ALSATIANS AND BITES

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 16339, 13 May 1927, Page 12

ALSATIANS AND BITES

DISCUSSION LY AUSTRALIA. SYDNEY, April 28. The controversy that raged in England some months ago has reached Australia, and at the recent Royal show breeders of Alsatians were beset by inquiries from country people eager to buy expensive dogs, but anxious first to know whether they can be relied upon. In sheep country, of course, this is a most important question. A girl was bitten in Melbourne recently by one of these big wolf-like looking animals—but what do breeders say I “They are quite gentle. They are, of course, big dogs, and must have plenty of exercise. I think you’ll find most cases of Alsatians biting have been when they have been kept in flats.” That is the opinion of one of the principal breeders we, have here—Mr. Egerton Turner, who exhibited Alsatians worth thousands at the show. There is one thing, though. Bred for shepherd work as they are, Alsatians are never Likely to rival the kelpie in Australia. Even von Stephanitz, who evolved the breed 40 years ago, acknowledged that the kelpie can do all that the Alsatian can accomplish in the way of shepherding.