THE GERMAN SHEPHERD SENTINEL
SEPTEMBER 2005 NEWSLETTER
OF THE
GSDC OF GREATER RALEIGH
Pat Embrey, Newsletter Editor
1390 Sanders Road, Benson, NC 27504
PH: 919-934-6232, E-Mail: VonRillca@aol.com
Website: www.gsdcofgrraleigh.org
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Board Policy on Dogs at Club Sponsored Events
2. September 2005 Meeting Information
3. August Minutes
4. What Is the Parent Club and What Is A National
5. Board-O-Gram
6. Super German Shepherd Tips
7. The Story of Rin Tin Tin
8. A Bried History of the Breed
BOARD POLICY ON DOGS AT CLUB SPONSORED EVENTS
The GSDC of Greater Raleigh welcomes your German Shepherd at our events, including meetings. However, the following rules must be followed:
1. Anyone with an aggressive dog (one that growls, snaps, or is in any way aggressive towards other dogs or people) must be muzzled.
2. Dogs will be free of loose hair and external parasites (fleas or ticks). Please brush your dog prior to bringing it to the meeting as we must clean up the room after we are finished.
3. For the safety of all members, guests and their dogs, it is strongly recommended that all dogs be kept up to date on their vaccinations. ALL dogs that are old enough, MUST have a current rabies shot.
SEPTEMBER 2005 MEETING INFORMATION
The next meeting of the German Shepherd Dog Club of Greater Raleigh will be held on September 7, 2005 at 7:00 PM at the Exchange Park on Spring Forest Road. Our program speaker will be Jeani Gray, PhD, Founder and CEO of Helping Paws of North Carolina which is a non-profit, pet assisted therapy organization based right here in Raleigh. They are composed entirely of volunteer handlers along with their therapy dogs. Their purpose is to assist healthcare as well as other facilities to improve the quality of life for patients and staff by providing therapeutic pet-human interactions. Jeani will tell us about training and using dogs as part of the therapy.. Our refreshments will be furnished by Deeda Duncan.
MEETING MINUTES - AUGUST 3, 2005
Program: Jennifer Shryock, a certified dog behavior consultant, has a company called Paws and Storks (www.familypaws.com) and talked about training your dog to be successful with people, especially children. Her classes are based on a middle of the road philosophy of reward and punishment to reinforce desired behavior and ignore as much as possible unwanted behavior. She also visits elementary schools to teach children about dog behavior and runs classes for new parents and grandparents with dogs on the second Sunday of the month (www. DoggoneSafe.com). Also upcoming is a new class called Moody Mutts, a 6 week program with lots of individual instruction for dogs and their owners. Jennifer primarily does private instruction and can be contacted at her Paws and Storks web site.
Business Meeting: Program chair Mary Bjelica is still trying to reserve a site for the annual club picnic and should know something soon. Dick Embrey has graciously offered to cook barbequed pork and chicken for the party.
Bill Pfeiffer attended the Parent Club board meeting this past weekend and discussed the Paws Legislation up before Congress that the Parent Club is opposing because of some problems with specifics that might affect small breeders while trying to shut down the large scale puppy farms, internet import sites and other problems in the industry. The AKC is trying to work to make the legislation better. Bill also talked about maybe bringing the Nationals to Raleigh in 2009 and what the club might be able to do to effect that.
Third reading: Peter Lunding
Gunvov Lunding
Mohammed Ahmed
All were voted into the club. Congratulations to our new members.
First reading: Jon & Melody Poli
Treasurer’s Report:
Sara distributed monthly report with new balance of $4,114.72. She also handed out a new membership list.
WHAT IS THE PARENT CLUB AND WHAT IS A NATIONAL?
By
Pat Embrey
The Parent Club we refer to often is titled “The German Shepherd Dog Club of America”. It is designed to police the needs and standards of the German Shepherd Dog as to health, structure, and standard. The standard is a written explanation as to what the Dog should look like and what his temperament and structure should be like. The Parent Club keeps the members informed about health issues of our beautiful breed, and policies that might affect them across the country.
The Parent Club publishes a beautiful magazine monthly named “The German Shepherd Review” It has articles and gorgeous color photos of many of our show dogs across the United States.
Once a year, the Parent Club holds a Specialty Dog Show called The National. Only German Shepherds may be shown at the conformation show, and there are normally hundreds of the finest dogs in North America. The National also consists of Herding, Agility, Obedience, and Working Dog Trials, Temperament Tests, etc. The entire show lasts about a week.
