Dog Articles
Past and Present: German Shepherd, Alsatian
On the
continent of Europe there are many kinds of dogs used for guarding
sheep, but those best known in this country are the German and
Belgian Sheepdogs. They have come into unusual prominence within the
last five years because of the notable part they have played with
the Red Cross units and in other activities on the battlefields of
France and Belgium.
This is
one of the handsomest and most attractive of dogs, and approximates
more closely than any other the really wolf type. Strong and clean
of limb, bright of eye, and alert in every sense, gifted with a very
high intelligence and a wonderful memory for what he has been
taught, he is a most excellent and useful working dog.
The German
Shepherd dog should stand 22 to 26 inches at the
shoulder and show in every line the qualities which he is supposed
to possess intelligence, alertness, loyalty, gentleness, courage,
obedience, willingness, and devotion. He is a graceful, powerful
dog, with beautiful lines and curves denoting both strength and
speed.
It is not
necessary to mention the many uses he has been put to in the present
war, as Red Cross, No Man's Land patrol, messenger, and
ration-carrier. It is perhaps as well to say here that any such
active, restless, vigorous, and intelligent animal as this becomes
a grave responsibility to its owner and should be sedulously cared
for and kept in control every minute.
They
become very dangerous when neglected or turned adrift or thrown on
their own resources by being lost, and once they form a habit of
chicken or sheep killing they become inveterate and persistent in
their maraudings and ordinarily must be shot.
One very
beautiful dog of this kind was recently shot in the Catskills after
repeated rages which started a rumor of wolves in the region. This
impression was very natural, and when the photographs sent to the
Conservation Commission were identified as a dog the rustic
sufferers were still only partly convinced. Dog it was, however, and
apparently a very fine example of this new and interesting type.
While the
standard allows great range of color, those most often seen in this
country are of the so-called wolf colors - dark tipping of hair over
a tawny or buff ground. The muzzle (unlike that of a wolf) is
usually blackish.
Both the
German and the Belgian dogs may be divided into three general types,
namely, rough-haired, wire-haired, and smooth-haired. By their erect
ears and general expression they betray their near relationship to
the wolf.
Some of
the varieties are becoming popular in this country as companions,
and while they do not seem demonstratively affectionate they are
staunch and loyal and conduct themselves with quiet dignity which is
equaled by few other breeds.
Source:
National Geographic 1919
Recommended Reading
Dog Training
Mastery - An Owners' Manual
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