is only allowed to run free in suitable areas, miles away from the nearest roads and definitely where we are not aware of any deer around, this is a scent she cannot resist.

During our holiday one night, shortly after retiring in the caravan, we heard a familiar noise, a sort of chinking sound. It took me some moments to realise this was the sound of a collar disc against a food bowl, and several moments more before I realised that all the feed bowls were in fact outside, Splash had discovered that she could unzip the caravan awning by putting her nose under it and had let herself out for `walkie's' and anything interesting she could find. The `girls' were suitable disgusted by this interruption to their beauty sleep and I don't think I will repeat here what we said at being forced to pursue her outside in the cold, in the dark, in the drizzle, in the middle of the night, but, BLANKETY, BLANK puppy dog springs to mind!

After this holiday Splash began to have more training in basic obedience progressing on the whole slightly more quickly than the average pup, however, although this more formal schooling was going well she began to change from this nice puppy to the more `stroppy' teenager already mentioned, and gave us cause to worry on many occasions, about her ability to escape an extremely substantial garden fence for one thing, enticed very often by a cheeky and regular visitor to our patch, a fox, and by her often long absences whilst on walks not only because she had come across an interesting and enticing scent, but simply because she was `trying it on' in the way typical of so many adolescent dogs. Still she behaved very well on many important occasions such as a Christmas party we held for forty people, only doing one thing wrong at all and this was forgivable, she helped herself to a tiny guests buffet, well it was at nose level.

During her first winter which was very severe in this part of the world, I was walking to the office through very deep snow, and carrying my briefcase in one hand, was using the opportunity to give Splash a walk (I had only to collect some papers), she was wearing her Halti and walking quietly when I was accosted by two very large young men, who presumably thought they would find something of value in my case, they did not hang around when Splash turned on them, I was extremely grateful to her as there were several nasty muggings by these people over the next few weeks, causing a fractured skull to one poor man.

Since this incident I have noticed a wariness of strangers approaching too close in lonely areas particularly after dark. Splash has a deep and clear warning growl and sits closely by my side when told to `leave' and I think it is important to make sure that control it achieved right from the start to avoid an innocent passer-by being badly frightened or hurt.

Obedience training proceeded fairly well with regular weekly visits to the Oxted Dog Training Club in Surrey, which `specialises' in developing reliable domestic friends and happy owners, and did much to `socialise' Splash both to other dogs and to strangers of which, she could on occasions be nervous. As there is undoubtedly a stubborn streak in most hounds and Splash is no exception I found it useful if a problem arose (perhaps a refusal to come immediately when called, or to lie-down on command) to take a step back to the beginning of that particular lesson if necessary for some weeks to ensure success. This does not mean however `drilling' for hours on end as this leads to a complete `switch off' and total lack of co-operation.

There is no doubt at all to me that Splash has more ability to reason things out than my other two working breed dogs, and it is this ability that leads to her cutting corners when working heel-free, she knows the way, why should she waste energy on the long route when she can meet me half way etc., etc.,

I joined an obedience club, which has small groups and can concentrate on each individual in an attempt to strengthen control over her and polish the rough edges and this enabled us to enter an elementary obedience competition where she was placed fourth at the age of sixteen months. Needless to say, we were very proud of this achievement. This Club specialises in competition work and the handlers/owners are expected to work hard and practice perfection. Splash has a great deal of work put into her, but I do not expect ever to achieve the precision of a Working Breed. Once she has been taught a particular movement, a finish to heel following recall for instance, her first attempt each time this is asked for, will be her best. Requests for her to sit straight, or more forward or back cause resentment and ` turn-off' as she considers she has already done it, what more do you want?

For fun and because it gives exercise in a safe environment, we have joined an agility club and Splash is an agile and fearless natural at this new game. Again however she is easily bored if asked to repeat anything too often, but tunnelling and climbing, jumping and weaving are so obviously natural to her she enjoys herself enormously.

We have entered Hound Racing on a greyhound track run by the S.E. Hound Club and after ignoring the hare and going instead for a swim in the center pond (well it was a hot afternoon!) at the first attempt, Splash got the message and run beautifully with a Pharaoh Hound for company. She was the only hound to run that bayed all the way round the track and I think they will have us back again for our amusement value!

