Definition

Noun

  • A series of two-hour watches, from 1600 – 1800 and 1800 – 2000.

Origin

16th century. Unknown origin. Possibly once referred to as “curtailed” watches which slid to “docked” and then to “dog.” Although the basis in fact is questionable.

Comments

The traditional watch system uses dog watches. They are referred to as the first and last dog watches, respectively (never first and second). They create a seven-watch system instead of six within 24 hours and therefore differ from the normal four-hour watch. The purpose is to rotate the times of the crew’s watches so they’re not standing the same watches every day (which gets boring). Another reason I’ve heard for creating dog watches is to give watchstanders time to eat dinner around the usual time.

References

Kemp, P. (1994). The Oxford Companion to Ships and the Sea. Oxford University Press.

King, D., Hattendorf, J.B, & Estes, J.W. (1997). A Sea of Words: A Lexicon and Companion for Patrick O’Brian’s Seafaring Tales (2nd Ed.). Owl Books.

Rogers, J.G. (1985). Origins of Sea Terms. Mystic Seaport.