The Sea-Dog, called the Coten, or wnhuh by the mermen, is the size of a bear or larger. It has hair as long as a man is tall, white, but with a slight, icy blue hue. When fishes touch this hair they are tangled and paralyzed, and the dog combs them out with long hooked claws, and eats them. It never eats men. Some people gradually inure themselves to the sting and bathe in the hair. The Coten's eyes, and the skin around them, are gleaming red.

They live alone with their mate, and mate for life. They give birth on shore and leave their young to themselves. These hunt small creatures on shore, and then swim out to sea and grow their long hair. While their hair is short it still gives the young ones some protection by giving a strong sting when touched.

Throughout their lives they make little or no sound. They have no scent. They willingly allow people to bathe in their hair, unless they are hungry and the person scares away their food. They can be kept in and fed very easily.