ALSATIAN DOGS.

Evening Star, Issue 21811, 29 August 1934, Page 10

ALSATIAN DOGS.

TO TUB EDITOR. Sir, —“ Fair Play’s ” letter is deserving of all support from owners of this breed of dog. Tho Alsatian is one of the most popular of the nonsporting breeds, tinder which heading it is classified in the English Kennel Club’s register, and stands alone in its appeal to a wide section of dog lovers on account of its sterling qualities, combined with its wonderful potentialities for work. Opinions vary a-s to whether any wolf blood was introduced into the brood, but if so it was so far hack that it could have no hearing- on our present-day animals. The Alsatian League and Club of Great Britain, which is the premier organisation, as well as the oldest, devoting itself to the interests of the breed over there, numbers amongst its members many distinguished names. For most amongst those are their Royal Highnesses tho Prince of Wales, Prince Henry, and Prince George, who each own one of tho dogs. During the early post-war period the breed met with a great deal of strenuous opposition from other sections of the canine fraternity, who at that time were' thinking imperially, and resented the introduction of another foreign breed; but, despite this, rapid strides were made. The beginning of 1927 marked several incidents which were seized upon by a certain section of tho Press as propaganda against the Alsatian, clubbing it as half-wolf, which was, of course, inaccurate, and was prompted by the name Wolfdog. Notwithstanding these difficulties, this wonderful breed continued to maintain' its position; and it speaks volumes that it survived all the attacks made upon it—attacks which would have written “ finis ” to the activities of many another breed. Alsatians are sometimes used for sheep work, although not to any great extent; many members of tho Police Force own Alsatians, the country police finding them invaluable on their lonely heats. Many Alsatians have a flair for tracking, and have been used successfully as gun dogs. The latest innovation in England is the blind-lending movement, on behalf of which a broadcast appeal was made over the wireless by Mr Christopher Stone, realising more than £750. Several blind men now possess a trained Alsatian to lead them about, which is done with perfect safety through crowds and traffic. The Alsatian shows especial aptitude for this type of work, and the humanitarian aspect of it has increased the popularity enjoyed by this versatile breed. From my own experience I find the Alsatian is hard-' to beat in any type of work; but I have had to use patience, kindness, perseverance, and firmness in his training, and this, to my mind, is lacking with most owners, especially those who allow their dogs to roam at large.—l am, etc., August 28. Toss.