328 The Dog Book 



most writers upon a breed but little known, or not scientifically established — 

 and by that we mean bred with judgment and a type in view — he said that 

 the breed was almost entirely lost at that time. Mr. Pearson fully endorsed 

 the first part of the letter, and on his own account wrote as follows: 



"I wish clearly to lay down the rule that, according to my judgment, 

 none other than dogs known as the otter breed or close-hair dogs should 

 be taken as the Simon Pure of this strain. The Chesapeake Bay dog^ 

 otter breed, should be a strong, well-built animal, weighing about sixty 

 pounds; colour much resembling wet sedge grass, though toward spring 

 it becomes lighter from exposure to the weather. A small white spot or 

 frill on breast is entirely admissible; a large patch of same very objectionable. 

 Coat short and thick, with tendency to wave over shoulders, back and loins, 

 where it is longest. Should judge hair to be nowhere more than one and a 

 quarter inches long, and probably not over half that on flanks and legs. 

 Head broad, nose a trifle pointed but not at all sharp, neck only moderately 

 long; eyes of yellow colour; ears small and placed well up on the head; face 

 covered with very short hair, and mild and intelligent in expression. Legs 

 of moderate length, ending with feet of good size. Tail stout, somewhat 

 long, with barely a suspicion of feather, and the straighter the better. 

 This dog is sprightly, active, an admirable watch dog, abundantly able 

 to take care of himself, and an admirable retriever. Females are usually 

 smaller than the males, but not necessarily so. 



"There is another style of so-called Chesapeake Bay dogs that may 

 be mentioned; short hair, entirely straight, much darker in colour — in 

 fact liver colour — more heavily built in every way; many of them of a 

 surly disposition, and having a tendency to shirk their work whenever 

 they feel so disposed, particularly in cold weather and high-running waves. 

 I have a suspicion that they may have a touch of bloodhound through 

 'them, and from my experience do not care for anything less than a stout 

 club when it is necessary to correct them." Mr. Pearson then briefly 

 refers to the traditions, all of which came "through the medium of the 

 'oldest inhabitant,' so whatever credence is attached thereto I leave to the 

 judgment of each reader." 



Doctor Millbank, of New York, was an enthusiastic supporter of the 

 breed up to the time of his death a few months ago, and from a communication 

 of his in the American Field, of April 2, 1898, it is evident that Mr. Pearson 

 was his mentor and guide. ■ Acting upon the advice thus received. Doctor 