This year, we are being honored by having the show practically in our backyard in Concord, North Carolina. I have been a member of the Parent Club for almost 30 years, and this is the first National in my memory that has been held in our state. The show this year is being held from October 28 through November 5th with the finals being on the 5th. Many of our club member are going up to Concord for the show, with a few of our local dogs being shown. For any of you who are interested in attending the show, contact Deeda Duncan, Sarah Bridges, Bill Pfeiffer or me, and we will be glad to give you more information.
Also, the Parent Club Website has a breakdown of all the activities that are being held at the National. www.gsdca.org
Scroll down to GSDCA Nationals, then into Judging Program for the 2005 Nationals.
BOARD O GRAM
Submitted by the German Shepherd Dog Club
Of
America
July 2005 Board Meeting
Written by Tom T. Mesdag
Edited and approved by Ginny Altman
News Flash – August 25 – Re: US AIRWAYS from Nanci Nellis, National Show Chairman
Many of you have contacted me about the US AIRWAYS ban on carrying dogs as cargo or excess baggage after October 31, 2005. I have been in serious negotiations with US AIR executives and management for the past 72 hours. I am pleased to report to you the following:
YOU MUST FOLLOW THESE STEPS: In order to book reservations and arrange for transportation of your dogs on US AIR call 877-874-7687 press prompts 2 and 1 refer to GOLD FILE 89683535
Travel is valid ONLY into Charlotte or Greensboro, NC
Accompanied weight of dog and crate is extended to 125 lbs IF OVER 125 lbs or unaccompanied, call CARGO at 888-300-0099 and refer to the GERMAN SHEPHERD DOG CLUB OF AMERICA
Valid for travel OCTOBER 27 through NOVEMBER 8 ONLY AND ONLY FOR GERMAN SHEPHERD DOGS This message will go out to ALL airports and ALL
reservationists so there will NOT be a problem when you check in at the departure airport with your dog. This is a phenomenal exception for a large airline to allow.
PLEASE BOOK WITH US AIRWAYS EVEN IF YOU ARE TRAVELING WITHOUT A DOG! They have been exceptionally accommodating and gracious. Have a safe and pleasant trip
Highlights of the July Board Meeting
The third regular Board Meeting of the German Shepherd Dog Club of America, Board of Directors was held on July 30 & 31, 2005, at the Hilton Fort Collins, Fort Collins, Co. On Friday the 29th the board members were welcomed by many of the local club members. We had an opportunity to preview a potential national show site which was approved for the 2007 National Specialty show.
Nominating Committee report: The following members were nominated for the offices and directors as follows: President - Evan Ginsburg; Vice-President - Jerry Guzman; Recording Secretary - Margery Golant
Board of Directors - Leon Breault, Kathy Casteel, Wayne Davis, Nancy Harper, Paul Root, Rita Sandell, Tish Walker
Treasurer's Report: The complete financials for 2004 are on the GSDCA web site in the secured area. They are in PDF format and can be downloaded if you wish to print them out for in-depth study and analysis. 2003 Comparative data is also available for each account category. Details of every transaction is also available for your study.
A reminder to committee chairs who collect money. Please either deposit the Funds to the GSDCA Bank of America account (Treasurer can send you deposit slips) or send the funds (do not send cash) to the Treasurer for deposit. Please do not hold checks as some banks will not honor checks drawn on them after 90 days and it places a burden on the writer of the check who wants their check to clear the banking system.
AKC Delegate Report on AKC DNA certification: Breeders should be reminded that after October 1, 1998, AKC DNA Certification is required for all stud dogs whose semen is frozen. In other words, semen stored before that date can be used and litters will be registered (collected from fresh extended or frozen use), including foreign stud dogs collected for imported semen use in the United States. Frozen semen collected and stored prior to October 1, 1998 in accordance with AKC's regulations and procedures is exempted from this requirement. Cheek swab samples must be obtained by the collector and submitted with the notification of collection to AKC (if the DNA sample is not already on file with AKC). DNA processing expenses are paid by the owner at a set fee (currently $40). An AKC DNA Certificate with the DNA Profile and Number is issued to the owner.
Budget and Finance: Ken Downing reports that all committees are within their spending budgets. A congratulations to all committee chairs. This is how we keep our national club financially strong.
