Set of 4: 1984 Dogs Series

Front:
USA 20c YORK, Beagle, Boston Terrier SEP 1984 10001 NY USA200 Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Cocker Spant RK SEP 1984 10001 NY USA 20c Alaskan Malamute, Cie SEP 1984 10001 NY USA 20c Black and Tan Cobnhound, Amefican Foxhound SEP 1984 10001 NY

Back:
For thousands of years, man's closest companion has been the dog. Faithful and beloved companions, dogs serve their masters as guardians, hunters and devoted friends. Among all of America's best loved dogs, few have matched the popularity of the Beagle in the United States. This happy little hound is a good-natured pet with a short wagging tail and floppy ears. Originally a popular hunting dog of English royalty, the friendly Beagle is now a favorite American pet. The pretty Boston Terrier is another favorite among dog lovers . . . and is a true American canine. Affectionately known as the “Ameri- can gentleman," the Boston Terrier sports a dark brindled coat accented by a striking white blaze that runs down its face, breast and legs. The Boston Terrier's origins can be traced to a single dog named “Judge” owned by a Bostonian in 1865. Today, the Boston Terrier's small size and good nature have made it a popular breed throughout the world. Both the Beagle and the Boston Terrier are honored as two of America's best loved dogs on the stamp featured on this Maximum Card. No. 84-39 ©1984 The Maximum Card Collection A Division of Unicover Corporation . Cheyenne, WY 82008-0007 Original painting by Peter Barrett. America's Chesapeake Bay Retriever has a romantic origin which began in 1807 when an English ship wrecked off the coast of Maryland. A nearby American ship rescued the English crew from the sinking ship ... along with two small puppies — a liver colored male and a black female. The two puppies were given to the Americans and later the two dogs produced a fearless breed of retrievers. Today, the descendants of these dogs are known as Chesapeake Bay Retrievers. These beautiful animals have curly coats of reddish- brown hair and are known for their passion for water. The American Cocker Spaniel is another dog which is at home near the water. These affectionate little dogs are excellent swimmers and have a proud hunting heri- tage. The American Cocker Spaniel's large brown eyes and soft, feathery coat have made this breed almost irresistible. Whether accompanying the hunter or romp- ing with children, the cheerful Cocker Spaniel is indeed one of America's most beloved dogs. Both the Chesapeake Bay Retriever and the Cocker Spaniel are honored on the stamp featured on this Maximum Card. No. 84-40 ©1984 The Maximum Card Collection A Division of Unicover Corporation . Cheyenne, WY 82008-0007 Original painting by Peter Barrett. The vast frozen tundras of the north are home for the beautiful Alaskan Malamute. Sturdy and hard working creatures, these dogs bear the name of the Malemiut Eskimo tribe which has used them for centuries to haul their sleds over the snow and ice. This hardy breed of dog is noted for its stout build and a thick wooly coat with a distinctive mask of white and black. Although this working dog is known for its remarkable strength and endurance, the Alaskan Malamute's gentle and affec- tionate nature has made it one of America's favorite family pets. The Collie is another working dog which has gained favor with the American family. More than three centuries ago, the Collie was bred in Scotland to be an agile work dog to herd flocks of sheep. The modern Collie retains this herding instinct and has been known to watch over children at play and even retrieve youngsters which wander away from the group. A faithful and loyal dog, the Collie is protective of his master, family and home. In honor of these two favorite American dogs, the Postal Service issued the stamp featured on this Maximum Card. No. 84-41 ©1984 The Maximum Card Collection A Division of Unicover Corporation • Cheyenne, WY 82008-0007 Original painting by Peter Barrett. As American as the deep South, the Black and Tan Coonhound is one of the few purebred dogs which originated in America. This hound was developed in the South from the bloodlines of the American Foxhound, the Virginia Foxhound, and the Bloodhound. As a result of the careful work of early breeders, the Black and Tan Coonhound was standardized as an alert and expert tracker. The Black and Tan Coonhound retains the classic hound coat of black and tan, pendulous ears and a long curving tail, but has lost the traditional wrinkles of his ancestors. Known as one of the best tracking dogs in the world, this beloved American canine is a devoted com- panion and loyal friend. Another beloved tracking dog of American origin is the American Foxhound. A cousin of the English Foxhound, this American dog may be the descendant of George Washington's crossbreeds of English hounds and long-eared French staghounds. Today, the American Foxhound is known for its espe- cially keen nose and amazing speed. In honor of these two American hunting dogs, the United States issued the No. 84-42 ©1984 The Maximum Card Collection A Division of Unicover Corporation . Cheyenne, WY 82008-0007 Original painting by Peter Barrett.