ALSATIAN DOGS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21359, 7 December 1932, Page 14

ALSATIAN DOGS

Sir, —Notwithstanding the assertions of the '/honorary secretary of the New Zenland Alsatian Club to the contrary, it Is generally conceded that .the Alsatian is unusually savage, and on that account should be kept on the chain. Reports of their attacks on human beings are so frequent that I cannot understand anyone holding a brief for them. Until some very serious damage is done the law Li not likely to prohibit' the breeding or importing of this nest. In the meantime the police could help protect the public bv insisting that owners keep them on the chain. Almost every Sunday sees these wolf-like creatures at the beaches, where some of the owners allow them perfect liberty to scamper about among the people. No dog of any kind should be allowed to roam at large fouling onr beaches, but in the case of Alsatians there is an element of danger added. Safety First. Sir, —I wish to endorse the statements of " Alsatianist " and " Properly Treated" whose letters appeared in the Herald of November 28. Alsatians, properly treated, will not bite people, with very few exceptions. Many times, when an Alsatian attacks, someone has advanced upon him with outstretched hand, which no Alsatian likes. Being of so nervous a nature he mis- . takes the kind intention, thinking instead that he is to be hit. My advice is, and many Alsatian experts will say the same, "Never attempt to make friends with an Alsatian. Let him make the first advances." Also,' never hit or kick at them. In my opinion the Alsatians are the best animal companions that anyone can', have, and they are " one-man dogs." Alsatian Lover.