National Show Chairman Report: Nanci Nellis, Show Chairman and Agility Advisors recommend Board approval for redesigned and more equitable requirements for the GSDCA Agility Special Awards. Members may observe and/or participate in the First Rally Trial at the National. National sponsors Ralston Purina Pet Care Company, Royal Canine and Cabarrus County CVB are recognized. Agility, (Dan Weiss) and Obedience, (Dalene McIntire) still need helpers at the trials. Our Agility Trial will have super thick matting and equipment provided by MAX 200 with Max Trax matting. The Victory Dinner and cocktail hour will be held at the Cabarrus Arena and Events Center on Saturday, Nov. 5th. Please send in your reservations form to Gail Hardcastle for Victory Dinner, Gold Page tickets and seating right away. We need Trophy sponsors. Send your donations to Jan Coleman (conf.,fut/mat/Jr) Sue Sacco (Agility), Lori Nickeson (Obedience) Jennifer Root (Herding), Diane Castle (Tracking) Kim McNamara (Rally)
Be sure to attend the GSDCA-WDA working dog competition in the show arena Wed. evening after conformation judging and Thursday at Mt. Pleasant High School which is just one mile away.
Candid photos wanted of selects, etc for “Gallery of Greats” contact Nanci Nellis.
GSDCA Herding Trial Report: Closing date of the Herding Trial is September 26, 2005.
Obedience Report: Wanted: experienced obedience stewards for the 2005 National in Concord, North Carolina. If you are able to help out in this capacity, please contact Dalene McIntire at 253-852-0605 or by e-mail dalene.mcintire@verizon.net.
2006 Futurity Judges, Sites, and Dates:
North East: GSDC of Long Island. Date: Monday, May 8, 2006. Site: Mercer County Park, West Windsor, NJ. Judge: Robert Grady Alternate: Nadine Grady
Mid-Atlantic: Southern New Jersey GSDC. Date: Saturday, June 3, 2006. Site: The Village Green, Lumberton, NJ. Judge: Fred Migliore Alternate: Michel Chaloux.
South East: Treasure Coast GSDC. Date: Sunday, April 9, 2006. Site: Palm City Park, Palm City, FL Judge: Charles Mardecz Alternate: to be announced.
Great Lakes: GSDC of Greater Cincinnati. Date: Monday, May, 29, 2006 Site: Holiday Inn East, Columbus, OH Judge: Vicki Migliore Roye Alternate: Leon Breault
Mid-West: GSDC of St. Louis. Date: Sunday, May 14, 2006 Site: Emmenegger Park, Sunset Hills, MO Judge: Randy Darnell Alternate: Dick Jones
South West: San Antonio, GSDC. Date: Sunday, April 2, 2006 Site: The Quality Inn, I-35 N, exit 162, San Antonio, TX Judge: Bo Vujovich Alternate: Jean Whalen
South Pacific: GSDC of Southern Arizona. Date: Friday, April 14, 2006 Site: Inn Suites Hotel, Tucson, AZ. Judge: Peggy Douglas Alternate: Kenneth Rayner. Jr.
Mid-Pacific: GSD Fanciers of No. CA. Date: Friday, June 30, 2006 Site: Birch Grove Community Park, Newark, CA Judge: Cyndi Flautt Alternate: Randy Chestnut
North West: GSDC of Oregon. Date: Monday, May 29, 2006. Site: Hammerie Park, West Linn, OR Judge: Tedi Ginsburg Alternate: Gary Szymczak
ATAA committee report: Rally Points will be awarded as follows: Rally Novice 4 points, Rally Advanced 8 points, Rally Excellent 12 points
Hero Dogs: Service Dog: Officer Mariann Baumbach and K-9 Partner Thor. Thor is trained in Narcotics Detection and has broken the record for the largest narcotics seizure by a K-9 for the Port Authority and was recognized by the US Canine Association in 2002. Pet Hero: Am Ch, Can. Sel. Ch Brown Hill’s Hearthstone CD, TC (Soot) owned by Emily St Hilaire. Soot rescued her owner from an assailant and held him until the police came to arrest him. Good Will Ambassador Konigin’s Great Balls Afire TC, CGC, TDI (Jerry) owned by Maureen Murkland who was a Therapy Dog that logged over 600 visits to Vietnam Veterans, Elementary Schools and Autistic Children.
AABOI Committee report: The committee recommended that the GSDCA, Inc. oppose the PAWS legislation. The Board adopted the recommendation and letters have been written to the AKC and SOAVA announcing our opposition. Members are urged to write to their congressmen. This is easily done using the instructions on the web site www.naiatrust.org. The site has a “letter writer” set up. For more detailed instructions call 651 481 0704 or email ginialtman@aol.com.
Education – Lana Jorgensen: The Board adopted a fall schedule for final review of the New Illustrated Standard Project which is now in its sixth year of work. The Board has an opportunity to provide edits to the chairman of the committee and a copy will be provided to Board Members for review and approval.
