The Dogs of Boytown

In Short

Set in early twentieth-century New England, this episodic juvenile novel traces two brothers, Ernest and Jack Whipple, as they raise twin Llewellyn setter puppies, Romulus and Remus. Guided by Sam Bumpus—a kindly old woodsman—and the wealthy owners of Willowdale Kennels, the boys and their neighborhood friends dive deep into the world of dog ownership. Through field trials, formal dog shows, tragedy, and a dramatic winter rescue on thin ice, the story explores responsibility, sportsmanship, and the bond between children and animals.

The Story

The narrative opens on a crisp October morning near the town of Boytown, where brothers Ernest and Jack Whipple wander the autumn woods. They meet Sam Bumpus, an old woodsman who lives in a rustic shack with his faithful Llewellyn setter, Nan, and his friend Captain Tasker, a wounded Civil War veteran. Sam instills in the boys a passion for bird dogs, explaining the intelligence, scenting abilities, and training requirements of setters and pointers.

At Christmas, Ernest and Jack receive twin setter puppies, which they name Romulus and Remus. Their mother initially objects to keeping the lively, untrained dogs in the house, forcing the boys to house them in an outbuilding dubbed "Rome." The puppies cause initial chaotic mishaps—including losing their baby teeth, which terrifies the boys until Sam reassures them it is natural. Under Sam's patient instruction, Ernest and Jack begin basic obedience and field training, learning how to teach the dogs to retrieve, range, and obey signals.

As the boys' interest grows, their friend Harry Barton introduces them to Willowdale Kennels in nearby Thornboro. Owned by the wealthy Mr. Hartshorn and managed by Tom Poultice, the kennels introduce the local children to purebred Airedales, white bull terriers, and various toy breeds. Mrs. Hartshorn shares her extensive knowledge of canine history, breeds, and care.

Inspired by Willowdale, the neighborhood boys form an informal dog club and organize their own local exhibition, the Boytown Dog Show. While Romulus earns second prize for his setter conformation, the event is bittersweet; a beloved local mongrel named Rags is passed over for formal honors but celebrated for his friendly spirit. Later, during summer camp at Camp Britches, tragedy strikes when Rags passes away and is buried with full honors by the heartbroken community.

The story shifts toward competitive field work as Romulus is entered in professional field trials. Under Sam's guidance, Romulus demonstrates exceptional bird-finding instincts, competing against seasoned pointers in the All-Age stakes. Meanwhile, Remus, thought to be less suited for trial competition, proves his worth in a life-or-death crisis. When a neighborhood boy named Eddie Greene falls through thin ice on Hulse's Pond during winter, Remus leaps into the freezing water and holds him afloat until rescue arrives. Remus contracts pneumonia from the exposure, but his heroic action finally wins over Mrs. Whipple, who tenderly nursed him back to health. Both dogs earn their distinct triumphs, cementing their places in the hearts of their family and town.

How It Unfolds

The gift of puppies Ernest and Jack Whipple meet the veteran huntsman Sam Bumpus and fall in love with his setter, Nan. On Christmas Day, the boys receive twin Llewellyn setter pups named Romulus and Remus, navigating initial household resistance from their mother and housing the dogs in a shed called Rome.

Lessons at Willowdale The boys visit Willowdale Kennels, a grand estate in Thornboro owned by Mr. Hartshorn. There, kennel master Tom Poultice and Mrs. Hartshorn teach the local youth about purebred Airedales, bull terriers, toy breeds, and proper canine health care.

The Boytown Dog Show Energized by a trip to the New York bench shows, the local children organize their own exhibition in a neighborhood barn. Mr. Hartshorn judges the entries, awarding prizes to standout local dogs while honoring the neighborhood's favorite mongrel, Rags.

Tragedy at Camp Britches During a summer camping trip, the boys enjoy outdoor life, swimming, and campfire stories with their pets. Shortly after camp, their beloved community dog Rags dies, and the children gather for a quiet, solemn burial ceremony beneath the dogwoods.

Trials and triumph Sam Bumpus prepares Romulus for competitive field trials, where the setter showcases his bird-hunting instincts against top regional dogs. Months later, Remus saves a boy from drowning in a frozen pond, surviving a severe bout of pneumonia and earning the town's lasting gratitude.

The People

• Ernest Whipple wants to become a knowledgeable dog owner and trainer. Practical and attentive, he absorbs Sam's lessons on field work and takes pride in guiding his setter, Romulus, to success in field trials.
• Jack Whipple wants to protect and cherish his dog, Remus. Younger and more emotional than his brother, he worries constantly over Remus's health and stays by his side during his severe illness.
• Sam Bumpus is an elderly woodsman who wants to pass on his traditional knowledge of hunting and dog training. Patient and soft-spoken, he acts as a mentor to the town's youth.
• Mr. Hartshorn is a wealthy dog breeder and owner of Willowdale Kennels who wants to foster good sportsmanship among the local boys. He provides guidance, prizes, and formal judging for their events.
• Mrs. Whipple initially wants a clean, quiet home free of animal disruptions. Uncomfortable with dogs at first, her strict boundaries gradually melt into warm solicitude after Remus saves a child's life.

In Its Own Voice

"Setters are usually supposed to be the keenest and pointers the strongest, but in my opinion it all depends on the partic'lar dog."

Sam Bumpus offers his seasoned perspective on bird dogs while resting on a log along the Oakdale Road.

"The second prize, this handsome dog collar, is won by Romulus, English setter, owned by Ernest Whipple."

Mr. Hartshorn delivers his judging decisions to the gathered crowd during the Boytown Dog Show.

"Don't you worry about them teeth... Didn't you know that dogs lose their first teeth the same as boys do?"

Sam laughs reassuringly when Ernest and Jack panic over their growing puppies shedding their baby teeth.

What It's Really About

Underneath its episodic narrative of boyish adventures, the novel functions as an instructional manual on responsible animal ownership and humane ethics. It argues that raising a dog is an exercise in character building, requiring patience, empathy, and consistency rather than harsh discipline. The plot explores how shared interests foster community across different social classes and ages—connecting wealthy estate owners, rustic woodsmen, and working-class children. It also contrasts formal standards of breed perfection with the intrinsic, unmeasured loyalty of everyday pets, asserting that every dog possesses unique value regardless of pedigree or show ribbons.

Why Read It Today

The Dogs of Boytown appeals to readers who appreciate classic animal literature, early twentieth-century Americana, and detailed historic lore regarding dog breeds and field training. The prose captures a gentle, leisurely pace of life, emphasizing outdoor exploration, seasonal rhythms, and the simple pleasures of rural boyhood.

Readers should be prepared for period elements typical of 1918 juvenile fiction, including straightforward moralizing, deliberate episodic pacing, and localized dialect in the dialogue of figures like Sam Bumpus and Tom Poultice. Additionally, the text spends significant time detailing specific breed standards, historical anecdotes, and traditional training methods, which may feel dense to those seeking a fast-paced modern narrative. However, its genuine affection for animals, vivid autumn settings, and realistic portrayal of the deep bond between children and their dogs make it a warm, nostalgic read.