As a summary of this first year with Splash I would say that she is great fun, a terrific friend, marvellously gentle with children of all sizes, a comforting house dog and personal guard (although these last two assets are late to develop) and has introduced me to more people than I would ever have thought possibly. Who could ever resist expanding the conversation on O.H's when hearing “Excuse me what sort of a dog is that?” What sort indeed....

The problems associated with a numerically small breed are perhaps at first obvious. There is a small gene pool and care must be taken that `problems in health or temperament are not magnified by mating together hounds that have the same defect, thereby worsening an already bad situation in the resultant puppies'.

People generally argue that hounds must have sound bodies or they would not be able to work properly. Whilst this is true, it is also true that culling of unsuitable animals takes place, but this need not mean that unsuitable breeding stock are withdrawn from a breeding program. If one or two puppies are destroyed from a litter of eight or ten because they have inherited a weakness this does not mean that their siblings do not have a recessive gene, which may occur in their offspring! And, that in private ownership breeders may not have the courage of their hunting counterparts and cull, thus perpetuating that fault.

With regard to the Hip `Dysplasia' scoring system, run by the BVA and GSDL. Otterhounds are rated as having the second highest mean score recorded. (Dr. Malcolm Willis 28/07/89). Despite this they show no overt signs of any of the expected problems, indeed one hound who started life hunting otter, became a show hound, returned to hunting mink, and was finally retired as a house pet and died aged nine years, had an extremely high score but never had a day's lameness in his life. This hound is also in the pedigree of most Otterhounds in this country and many of those abroad, and has sired both good and bad hips. They are thought to have compensatory ligaments, which prevent lameness occurring.

Nevertheless it is obviously thought wise to try to reduce the Hip Score in the breed and avoid using a hound with a score over the mean of 42.15. However in such a numerically small breed if one hound, such as my own ' is scored, and has a high result, 71 in this case. Then this figure pushes the mean score for the breed up by a couple of figures, thus leaving the way open for breeders to use their higher scoring hounds to the detriment of the breed. My conclusion from this is that all hounds, which have substantially high scores, should not be included in averages.

As I have always taken more interest in obedience training than most O.H. owners and had a few modest successes in competition, I was asked to speak at the Otterhound Breed Forum at Barwell, Nr Birmingham, on the subject of training. I thought this would be a worthwhile exercise, but had never spoken in public before and insisted that 1). I had my notes to hand all the while, in case I could not remember what I intended saying, and 2) Have my O.H. `Splash' with me as a prop. In the audience were a cross section of breeders, pet owners, past Masters of O.H. packs, Masters and Huntsmen of the Ytene Mink Hounds, prospective owners and some others normally concerned with other breeds.

CLANSMAN, now there's a name that conjures up everything one can imagine of Otterhounds, hunting as a pack, sleeping as a pack, absorbing the comforting warmth and familiarity of each neighbouring hound's body, basking in the security of being one of a number. Comes the `CRUNCH' 1978, and everything is changed, altered, even completely reversed. Small wonder then that many Otterhounds suffer a nervous disposition. Centuries of a way of life swept away from them overnight by one piece of legislation.

Socialisation is vital, not only at an early age but as an ongoing process and preferably involving a great variety of situations. Travelling, road walking (or carrying of a small pup), agricultural shows, training classes, shopping centers and Gun dog competitions for gradual and gentle exposure to sudden noise. But, the single most significant difference to any dog's behaviour can be through obedience training.

A dog upset by a strange object or person can be helped by being given a positive familiar command, say `Sit and Stay', whilst the object of its fear passes by, or perhaps `Heel', whilst passing the imaginary monster, confident that the result will be just as familiar as the command was, warm praise and a gentle pat will remove the fear they will be gobbled up!

One thing that is often seen in Dog Clubs is an over-sympathetic handler's attitude to bad nerves in their dog. You know the sort of thing `There, there my little darling, did the nasty man frighten my little baby' (all the time stepping backwards away from the dog's phobia). Not only does this tone of voice give praise to the animal for reacting nervously, but it reinforces its fearfulness. Seen from the dog's point of view, you, too, are scared stiff, and only too pleased to get away from the monster. It is better by far to step positively forward telling your hound firmly not to be stupid (or words to that effect) and then rewarding it with cheerful and very confident praise.

