FASHIONS IN DOGS

Hawera Star, Volume L, 7 February 1931, Page 9

FASHIONS IN DOGS

A.\fi has only to read a list of the breeds classified at the leading dog shows to realise how diligently exhibitors have drawn upon foreign countries. The most remarkable are Alsatious, which, 'in a few years, have onquered the world. 1 Tire Kennel correspondent of “The Times” in a recent article reveals that Alsatians were first shown in England about 1910. They attracted attention by their erect ears and alert exl.ressions. though in appearance, as in fact, they were nothing but improved sheepdogs. Since then they have lengthened in reach, and 1 have acquired the easy gait which is so characteristic of them. One wonders sometimes how Alsatians would have 'progressed 1 but for the manner in which they were pushed . bv returned service men after the war. Lieut. Colonel J. T. Moore-Brabazon. one of the leading spirits, is believed to have been responsible tq a large extent for the choice of a name that placated .prejudice and! aroused attention. We know now. however, that the does neither belong to Alsace nor have any wolf blood in their veins. They were . • m'dv made by the .alliance of two or three strains of German sheepdogs, oredominanee being given to those with • -ck ears as being the greatest novelty. That the early enthusiasm has waned does not mean that the breed is going to fall hack into insignificance. A dog with such, commanding

Novelty’s Universal Appeal

individuality cannot fail to have many admirers in', spite of the unfair aspersions that have been cast upon its disposition.

Salukis are another conspicuous postwar breed. Charming in manners and o leasing in appearance, they easily win the regard of the dog-loving public. In i sense they are not new, a® Miss Florence Amherst imported some 2b rears ago. but it was a long time before her efforts reached fruition. Brig-adier-General F. E. Lance brought some hack with him from Syria, including the redoubtable C'h. Savona Ivelb. That closely related breed, the Afghan hound, is showing in great strength. Old specimens have been met with in England for ha'if a century, and Mr. Barff’s Zardin made a sensation on being exhibited at Crufts’, but it was not until recently that serious efforts were made to give these eccentric dogs a footing. They are increasing in numbers. It lias not been easy to get Afghans whose lineage is ,o--.rjn,| suspicion, and breeders may ‘Vel satisfied with the results of their efforts. « lUbo-mds are firmly established. These dogs are gaining many admirers, being of a size that is suitable for most- houses. Their colouring is very 'leasing, and they have kindly dispositions. They are so hardv that cold and wet do not seem to trouble them, and thev can live in outdoor kennels throughout the- winter.