THE ALSATIAN DOG

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22404, 28 April 1936, Page 15

THE ALSATIAN DOG

Sir, —With reference to Alsatian dogs, otherwise known as German sheep dogs, I would like to refer your readers to that well-known authority Colonel Richardson, who had charge of the Bed Cross dogs which did such wonderful rescue work under fire during the last war. In his book on dogs he states that the strain was deliberately crossed with the wolf in Continental zoos to produce the power, elegance and peculiar gait of present-day specimens. Their original use on the Continent was not to herd sheep, but to circle round the flocks in order to protect them from wolves and other wild animals. Now that they are no longer required, is it fair to the dog itself to allow it to reproduce when there is no place or work for it in our modern world? Common Sense.

Sir, —Seeing that the question of the Alsatian dog is likely to come before Parliament shortly, I should like to add my testimony. Some months ago my dog, a fox terrier, a very quiet dog, was walking along the Takapuna Beach, together with several children, when an Alsatian, without any provocation, suddenly attacked it with the utmost fury, actually biting pieces out of its side and back. The screaming and excitement of the children seemed I believe to drive the wolf hound to madness. It is very probable that had not some young men with sticks providentially appeared on the scene and driven the Alsatian off, the animal would have attacked the frightened children. The small terrier, covered with blood, and with open wounds as large as the palm of one's hand, was carried home and slowly nursed to health again. Down in Canterbury the Alsatian is not allowed on their show grounds, and any sheep farmer finding one unattended near his farm shoots it at sight I believe. Arthur P. Hopkins.