Alsatians.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 697, 25 February 1933, Page 8

Alsatians.

Dear Sir, —In reply to “ Undaunted,” I wish to say that the German sheepdog is a blue-black or blue-white dog, a distinct breed, but very similar to the black and tan short-haired collie. There were some in the Fairlie district a few years back, and they are good workers. It is useless for “Undaunted” and others to try to persuade the public that the Alsatian is a sheepdog. He may have been employed to protect sheep on the fringe of the Black Forest from the depredations of wolves, or to draw a milk cart or work a churn. I am not excited the information that three brought a mob of sheep down from Nelson—the fences are good all the way. In any case, I support our Australian visitor in his remarks concerning the danger that Alsatians would be in the back country if they went “bush.” Further, I have read of cases concerning the breed from the papers. The papers have no need to make copy about Alsatians—it is made for them. Tlie intelligence of Alsatians is no greater than that of the average collie or gun dog. All Alsatians should be muzzled, —I am, etc., HIGH COUNTRY MUSTERER.