talbotlucas.org: a word to the wise is sufficient

As one of my fellow corgi-owners recently reminded me, the verb "to chunter" is a great (and practical) addition to one's vocabulary. According to the 1883 Glossary of Almondbury and Huddersfield, it means "to growl or grumble." The 1788 Provincialisms of East Yorkshire noted that it meant "to express discontent about trifles." One can also have a "chuntering bout": "a fit of sulkiness with impertinence" (Whitby Glossary 1876). And lots of other variations come to mind without too much effort.

Chuntering is definitely one of Wallace's traits--he's very clear about expressing discontent. Whether or not this is an instance of nature or nurture is another question, as we all know this isn't a behavior that's limited to canines...