St. Michaels in Talbot County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
From Shipwrecked Puppies to Iron Dogs
Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), August 24, 2019
1. From Shipwrecked Puppies to Iron Dogs Marker
While sailing home from England in 1807, George Law, a member of a prominent Maryland family, rescued Newfoundland puppies from sinking British ship and brought them home to the Chesapeake Bay. The puppies—named Sailor and Canton (the name of Law's ship)—mated with local dogs and established a new breed, the Chesapeake Bay retriever.
For waterfowling, Chesapeake Bay retrievers have no equal. They are able to plunge repeatedly into freezing water, their oily double coats keeping their skin dry.
The cast iron dog, manufactured by the Baltimore foundry Hayward, Bartlett & Company, was made in memory of the shipwrecked puppies, Sailor and Canton. Dozens of these iron dogs were made as lawn ornaments, and this one long stood guard outside a waterfront house just a few miles outside of St. Michaels.
Erected by Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Arts, Letters, Music • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1807.
Location. 38° 47.263′ N, 76° 13.221′ W. Marker is in St. Michaels, Maryland, in Talbot County. Marker is on Mill Street just east of Burns Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Spat, Miniature Skipjack (here, next to this marker); Fishing Shanty / Ark (within shouting distance of this marker); Kennedy M. Fitzgerald (within shouting distance of this marker); Lost Overboard (within shouting distance of this marker); Winnie Estelle (within shouting distance of this marker); A Mighty Pull (within shouting distance of this marker); For Whom the Bell Tolls (within shouting distance of this marker); St. Michaels Packing Company Warehouse (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in St. Michaels.
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), August 24, 2019
2. From Shipwrecked Puppies to Iron Dogs Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on March 3, 2022. It was originally submitted on August 25, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 296 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 25, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
