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An Anguilla Long Dog Tale
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What in the world is an Anguilla Long Dog? All over Anguilla, especially in the eastern end of the island these unusual dogs can be spotted in many backyards. A variety of colors, even spotted, some with long hair, some with short and some with a combination of both but they all have one thing in common…they are long! Ask around and you will get many tales as to how this particular dog came to be on a Caribbean island, but we liked this one the best.
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Long ago on a clear blue Caribbean Sea a lone ship sailed the warm waters in search of treasure and plunder. Its crew was a randy bunch of Irish sailing men with a handsome, arrogant captain at the helm. All through the islands they cruised hoping to find their fortune on the high sea or at the tropical locations where they chanced to stop.
The captain was a big bold man much feared and respected by his crew. He ruled his ship with an iron hand but was fair in his dealing with his mates. Normal in most respects this captain had one exception. Instead of the usual parrot often seen on the shoulders of the head man, this captain’s favorite pet was a small dog that was always by his side. The dog was unusual to be sure, almost twice as long as he was tall with thick stubby legs and a short crooked tail. He was sandy brown in color with a tuft of hair on his shoulders like a lion’s mane and a huge pile of wavy fur flowing off his hind quarters. Strutting around on the deck with his captain he was quite a sight to see.
And he was not just for show; this dog had his duty to the ship as well. Everyday he would sit on the bow staring at the sea in search of ships that might pass, either for the chance to plunder or the possibility of the British Navy looking for pirates. He was so keen that he could spot a ship before it was actually visible on the horizon. Then the barking would start, he would kick up such a fuss that the men on the ship would go for their spy glasses in search of the approaching vessel. More than once he saved them from certain capture.
Often he would spot a ship loaded with goods on its way back to the old country. Quick as a wink the sailors would fire their guns, halting the unlucky ship to rob it. The crew and captain would quickly board the vessel and take anything of value before releasing it and its captain back to the sea. The crew was good at its job and their hold was quickly filling with the riches they plundered.
This led to a problem. The boat was so full of goods that the captain realized they would not be able to outrun a Navy ship if one decided to pursue them. It was a long way back to Ireland and the Caribbean Sea held many dangers. He decided it was time to head for home before the storm season approached and while they were having this run of good luck.
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Even as puppies their bodies grow long and the legs stay short.
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The captain took a course north avoiding the small islands along the way hoping also to avoid being seen by other ships. These pirates were so successful that they were getting a reputation along the island chain. If spotted from village forts, they would immediately be pursued by whatever ship was guarding the harbour.
Luck was with them however and everyone was starting to relax as they reached the last few islands in the chain before heading into the Atlantic and home. Then quickly their luck changed. An early storm blew up and not even the captain’s dog saw it coming.
The crew struggled to hold the ship on course through the raging wind and dashing waves. It was a good ship and strong but with it hold full of heavy plunder it was no match for the weather.
The boat pitched about in the dark sea, off course and no way to stop it. The sails were beginning to tear and the masts were in danger of falling. The captain and crew had no idea where the boat was going since the sky was black as night and the rain hit them in blinding sheets. Suddenly there was a rocking jolt and loud crack as the boat hit something solid. The reefs around these islands were dangerous even when the weather was good. The crew feared the worst since they had no idea how far they were from shore.
As the boat started to take on water the captain yelled to his crew to abandon ship. Life boats were lowered and the soaked frightened men began a hasty retreat from the doomed vessel, leaving behind all their ill gotten gains. Waiting for the last boat, the captain jumped from his listing ship with his trusted dog close behind. The small boats pitched about in the rough sea but fortunately for the crew the land was just a short distance away. They reached a tiny protected bay with a curve of white sand thankful to be alive. As the storm raged on the exhausted crew pulled their boats onto the shore and collapsed on the soft sand under a stand of swaying palm trees.
Morning came and the crew was awakened by the stares and muttering of a small group of island folk. They were the East End fishermen of Anguilla arriving to check the condition of their fishing boats after the storm. Not realizing these half drowned men were a band of pirates, the fisherman welcomed them and offered food and lodging. The pirates immediately accepted and since their boat was lost forever to the sea decided to stay on the island and make a new start.
The pirates were a strong bunch and in no time had built houses and small boats for fishing. The captain, still the leader of the group decided to call their new village Ireland Harbour after their beloved Ireland. He married a local woman and set up house, soon forgetting his life at sea. The captain’s dog also found companionship among the local dogs of Anguilla and it was not long before short long dogs with a noble spirit and a fierce bark were spotted all over the island. Ireland Harbour eventually became Island Harbour and you can still see evidence of the Irish blood in the people of the village.
And that is how the Anguilla Long Dog came to be…or at least that’s one story.
Of course the Long Dog is not the only kind of dog living on Anguilla. Throughout history island travelers and immigrants would come with their dogs and as dogs are social creatures, one thing led to another and eventually there were all types of canine inhabiting Anguilla. The typical Anguilla dog is of medium height, slim by nature with a long tail, pointed ears and short hair. They are well able to take the heat and will eat just about anything. Great watch dogs, they are always on the alert for anyone passing by their yard which they defend with much vigor. These dogs are so loyal and lovable that in recent times visitors to Anguilla have been adopting them and once again the Anguilla dog becomes a traveler.
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