ALSATIAN DOGS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume L, Issue 254, 22 September 1930, Page 2

ALSATIAN DOGS.

(To the Editor.)

Sir, —In view.of the interest which at present surrounds the Alsatian dog, I am enclosing a cutting from the Fancier, which, if you will' kindly republish, would clear up a large number of misconceptions relative to the breed. Thanking you in anticipation. —I am, etc., '

JOHN E. FLAVELL. 3 AYood Street, Palmerston North, September 19, 1930. THE ALSATIAN EMBROGLIO. Mr J. Henniger, on' behalf of the New Zealand Alsatian Club, writes: "My club views with concern the remit winch was passed by the Royal Agricultural Society excluding Alsatian dogs from Royal shows.’ The remit has undoubtedly been prompted by the prejudices and antagonism evidenced in certain isolated quarters since the breed was introduced to this country six years ago. . The same prejudice was displayed. when the breed was first brought to England, yet it has prospered in the Old Country and has become most popular. Many attacks instigated in England were proved entirely devoid of substantiation and truth, and isimilar attacks in New Zealand, on investigation, have been found to he wrongly brought forward and feebly borne out. Most of the prejudice is not on account of any proved depredation, but because the dog has impressed the public by its highly strung nature, its adherence to one master only, and tlie outward, but wholly false, impression that it is bred from wolf strains. The English Kennel Club’s firm rule that no dog can be registered if there is any suggestion of wolf bl&od in its pedigree entirely disposes of the suggestion that the breed is bred from or has been allied to the wolf. All that has been said of Alsatians can just as readily be said of other breeds with equal justification, both as regards depredations among sheep and attacks on human beings. Undoubtedly certain kennel clubs do not provide adequate protection for the public where excitable dogs are concerned. It is easy for us to produce evidence of cases where other breeds have attacked people in shows held within the last few months; probably because they were not Alsatians no publicity was given to tho incidents. • Contrary to general opinion, some of these dogs are working sheep and cattle in this country and giving every satisfaction to their farmer-owners. The surest test of a dog’s nature and habits is its appeal to the general public. Breeds which have offended during the past have been almost completely dropped from public favour, and the great popularity centred round the Alsatian is solid and substantial evidence as to its reliability, safeness, courage and affection. AVo seek by this letter to show the grounds upon which’the breed has established itself in the.hearts of the people and ask your support in combating an attack which we consider wholly unfair and unwarranted.” '