About now quite a few of you may be thinking that a hound attempting to bolt is almost impossible to hang onto let alone walk forward with. I must admit that I have taken a few tumbles myself, in just refusing to let Splash get away from me, with the probable result of getting run over. I was at one time quite desperate for an answer, as I could foresee no happy future for her or us, such was her strength compared with mine. She was at the teenage stage, wilfully defiant off the lead, dreadfully hard work on the lead, but without plenty of exercise impossibly hyperactive in the house. This hound, who had, by then, totally won my heart, was worrying me to death because of my inability to get her co-operation on the lead.

However, help was at hand. The solution came in the form of what I first thought of as nothing more than a gadget, namely the Haiti - used properly in accordance with it's instruction leaflet, gently restraining and never harshly tugged, it helped enormously to redress the balance in Splash's training for some three or four months, after which she only has to see one to behave immediately.

A cautionary note here though, I have personally seen two serious accidents caused by dogs being able to slip their Haiti by struggling rearwards and, for that reason, always use a separate collar and lead in conjunction. This was proved necessary on several occasions when Splash was still at a very `spooky' stage, but, all in all, it enabled me to cope with an adolescent horror that was then totally insensitive to lead training and had learned her own strength. It was wonderful to feel in charge again when out and to be able to lead all three dogs together. I shall attempt to wake Splash up, and see if she's in a cooperative mood. She had a hard day yesterday `hound racing', doesn't like getting up early anyway, and may well nod off halfway round but we shall see. She fell off the car seat on the way here last time and didn't' even wake - just as well as she was stuck. If you laugh at her she will be really naughty as she likes to see people happy and enjoying themselves.

There followed a short demonstration of basic obedience by Splash and I, (heelwork), retrieve, pick up from positions, recall and finish etc., (This was very enthusiastically received by the audience as this was the first O.H. to be seen working in obedience, and happily caused great interest. Many spectators have taken up this sport with their own hounds. To date results have been mixed, but it's a great start in the right direction.

Probably the most important aspect of control that exists particularly in a breed that appears to have very little natural inclination to stay around. I made the mistake at first of becoming grateful when Splash did respond to recall commands, being, I think, too sympathetic to her breeding and history of leading us and being independent, instead of the other way round. Using `titbits' as a reward for a swift recall only worked when she was going to respond anyway and made absolutely no difference at all when she was not. Otterhounds are perfectly capable of refusing a bribe of any description when their minds are on a scent, and will run straight past a piece of baked liver and garlic when a fresh track to follow is available. An occasional tasty reward when a dog has tried extra hard to master an exercise he has been having difficulty with does not come amiss, but, if you get your hound into the way of thinking your spoken praise is a poor substitute for a piece of chocolate, a sorry state of affairs is building up. It is far more reliable to control by voice, signals, and actions.

One reliable method of training a wayward ` mutt' to respond to recall is to attach a light line to its collar, let it play or, in the case of this breed, sniff around, and then, using the dog's name first to get it's attention (it has heard you really), give the command `COME'. If you do not get an instant response use the line to reel in your recalcitrant charge. Repeat until you get an instant - well, almost instant - response. Don't forget the praise for a correct response.

It is worthwhile thinking about the prevalent conditions before releasing your hound for `free' running. Heavy prolonged rain will have washed away scents. Gale force winds will cause scent to dissipate. On the other hand, warm, humid conditions, early morning or evening will increase the chances of a hound doing a `runner' and causing you that awful sinking feeling all Otterhound owners experience from time to time.

Training a hound to stay within a distance in which you can compel it by teaching a `wait command' that does not restrict exercise but still keeps a hound within CONSCIOUS range of your commands may give you that chance you need to foresee trouble coming and recall your hound before he gets to the baying stage. After that you need a terrific sense of humour, a flask, a blanket, torch etc., etc.,

Those who attend an obedience training Club should not be put off by instructors who either think you should give up `After all you can't train hounds'. Or at the other extreme advocate harsh methods and constant drilling. Neither are anywhere near the answer and neither gives credit to the Otterhound's intelligence and ability for lateral thought, in other words their above average ability to REASON. `My Mum's going round the hall again. She's sure to come down the other side; she always does'. `What a waste of energy (lateral thinking), meet her opposite, cut out the walking'.