The Health and Genetics chair, Ginny Altman reported on the advances made by Dr. Roger Clemmons in genetic testing and stem cell transplant for Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) in GSD. Articles on cauda equina syndrome were distributed at the Board meeting and are available by contacting Ginny. The continuing series of articles on canine fungal diseases by Catherine Morton was distributed to the Board and will be printed in the GSD Review. It was approved that Ginny Altman and Catherine Morton attend the AKC/CHF Parent Club Health Conference in October.
Membership Chair Report: Dania Karloff. The committee which was formed to make an impact on the number of non-renewing members appears to be working. A formal program to honor recently deceased GSDCA members and others who have significantly contributed to our breed or to our club was adopted by the Board. A membership/regional club directory update inserts will be mailed sometime in mid August.
Internet Committee: You can update your membership information via email. Send new information to membership@gsdca.org. Keep your data current so you receive new and timely information about GSDCA activities. You can advertise your new litter on the GSDCA web site for 3 months for $75.00. The site averages over 1,000,000 page hits per month. Please keep your Regional Club information current on the GSDCA web site. This helps people in your local area find you as the 1st step to being involved in local club activities. Send updated information to treasurer@gsdca.org. Policy and Procedure Committee: The Policy and Procedure Manual has been revised and updated except for some Committees and Officers that have not submitted their information. I am mailing these Chairman copies of their sections and hope to have this information shortly in order to print the 2005 Revision. Officers had theirs delivered in July. All Board mandated changes have been done after every meeting.
Products: Luggage Tags w/logo and Iron-On Patches are now available on our website. Make plans to stop at the Products table to say hello to Ann Mesdag. I'm "sure" Ann will be glad to show you our "new" items. Thank you to all who have supported the GSDCA Products. See you in Concord.
Public Relations: The American Kennel Club will once again be celebrating "AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day" (AKC RDO Day). Parent Clubs with members living in the greater New York City metropolitan area are invited to join the AKC delegation in this event. The 5th annual AKC/Eukanuba National Championship is being held at the Tampa Convention Center in Tampa, Florida on January 14 & 15, 2006. The GSDCA will be represented in the "Meet the Breeds" area. The GSDCA will also offer 3 special medallions at the show. B.O.B., BOS & Best BBE. Contact Debbie Hokkanen for more information.
Red Book Committee: Ellie reports that she is happy to report that the 2003 Red Book is almost sold out. The 2004 Red Book is progressing on schedule and should be at the printers by early September. Kim McNamara is once again handling the ROM section.
Regional Club: GSDCA Regional Club Challenge Program for 2005 to be from August 1, 2004 through July 31, 2005. Deadline for all clubs to submit their forms and supporting documentation for points earned will be August 31, 2005. Send hardcopy information only (Data will not be accepted via email) to: Kelly Knight, 2071 Midlothian Road, Roseville, MN 55113. Phone: 651-633-3652 (just in case) NEW EMAIL ADDRESS:Hadderway@comcast.net (For questions only)
Parent Club: Some orders for various items have already been received and filled by the Parent Club Office in preparation for the Nationals. Please start now to consider and order materials that may be needed by your committee. Some of these mailings are quite heavy, and earlier shipping may result in lower costs to the Club.
Temperament – Bob Penny: A letter to the AKC asking them to distribute a letter from the GSDCA, Inc. to all Field Reps and AKC German Shepherd Dog Judges that states our views on the loose lead temperament evaluation at all breed shows was reviewed and approved.
AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Disaster Dog Fund: The Board approved the Disaster Dog Funds to be deposited into the GSDCA Donor Advised Funds at the AKC/Canine Health Foundation with the understanding that it is allocated to Grant #3990 with AKC matching funds. Grant #3990 is for EXTENDED MEDICAL SURVEILLANCE OF DOGS DEPLOYED TO THE WORLD TRADE CENTER AND THE PENTAGON.
ADHOC Committee: Board approved the addition of a website link for health issues. You will be able to view this link within the next few weeks. A disclaimer has been added. This will give the members easy access to research their questions relating to medical issues. This committee was made a sub-committee of the Health and Genetics Committee. These links will be updated quarterly. Suggestions for addition may be sent to helengleasonus@yahoo.com for review by the committee and inclusion in the site.
GSDCA-WDA Liaison: The GSDCA-WDA is soliciting contributions for travel support for the GSDCA Team at the world championship in France. Checks should be sent to Martylou Plinski, 245 Deerhill Dr. Bogart, Ga. 30622 and marked for the World team fund.
