"ALL SORTS OF DOGS."

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21113, 22 February 1932, Page 12

"ALL SORTS OF DOGS."

PRIZE FOR BIGGEST MONGREL. CLEVER TRICKS PERFORMED. The magic word "pedigree" counted for no:hing in the special classes arranged as a popular attraction at the Auckland Kennel Association Show on Saturday. Dogs which otherwise might never have an opportunity to win a coveted red ticket wer6 paraded by proud owners who hoped that they would secure the prize for the dog with the most soulful eyes, or perhaps with the handiest legs, or, at the worst, as the greatest mongrel in the show. The association had arranged the special classes, "All Sorts of Dogs," as a special attraction in addition to the more orthodox classes, and the innovation proved to be extremely popular among exhibitors and the general public. The judge, Mr. L. A. Latchford, had a difficult task in many of the classes, particularly those relating to facial expression. Dogs which seems to have suffered ail the tragedy of life were entered in "the most soulful-eyed" and the "saddest expression" classes. The difficulties were increased when it came to finding the dog with the longest tail. Instead of wagging it- proudly, every entrant chose to curl its tail up coyly and the judge had to be accompanied by an assistant to hold the appendage out while it was being' measured. "Wonderfully clever tricks were performed by the entrants in the class for the best performing dog. The winner, Mr. A. Henderson's "Plunger," appeared to understand every word his master said, and he carried out his tricks with obvious pleasure. At a gesture he carried the paraphernalia of his tricks to his master, and then selected a pipe which he held correctly in his mouth. With a hat and spectacles on, he was the image of canifie wisdom. Shamming "dead," leaping through rings, catching balls and jumping hurdles were the elements of his performance. Another of his popular tricks was to balance a coin on his nose, and then, with a sud(jen movement, to throw it in the air and catch it in his mouth. Mr. J. Boyle's "JSheila" was little behind him in eagerness and ability, and all the entrants showed implicit trust in their trainers. The chief event of the afternoon was the obedience test for thoroughbred Alsatians for the Sandringham Cup. Wonderful sagacity was shown by the huge dogs in going, at a word from their master, to seek an object placed by him among a collection of other things on the floor, and carrying it back to his feet. The tests entailed absolute obedience from the dogs. After over a dozen trials, the cup was awarded to Mrs. A. L. Marfurt's, Rex Intelligence. Oth'er awards were:

Best Dog in. the"Show.—Mr. G. Futchen's Pekirgese, Tom Tils; reserve award, Mr. ,R. Marshall's King Charles Spaniel. Ashton More Vagabond; third award, Mr. F. W. Pinker's Alsatian, Pinnacle of Wolf Valley.

Greatest mongrel. Miss D. Taigue; best conditioned dogs, Miss Caulfield; dog with longest tail, Mr. E. L. Jacobs; most bandylegged dog, Mrs. A. S. Bedford; longest eared dog, Mr. H. V. Ganley; dog with healthiest mouth ,and teeth. Miss V. Willers; dog with most soulful eyes, Mr. H. V. Ganley; saddest-looking dog, Mrs. Martin; best behaved dog. Mr. A. Henderson; dog with cleverest expression, Mrs. Caulfield; cheekiest dog, Mr. H. Curran; ugliest dog. Mrs. Oliphant; shortest tailed dog. Miss V. Willers; fastest tail-wagger, Mr. H. L. Charlton.