Another example of reasoning is shown by my own hound who reasoned that if the cat stands at the back door it is because she wishes to enter the house. Obligingly Splash, who can reach the door handle, opens the door on the cat's behalf. Likewise for Russet, our elderly dog.

When training an Otterhound it is essential to remain fair, keeping respect for its finer feelings and the warmth of friendship between you being important above all else. They are not fools, nor puppets, but deeply sensitive, and are not forgiving of any unfair mis-handling on their trainer's part.

From research I have read it seems clear that allegiance to the human race is formed at around six to eight weeks old, so after that it becomes more difficult to convince a puppy that you are it's God and more interesting and important than other dogs. Just a thought but, perhaps future puppy owners of companion hounds may be helped, if puppies were available that had not been `run on' to assess their show potential!

Splash has a fairly well developed instinct but is never unnecessarily noisy by barking at callers, milkman etc., She is a very comforting guard after dark particularly. When heel free in remote areas, if we are approached by a jogger for instance, she folds back to until what she considers a possible danger has passed. She remains however, utterly soft with children, whom she adores, and any one she considers a little person, particularly my mother-in-law who is delightfully twee.

Just one aspect in Otterhounds has disturbed my thoughts lately. Are they becoming a little sharp between themselves at gatherings? I remember at Glendon Farm a marvellous meeting of hounds and not a rumble between them. Only a couple of years later I have seen many appearing grumpy?

Still on temperament, I was fortunate recently to visit a breeder in the West Country (An important Breeder in the U.K. with about twenty-one hounds) ) and, whilst exercising hounds round the fields (in the snow, hail, gales and freezing temperature) one young bitch of 18 months caught my eye. Apart from the fact the She is to my mind beautiful and moves so gracefully, it was her obvious desire to be near me' and her love of being petted that stood out. She was torn between playing with Splash and staying with me on the walk. For a breed that usually seems to prefer its own companions, she was outstandingly friendly. This type of temperament would perhaps be the basis for the long-term future of Otterhounds as companion would it not?

ALL-IN-ALL we have a breed which is never likely to qualify for Crufts Obedience ring, but, is nevertheless capable of satisfactory standard of obedience and adaptable enough to take part in Agility, Gundog Scurries and even Hound Racing - provided that you can find another hound it likes to run with - not to mention clean boot hunting, and nearly the real thing, mink hunting.

Again thinking in `tandem' about the future of both Otterhounds and Foxhounds I find it difficult to be conclusively for, or against, their future role as Pet/Companion Dogs. Trying to come to a rational answer is made more difficult because of my own hounds appeal to me (anyone who knows me, knows how besotted I am with her), but I will try to leave that aside from my arguments set out below:

But, more often the O.H. looks rather `currish' and unkempt, wet whiskers and beard dripping mud and water, accumulated from the permanent `nose down' position. There is also an inherent dislike of grooming in these hounds, and plenty of patient attention needs to be given from puppy hood if they are to accept this without resentment.

Another inherent tendency is eating faeces. There is absolutely nothing in ` favour' of this re-cycling, which is extremely common even in small puppies. Veterinary advice, admonishment, sprinkled ` tobasco', mustard etc., additives to their food such as Spinach which produces a repulsive smell at the other end, have all proved to be of no long term benefit. The person who finds a permanent cure for this problem will undoubtedly be a millionaire. You need to be very fast in deed with a shovel to beat most hounds to it!

Kindly, happy temperament, slow to anger with man or beast. Particularly soft about small children. I know of only one serious incident concerning children, and on this occasion it was a sleeping young dog hound, disturbed suddenly by the owners small child. Recent kennel fights have been silent fights during the night among bitches, but these are indeed rare.

FINALLY, should these hounds be allowed to die out it would be a great loss to the country's history. If however they are to survive without hunting, breeders must take into consideration the `biddability' of their stud dogs and brood bitches as although, minor physical defects such as `unlevel' bites etc., can be slowly changed over many years, if the hound cannot fit today's lifestyle at all, there will only remain too small a gene pool for it's long term survival.

From the hound's point of view, they are adaptable and from my own experience happy to say `Wherever I hang my hat that's my home' providing their best friend `YOU' are with them. If there are other dogs, or at least in the case of most Otterhounds, a cat around so much the better but, this is not essential, providing the owner has plenty of time and energy to spare.