GSDCA-WDA 2005 North American Sieger Show: This is a must for any dog fancier who wishes to observe the German Shepherd Dog in one of the toughest competitions. The GSD character, physical endurance, and mental soundness will be put to the test. This promises to be an exciting event. The Keystone-Buckeye Hundesport Klub will be host to this event in Pittsburgh, PA. Oct. 14 - 16. 400 plus entries are expected. Complete information can be obtained at the GSDCA-WDA website.
Unfinished Business:
The Board adopted the motion that the Select award be given at the discretion of the Intersex Judge effective 2005.
New Business:
David Landau was named to chair a Working Dog Sport Committee. It was noted that the World Schutzhund Competition will be hosted by the GSDCA in 2013.
A new election agency, Election Trust, LLC, was selected by the Board to conduct the election and ballot process for the GSDCA.
The Board adopted a new policy that an Intersex Judge cannot accept an assignment to judge the GSDCA, Inc. National Specialty within a two-year period if one has judged the Canadian National Specialty.
A researcher at US Borax is interested in doing a study with a product that may prevent elbow dysplasia. They have written permission from FDA to do these preliminary studies. They assure potentially interested breeders that they will be sensitive to their concerns for confidentiality. They ask for people who are interested to contact Phil Peterson to discuss their concerns.
Phil J Petersen, US Borax, Inc. 11275 Avalon Rd NE Moses Lake, WA 98837
Office phone 509-766-7539
Cell phone 509-989-4875
Phil.Petersen@borax.com
Ginny Altman
No one appreciates the very special genius of your conversations as a
dog does. Christopher Morley
SUPER GERMAN SHEPHERD TIPS
Click and Treat is For The Dogs!
Becoming the first major improvement in dog training since choke chains and spiked collars, click and treat has quickly revolutionized itself in becoming a big hit on the training circuit. Currently, there are over 10,000 trainers who are using this method regularly.
Used in the beginning to train marine mammals, click and treat breaks down the process into two separate steps, information and motivation. While other trainers still emphasize on these two steps, they try to teach them all at once, which can confuse the animal and prolong results.
Most trainers will verbally praise a dog for good behavior, while at the same time motivating the dog to repeat his actions. This can be a good method, however it takes longer for the dog to understand which behaviors and actions caused the praise from the trainer. With the click and treat method, the processes are easily taught. In normal training, a person would say “good boy” when a welcomed action occurs and proceed with giving a treat. The clicker becomes a substitute for verbal praise and can actually catch the “good boy” behavior quicker than saying it, letting the dog know exactly which behavior he is being rewarded for.
First things first, in order to try click and treat, the trainer must invest in a clicker, which can be found at most pet supply stores. The training itself is quick and rather easy for the dog and his trainer.
Another way to look at click and treat training is viewing it as a secondary reinforcement, while food, water, physical affection and play (things the dog wants) become primary reinforcement. When you take a dog for a walk, the leash works as a secondary reinforcement. It is obvious to the dog that the leash is not taking him for a walk; the owner is, however, it triggers a reaction in the dog, telling him that the leash will let him know where he will go and where he will not. And if he reacts to the leash with good behavior, his reward will be a nice leisurely walk. Click and treat works the same way. When a dog hears the clicker, he will know that he performed a good behavior and as long as he keeps hearing a click, there are rewards coming to him. So, the clicker works as a secondary reinforcement, teaching him boundaries and appropriate behavior.
A couple advantages of the click and treat method include, 1) faster response than verbal praise. The clicker can identify the exact behavior at the time it happens, 2) it takes the place of treats. While motivating the dog to hear clicks, it will also teach him to work without the expectations of having treats given to him each time he does something good, and 3) if the trainer is working at a distance from the dog, the clicker will still work, without having to be right next him.
A good method to use when getting started with click and treat is to stand in front of the animal. Click the clicker and give a treat. Continue doing this for 20-30 minutes, or until the dog becomes startled by the sound of the click. This will familiarize him to the clicking sound, while teaching him that every time he hears it, he has done something good. After he gets the hang of it, begin by adding commands, such as “sit” and “stay.”
Click and treat has proven to be a simple, yet consistent training method with quick results. So for the trainers out there who are looking for a new and innovative way to motivate and praise their animals, get out there, buy a clicker and…..click!
THE STORY OF RIN TIN TIN –
http://www.rintintin.com/story.htm
I don’t know about most of you but when everyone was fussing over Lassie, Rin Tin Tin was always my favorite. However I never knew his story until recently when surfing the Internet………
Rin Tin Tin is considered the most recognized name in the history of the German Shepherd Dog and likewise one of the oldest continuous bloodlines in the breed’s 103-year history. The auspicious beginnings of Rin Tin Tin would lead to two families dedicating their lives to the preservation of not only his legacy, but also the quality lineage for which he would become known.
