Tough and Wiry Outer Growth of Dogs
Puzzle 8 of Jane Austen Hard Pack
Question is: Tough and Wiry Outer Growth of Dogs
and the answer is: GUARDHAIR
Word Meaning:
GUARD HAIR — (uncountable) The top layer of fur on an animal, consisting of longer, generally coarser, nearly straight shafts of hair that protrude through the down hair layer.
Definitions from Wiktionary.