ALSATIAN DOGS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22399, 21 April 1936, Page 13

ALSATIAN DOGS

Sir, —Your correspondent "Pom" admits that the Alsatian dog is a good watch dog. Well, that is what most people keep them for. A watch dog, to my mind, is no good unless he is inclined to be savage. What good is a dog for that purpose if everybody who comes in your gate pats him on the head, says "good dog," and passes on? The Alsatian, I have found out, is a one family dog, and ho will do his utmost to protect that family at all times. That is what he is kept for. Tho majority of so-called watch dogs are not worth the tucker they eat; they would even wag their tails at a burglar. But for barking at other dogs during the night and keeping the street awake, well the Auckland watch dogs can't be beaten. When you hear an Alsatian bark at night you can bet your bottom dollar there is someone around. When a person keeps a dog he does not intend making him a community dog for everyone to pet and call into their houses, and when you want him he is never at home. Your correspondent "Pom" ought to try and pat some of the shepherds' dogs on sheep stations and see how he gets on. If the dog does not bite him the owner will, as it is a recognised custom with shepherds that thev feed and work their own dogs and leave the others alone. Interference plays a big part with Alsatian dogs today. and I think that is the whole problem. You will find if you leave the Alsatian dog alone he will not bother you. Ponty.