Among the "Aristocrats”

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 910, 1 March 1930, Page 17

Among the " Aristocrats”

Auckland's Most Exclusive Canine Leaders Make Their Bow . ..

(Written for THE SUN by G. H. MONKS.)

BINCE the earliest times the dog has comrade and a lovdog were two of a the most priceless possessions of a _ , , , Past generation of man. But today the dog is not regarded with a tithe the affection that was lavished on him in earlier days and the horse has fallen into disregard and though lovers of these animals are many, they represent only a very small proportion of those in past fenerations. To men in lonely places—men forced lo spend their lives practically excluded from the companionship of their fellows there is no greater friend than the dog. To the shepherds in the hills, and to the men in the frozen wastes he is a friend as well as a servant. There is practically no part of the world, from the equatorial regions to the snow-white polar zones, where the dog is not found and wherever the place may be he plays his part in man's life. The origin of the dog is a mystery, although scientists agree that he is a descendant of one or more of the wild species, the wolf, the fox and the jackal. Of this there is little doubt and the contention finds a wealth of s nport in that the dog of the Eskimo and the North American Indian is nothing but a domesticated wolf. There is one striking difference between the domesticated dog and his reputed ancestors—the pupil of the eye of the dog is round compared with the oblique pupil of the wolf and the vertical pupil of the fox and jackal. The domestication of the dog began practically with the history of the world, for he was known in the earliest times. History reveals that neolithic man used a fierce hound to aid him in hunting, while the excavated remains of ancient Egypt bear drawings, showing that the dog was associated with the people of that country and time. Not only is the dog intelligent. Its fidelity makes it invaluable. Here is an animal which, of passing fancies possesses none, but which will keep its place however adverse or favourable the conditions. To a dog there is no greater being than its master, its self sacrifice in man’s interests has formed the theme for many a true and moving story.

Breeding Advantages How long ago it was that man discovered the advantages of proper breeding the records do not reveal. But the discovery was made and it is since that time that the growth in the number of differing species can be accounted. In many cases breeding was not used as a means of improving type but. of intensifying such qualities as certain dogs revealed. This has been the origin of many of the breeds of present day dogs. In other cases utility was the goal a nd it is from this that the' outstanding types of sheep dogs and hunting fiogs are derived. Then again there bas been crossing, which, skilfully bone, has evolved many new and useful breeds. Breeding is today a profession and a hobby. It was back in 1776 that Lord Orford founded the first dog club, but it was not until nearly a century later —in 1559 to be exact —that the first bog show was held, Newcastle-on-Tyne having that honour. Although it is uot so very long since that first historic show was held, so great has been 'be growth of the fancy that today about 500 shows are held in Great Britain annually. At the first show 80 dogs were exhibited. Today the number runs into thousands. Such phenomenal growth has made breeding an exceedingly lucrative business and many a man —and woman “■makes a very comfortable living' by this means. Great sums of money have changed hands at the sales of Purebred dogs, perhaps the high- A uut price ever paid being for a Jfl collie. The price was £ 1,500, a fl *um which exceeds many a man's K bfe insurance. Several sums of ■ *I,OOO have been paid for bull- ■ bogs and St. Bernards, while a fox ■ terrier went to a new master for B *SOO. These prices for purebred B ?ogs show the effect skilful breed- B *“g has had on the fancy. Change in Fashion M When breeding was first Insti- | tuted on a definite plan, large dogs I ~e re the popular fancy. But now I fashion has changed. In earlier 1 •ues the dog was used for hunt- j n S. as to some extent —for sport i “"'S' he is today. i ter he became a J “Uardian and at the * M time he is a Twelve years ago big dogs were wpular in Auckland and miniatures

were small units in the dog world. Today the position is reversed. Breeds such as Great Danes, Newfoundlands and St. Bernard’s, which were fairly prominent here some years ago have now disappeared, The diminishing popularity of the larger breeds can be traced, so far as Auckland and New Zealand are concerned, to growth of the city and suburbs which has limited the space available for giving the dogs the necessary exercise. Another factor is the great interest that women have evinced in recent years and their excursions into the fancy and show world, an interest which has had great bearing on the class of dogs exhibited.

A uck land’s Dog History The growth of the fancy has been responsible for the growth of that proving ground of good dogs the prize exhibition. It was back in October 27, 1892, that Auckland’s “dog history” began. A meeting convened by Mr. C. J. Phillips resolved to form a kennel club for Auckland and district, and at a later meeting rules were drafted. The first patron was the Earl of Glasgow, at that time Governor of New Zealand, and the first president was Mr. W. D. Holgate. The first show was held at the Drill Hall on February 24 and 25, 1893, but a few months after the decision to form a club—striking evidence of the

keenness with which the ' project was received. The controlling body of dog clubs throughout New Zealand is the New Zealand Kennel Club, but each club holds its shows independent of the controlling bod}'. Throughout New Zealand there are “specialist” clubs, catering for special breeds of dogs. Auckland has more of these clubs than any other city in the Dominion. Nine years ago the Auckland Toy Dog Club was formed by Mr. George Hunt, who was the first president, and who has occupied all official positions. Today he is known to fanciers far and wide as the energetic and capable secretary of the club. Since its formation this club has progressed rapidly 'and is now the second most financial organisation of its kind in the Dominion—the New Zealand Kenr l Club taking first position—in addition to being the leading specialist club catering for Pomeranians, Pekingese, King Charles Spaniels, Schipperkes, Sydney Silkies, Chihauhaus, Maltese, French Poodles, Yorkshire Terriers—in fact all small breeds.