The original Rin Tin Tin was a mere puppy of 10 days old when Corporal Lee Duncan insisted that his battalion in Lorraine, France check out a bombed war dog kennel during World War I. What he found on that fateful day of September 15, 1918 was a mother German Shepherd Dog and her litter, the only survivors of the bomb dropped. Betty had five puppies.
Duncan chose two of the puppies, a male and a female, and members of the battalion took the mother and remainder back to their camp.
Ironically, the only survivors over the next few months were the two pups Duncan had claimed. He named the pups after tiny French puppets the children gave to the American soldiers for good luck. The male was named Rin Tin Tin and the female Nannette.
Duncan worked with the dogs training them to perform as he had seen the German war dogs perform during the war. He was wildly impressed with the breed’s ability and wanted to learn more. He discovered that the German kennel master had been captured by the Americans and went so far as to visit him in the prison camp, all to learn more about the German Shepherd Dog.
When the war was over Duncan made special arrangements to take his two pups back to the United States with him to his home in Los Angeles.
He and the pups were allowed aboard a ship that transported them to New York on a 15-day journey.
During the trip Nannette became ill with distemper and by the time Duncan arrived in New York she was quite ill.
With his driving interest in the breed, upon his arrival in New York he met Mrs. Wanner, at that time considered a premier breeder of German Shepherd Dogs in the U.S.
She offered to keep Nannette to try to save her from her illness, but the pup died before Duncan’s train to California had arrived.
Mrs. Wanner, knowing Duncan’s love for the breed, sent him one of her finest female puppies to replace Nannette.
Once back home and with the war over, Duncan returned to his job at a hardware store. Still enamoured with his dogs, he attended dog shows with his beloved Rin Tin Tin.
In 1922 at a show, Rin Tin Tin amazed everyone with his ability to perform by jumping 13 1/2 feet. Following the show, Darrell Zanuck who asked if he could try out his new camera that made moving pictures approached Duncan. He offered Duncan $350 to film the dog in action. Duncan accepted and knew at that moment there could be a future for him and his dog in films.
Duncan pursued the film concept, contacting nearly every studio in Hollywood with his dog and a script, Where The North Begins. He was turned down by one studio after another, but determined he would not give up. He knew Rin Tin Tin was special.
Finally one day while approaching studios on what was called ‘poverty row’ he saw a film crew trying to shoot a scene with a wolf and not having success. He approached the crew and told them he and his dog could do the scene in one take. He was told to go away and to take his dog and script with him.
He persisted, and finally, they allowed him to try the scene with Rin Tin Tin. Voila, the scene was shot in one take as he had promised and they kept him on for the filming of “Man From Hell’s River.”
The name of fledgling studio on the verge of bankruptcy was Warner Brothers Pictures. The film was a hit and Rin Tin Tin was a sensation. The public loved him and his heroic ability. Rin Tin Tin ultimately made 26 pictures for Warner Brothers before his death on August 10, 1932. He was referred to as the mortgage lifter and credited with saving the studio from financial ruin during the silent film era.
At the peak of his career with Warner Brothers he received some 10,000 fan letters a week and was considered to be one of Hollywood’s top stars.
When Rin Tin Tin died unexpectedly on that fateful Friday he was scheduled to begin a new film for Warner Brothers the following Monday.
Not only was Duncan devastated at his loss, but also so was the studio as they both found themselves without a star. Duncan had raised several litters from Rin Tin Tin and had kept a pup he called Junior.
According to Duncan, Junior was a nice dog, but not the image of his father in structure or ability but he was committed to continue the legacy with what fate had given him.
The studio rather than start the new picture put Duncan on the road to promote the son of Rin Tin Tin. During that tour in 1933, Rin Tin Tin made the first commercial airplane flight by a dog and like his father won the hearts of fans across America.
Duncan was dedicated to Rin Tin Tin and his ability and during a tour in England a report was published in a book that said Duncan’s wife had filed for divorce citing Rin Tin Tin as co-respondent saying Duncan loved the dog more than her. The divorce case was dropped and never granted.
When World War II began Duncan wanted to serve his country but because of an injury during the first war was not allowed to re-enlist. So he did the next best thing.
He approached the U.S. Army and suggested they consider a training camp for military dogs in California. After many times being turned down, the army finally agreed and Duncan and Rin Tin Tin III became the head trainers for Camp Hahn.
