The dog was a mystery mix (maybe cocker spaniel and boarder collie).

I carved the figurehead out of basswood.

I used drawings of a dog's skull form a book of animal anatomy for artists as a pattern, tracing the top view and side view onto a block of basswood.

I then cut out the rough form on a bandsaw.

I carved it using gouges (and a dremel tool on the eyes.)

I cut it cross sectionally just in front of the ears and cut the back half of the head up the middle.

Using a contour gauge to measure, I carved out recesse in the back to pieces to match the bow.

I glued the three pieces back together using epoxy.

I painted the whole head using epoxy mixed with amber dye, and then the black parts with epoxy mixed with black pigment. Epoxy runs faster when dye and pigment are added.

I covered the cavity with thickened black epoxy (cabosil and black pigment) and slid it over the bow. Clamps weren't necessary.

Two coats ov Captains Spar varnish on the head finished it.