The club holds two shows each year, as well as ribbon parades where no prize money and no admission charge is made, ribbons being the awards to the successful exhibitors. Every effort is made to foster breeding and to assist the novice owner. These shows not only encourage competition among the breeders but throw searching light on the results of scientific breeding. The New Zealand Alsatian Club is another specialist club which has done good work since its formation in Auckland three years ago. The New Zealand Fox Terrier Club was formed in Auckland about 12 or 14 years ago and this breed of dog still retains its hold in public favour. The New Zealand Collie Club came into existence four years ago. The National Bulldog Club was formed in Auckland about 14 years ago and the Auckland Bulldog Club about three years ago, both clubs having done excellent work in furthering interest in the breed, especially the local club which has lifted the breed from a mere “handful” until today the Auckland Bulldog Club numbers more bulldogs on its list than the rest of the New Zealand towns together. Leader in Quality Auckland leads New Zealand in quality in Wire-Haired Fox Terriers, Alsatians, Pomeranians, Pekingese and English Setters, as well as Bulldogs, and is the only city in the Dominion to possess Seliipperkes and King Charles Spaniels. The war period made a great difI' rence to dog breeding as importations were prohibited on account of the prevalence of rabies in England. It is only during the iast two or three years that breeders on this side of the world have recommenced importing.

The quarantine regulations until about two years ago also seriously affected importations as dogs were held for six months. Now the period has been reduced to six wee^s. Some of the finest dogs in New Zealand are owned in Auckland where the breeders are fanciers in the truest sense of the word. At the local shows a dog lover finds enough quality in the animals to keep him interested for hours, while a man who yiews a dog in only a disinterested kind of way cannot fail to shake off some of his lack of concern and become for the time being an absorbed spectator. It is not possible to give full details of all the canine aristocrats of Auckland and so just a few of the more outstanding dogs are metioned. Auckland’s Best Mr. N. Wade is well-known for the quality of his Wire-Haired Fox Terriers which he owns and breeds. His most important dog is the imported

champion “Dogberry Keen Kut” and among other notable prize-winners he owns the imported bitch "Myra Trail” and the Auckland-bred champion “Mentone Bloom.” The leading breeder of SmoothHaired Fox Terriers is Mr. F. Brown who possesses a big kennel of dogs which can hold their own in New Zealand classes. English Setters are the specialty of Mr. C. D. A. Raynes who owns champion “Mahutu,” a dog which has put I a great number of prize-winners on the show bench in late years. The Rev. H. A. Coleman breeds Irish Setters and owns wliat is considered by leading judges as one of the best dogs of any breed exhibited in New Zealand—champion “Alanak.” Or some years Mr. F. Summerhayes has been the leading breeder of Cocker Spaniels and has bred many winners in both Blacks and Coloured. Alsatians are very strong and of very even quality in Auckland. All the local dogs are of excellent quality due in a large degree to the fact that it is a new breed in New Zealand and the dogs are all bred direct from imported stock. Many of the exhibits at the shows are imported dogs but the locally-bred animals are quite their equals. One of the best of the breed in Auckland is champion “Eric of Rylerns” owned by Mr. F. Coster. Bull-dogs are numerically strong in Auckland, a state which is largely due to the operations of the bull-dog clubs and to the importations by Mr. J. Wainscott and Mr. J. W. Camming, who imported champion “Bonnie Jock” and “McKay” respectively. Both these dogs won a large number of prizes and placed the bull-dog breed in Auckland on a very sound basis. “Bonnie Jock,” which is now located in Napier, is considered to be one of the best dogs of its kind ever'seen in New Zealand. “McKay” will not compete in any more shows, his death having been recorded but recently. Of the bull-dogs which remain in Auckland, “Lancashire Laddie” .owned by Mr. E. H. Cucksey is one of the best. Those who saw the production of “Whoopee” at His Majesty’s Theatre are acquainted with “Lancashire Laddie,” although perhaps not previously aware of the fact. In one scene the comedian was chased across the stage by a fierce-looking white streak whose greatest desire appeared to be the possession of a certain piece of clothing worn by the fun-maker. The white streak was “Lancashire Laddie.” He is in great demand by | touring companies and has appeared j in many productions, liis intelligence j making him a valuable acquisition. Mr. Cucksey has introduced the French Bull-dog to Auckland. He has imported dogs, the progeny of which are being rapidly absorbed by fanciers. So great is the favour with which this breed has been received that it bids fair to become one of the most popular in New Zealand.

Toys Hold Strong Position Toy dogs are very strong in this city both in numbers* and in quality and are kept by many persons who do not exhibit but who keep their dogs as house pets—a position for which they are particularly suited. The Alston kennels of Pomeranians owned by Mr. George Hunt have produced more prize-winners than any others in New Zealand, having won in the last 10 years, 62 cups and 26 bracelets, all, with one exception, being from dogs bred by the kennels. This constitutes a record for New Zealand, probably for Australia, and perhaps for the world. The best Pekingese are distributed among Mrs. N. Wade’s Mentone kennels, Mrs. Campbell’s Gleneagles kennels and Mr. R. Marshall’s Kilmarnock kennels. Competition between these three kennels is keen. Sydney Silkies are bred V. Messrs G. and E. Herbert, who own champion “Austral Laddie,” a dog which has brought this popular breed to the forefront in toy dog competitions. Two breeds recently introduced to the Auckland dog world are King Charles Spaniels and Schipperkes which were imported by Mr. R. Marshall, of Kilmornock kennels. His leading King Charles Spaniel winners are “Ashton More Vagabond” and “Ashton More Signora.” In Schipperkes, he has "Katinka” and “Kilmarnock Teckla.” Although th? dogs named comprise but a tithe of the total number of thorough breds in Auckland they afford some idea of the excellent quality of the local dogs and the range of'the breeds. To the true dog-lover a dog is always a dog, whether pure-bred or mongrel, but the creation of aristocrats is the joy of life to the breeder.