During the course of the war, Duncan and Rin Tin Tin III – who was an official soldier with his number tattooed on his leg – trained more than 5,000 dogs and handlers for the war effort.
When the war was over it is said that Duncan untrained many of the returning war dogs and re-placed them with the families that had donated them for the war effort.
Duncan, although he loved Junior and Rin Tin Tin III, also a son of the original, continued to learn about the breed itself in a search for the finest bloodlines available. He attended dog shows and participated in the development, progress and betterment of the breed as a whole. (see editorial note).
He was listed as breeder of Champion Tasso of Villa Marina, Register of Merit, one of the most well known show dogs of the time. Tasso was the grandson of International Champion Grand Victor Odin von Buescher Schloss, FH (herding) and the 1936 SV (German) Champion.
Odin was one of the most recognized dogs of that time and the grandsire of the dog that would be registered as Rin Tin Tin II by Duncan.
Rin Tin Tin II would sire Rin Tin Tin IV and both dogs were used in the filming of The Adventures of Rin Tin Tin, which first aired on ABC 1954-1959.
Many people who wanted pups from his famous dogs approached Duncan, but only one of those relationships would maintain the dedication necessary to continue the lineage for future generations.
It was in 1956 that Jannettia Brodsgaard Propps contacted Duncan about a puppy for her breeding program. She and Duncan communicated frequently and finally on July 5, 1957 her first Rin Tin Tin IV son arrived at the airport in Houston, Texas. She would ultimately acquire four dogs directly from Duncan as well as his endorsement for success in her breeding program to continue the lineage.
‘Rinty’ as he was called at Bodyguard Kennels would begin a preservation of the legacy as soon it was discovered that Duncan suffered from bone cancer.
Duncan died on September 20, 1960, but his bloodline and the legacy of Rin Tin Tin were in good hands with Ms. Propps and Bodyguard Kennels.
Ms. Propps through her frequent communications with Duncan knew exactly what he wanted in the historic progeny. He told her once his primary concerns were intelligence with the secondary being a sound working structure.
He preferred the lighter colors of the silver grey as they were more easily seen on the then black and white television. He also maintained several white coated dogs in his breeding program and did not discriminate against any dog merely because of coat color. He judged them, as did Ms. Propps, on ability, not hair color.
Ms. Propps continued to breed and show the Rin Tin Tin dogs with help from her granddaughter, Daphne Hereford. Miss Hereford was raised by her grandmother from the time she was five years old, when she came to live with her grandmother in 1955, and quickly learned not only the qualities of the lineage, but also the aspects of participating at dog shows.
Most children of the late 1950s and early 1960s participated in school sports, but Miss Hereford spent her weekends at dog class, in the kennel or at dog shows learning and being groomed to take the helm of the famed lineage.
In the 1970s both Ms. Propps and her granddaughter had security companies in Houston that provided security guard canine handlers accompanied by a Rin Tin Tin dog. The two companies maintained by the women were the only companies licensed by the State of Texas at that time that had never had a complaint filed against them.
Ms. Propps passed away December 17, 1988 and the legacy was passed to Miss Hereford who continues to maintain it today.
The dogs produced today are identical in structure, color and intelligence to Rin Tin Tin II and Rin Tin Tin IV.
The breeding program of Rin Tin Tin is considered a “closed program” and any pups placed in pet homes are placed on a spay/neuter non-breeding agreement.
“This strict criteria was initiated by my grandmother to not only protect the integrity of the lineage, but the Rin Tin Tin name,” said Miss Hereford.
“If you are at the helm of something as important as the Rin Tin Tin legacy, then you are charged with a responsibility to ensure that it remains the same as it was intended by its founders. To change Rin Tin Tin in any way would be a disservice not only to my grandmother, but to Lee Duncan as well. I have dedicated my life to the maintenance of this lineage and am proud to say, the dog you see today representing Rin Tin Tin is the same dog Duncan put before the public in the 1950s,” she added.
The Rin Tin Tin-breeding program carefully utilizes line breeding to insure integrity in the lineage. Out-crosses are necessary in any breeding program, but the influx of new blood to the Rin Tin Tin line is done only after meticulous research and consideration. Progeny from the out crosses are then re-entered into the Rin Tin Tin bloodline.
“Seems with all things Rin Tin Tin, fate dictates events that will ensure the legacy is protected. And fate dictated that I begin my tenure with the lineage at the young age of five,” Miss Hereford said.
“Now, some 47 years later I have served the lineage longer than either Duncan or my grandmother. I have a working knowledge of the bloodline that will continue to produce dogs both Lee Duncan and my grandmother would be proud of as they are a true tribute to their namesake and identical in every way to them. There Will Always Be a Rin Tin Tin!” she continued.
