CHAMPION SHEEP DOG

Wairarapa Times-Age, 9 January 1939, Page 7

CHAMPION SHEEP DOG

UNCANNY ABILITY. Owd Bob. or Glyn, as ho is known in real life, and who will appear in his first film at the State Theatre commencing tomorrow night, is a Border Collie, a breed of dog whose intelligence is undisputed. Six-and-a-half-years of age, he has won numeous cups and first prizes at the principal sheep dog trials throughout the United Kingdom, but is breaking fresh ground by playing the title role in ‘‘Owd Bob.” Despite such distractions as arc lights, cameras, sound equipment, technicians and a strange body of people to work with, Glyn gives a magnificent performance. He is owned by Mr Bagshaw, of Blyth, Scotland, who bought him in Wales when he was ten months old. As a result of his prowess he has earned for his master over £2OO a year. Film officials spotted him in Hyde Park. They liked his swift intelligence and handsome eager face —the result was the title role in “Owd Bob.”

The dog reveals uncanny ability. At times the technicians and actors felt that he understood exactly what they were saying. They were, therefore, very careful not to offend the intelligent collie. A harsh word, even when addressed to something so inanimate as a baby spotlight always brought a hurt look to his eyes.

Although his fame has not yet reached the parabola of Rin Tin Tin’s, Owd Bob is well on the way. In Scotland the collie is equally regarded, at least in the Highlands, as an emblem of the same significance as the Thistle, and Owd Bob is Scotland’s proudest collie,