Steady as She Goes. The Captain of This Ship Is a Bernese Mountain Dog.

Steady as she goes. A tricolor Bernese Mountain Dog commands the canvas with the calm authority of a veteran sea captain. A black tricorn hat trimmed in gold sits squarely on his head, and below it his gentle brown eyes look out from beneath rust-colored brows. The white blaze down his face leads to a thick ruff of snowy chest fur, which fluffs out over the collar of his navy coat. Gold epaulettes, rows of brass buttons and swirling laurel embroidery complete the uniform. The dark, weathered background suggests a captain's cabin lit by a single lantern.

Despite their mountain heritage, Bernese Mountain Dogs can enjoy water, though their heavy coats mean swimming should be supervised and kept short. Like many large dogs, they need moderate daily exercise but are not built for intense endurance work, especially in hot weather. Berners are known as sensitive, affectionate dogs that want to be close to their families, and gentle, positive training suits them well. Brushing a few times a week helps manage shedding and keeps that beautiful tricolor coat healthy. A life jacket is a smart choice for any dog joining a boat outing.

Tricorn hats, with their three folded sides, were associated with naval officers and gentlemen during the eighteenth century, before gradually giving way to the bicorne in the Napoleonic era.

This captain may never set sail, but he would make a fine and loyal first mate on any voyage.