The Rin Tin Tin bloodline, under the direction of Miss Hereford, has expanded into the working and service world through ARFkids Foundation, incorporated.
(Editorial note –The original Rin Tin Tin sired Junior and Rin Tin Tin III. Rin Tin Tin II and IV were progeny of Odin von Buescher Schloss as are subsequent Rin Tin Tin’s. Rin Tin Tin II-IX can be traced to Horand, connecting them to the original Rin Tin Tin)
A Brief History of the Breed
– http://gillsgermanshepherds.com/main.htm
The German Shepherd Dog we know today, having been masterminded by Captain Max vom Stephanitz just prior to the turn of the century, is a relatively new breed of dog. The shepherds of Germany and the surrounding area had used dogs to herd their flocks and herds for generations, their only requirement was that they could do the work. The German shepherds' dogs were a mixture of long, short, and wire coats; curly tails, saber tails; upright ears, floppy ears, and everything in-between--they were dogs of every color, shape, and size! Then, late in the nineteenth century, a movement to develop a better, more uniform Shepherd Dog began. This movement became a reality with the strict efforts of the Rittmeister Stephanitz. In 1899, the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde (SV) was formed with Stephanitz at the helm. Under his strict guidance, the formation of the modern German Shepherd Dog began. But even today we find dogs which vary from the now recognized German Shepherd type - throw backs to their non-homogenous ancestors.
The SV implemented strict requirements for breed suitable, developing tests of physical and mental soundness, a detailed registry, and a stud book. Utility was the mainstay of the breed. Form or beauty was a by-product of and had no merit outside of function. This dedication to develop a better dog (and to strive to maintain or improve the breed within the original design) created what is today perhaps the most versatile, well-loved dog- the German Shepherd Dog.
The Breed Standard
The German Shepherd Dog is unique in that his human creator, Max vom Stephanitz, had the foresight to develop a strict program of testing and record keeping to ensure the soundness of his beloved breed. The SV contains a plethora of information on every German Shepherd Dog ever registered with their organization--right down to SV No. 1, Horand Grafrath. Each dog's Koer report contains four pages of detailed physical and temperament characteristics such as height, weight, date of birth, linebreeding, littermates, eye color, hip ratings, coat, gait, character evaluation, and more! Records of his Schutzhund or conformation competitions are also recorded.
Distinct bloodlines were developed each with their own minute differences in physical and character attributes, making it possible for the careful, knowledgeable to breed for specific physical and/or temperament characteristics - from tail carriage or certain coat markings to level of prey or social drive, track intensity, biting attributes, strength of nerves... and more with relative accuracy! A well-bred dog and his educated owner greatly increase the chances of a successful, happy relationship.
Each breed of dog has very specific character traits. When bringing a new dog into your home, you should fully understand and appreciate his breed characteristics. For us, there is no greater dog than the German Shepherd Dog, but this breed is not suitable for every home. The GSD has a tail that wags for every occassion, often knocking over low-lying valuables. His hair, wonderfully suited for his active lifestyle, does shed--little by little throughout the year and in clumps once or twice annually. The GSD, bred for work, needs exercise and a sense of purpose. A large, fenced in yard is no substitute for active care-taking such as daily walks and strenous play. His natural protective instincts require a more careful eye than the "I'll go home with anybody" Golden Retriever. Bringing home a dog, any dog, requires careful thought.
The following is an excerpt from the WUSV breed standard.
"The German Shepherd that corresponds to the Standard offers the observer a picture of rugged strength, intelligence and agility, whose overall proportions are neither in excess or deficient in any way. The way he moves and behaves leaves no doubt that he is sound in mind and body and so possesses physical and mental traits that render possible an ever-ready working dog with great stamina."
"With an effervescent temperament, the dog must also be cooperative, adapting to every situation, and take to work willingly and joyfully. He must show courage and hardness as the situation requires to defend his handler and his property. He must readily attack on his owner's command but otherwise be a fully attentive, obedient and pleasant household companion. He should be devoted to his familiar surroundings, above all to other animals and children, and composed in his contact with people. All in all, he gives a harmonious picture of natural nobility and self-confidence."
"Sound nerves, alertness, self-confidence, trainability, watchfulness, loyalty and incorruptibility, as well as courage, fighting drive and hardness, are the outstanding characteristics of a purebred German Shepherd Dog. They make him suitable to be a superior working dog in general, and in particular to be a guard, companion, protection and herding dog."