We have a pack of six dogs at home, all are different characters. They live in the house so it's a full-time job for the hoover!
Bobby, my mother, bred Alsatians 52 years ago, and along with my father built La Vallette Boarding Kennels now owned by Mr and Mrs Barnes. So we have always had Alsatians around and we have also had a St Bernard, a Basenji and Golden Retrievers.
Alsatians can be a stubborn breed, and even, dare I say, bloody minded at times! You must be the top of the pack with them from an early age, really from the start as they are very strong. They like to keep busy, so if you are out at work all day don't have one unless you can make time for walks etc. They are very loyal, which can get them into trouble.
Young Barbara with Quince
Colours of the breed: black, black & tan, bi-colour and sable. Colours not suitable and should not be shown due to the standard: white, yellow, liver and blue.
We have a little bitch called Brigadier, bought for showing, but she turned out to have a long coat so her show career was short. Long coated shepherds are showable, but they don't do well up against the normal coat. She is the top bitch at home and sorts out the boys on a daily basis. She is quite funny to watch.
The breed does have some health problems, some genetic, some not. Hip dysplasia (ill fitting hips) is one, as is chronic degenerative radiculomyelopathy (progressive weakness in the hindquarters). Panosteitis (growth changes in the long bones) is seen in dog from 12–18 months old.
Older dogs can suffer with spondylosis deformans (arthritis of the lumbar spine) and elbow dysplasia (arthritic changes in the elbow). This is not seen often but can be a problem. There can be the occasional missing tooth or wry bite (uneven growth of one side of the jaw). Cryptorchidism (undescended testicle) is seen also in the breed. Obviously for showing the male dog needs two testicles so check your new puppy before you buy it. I should say at this point that a lot of breeds have similar and other health problems.
Grenadier is known as the Big Bear – his coat isn't over long but is very thick, again not really the sort of coat you want for showing but he is another member of the household who repays us in other ways, he is so lovable and loyal.
That leaves Drummer, Gurkha and Fusilier. They currently are our show dogs. All three of them have qualified for Crufts. Drummer and Fusilier have been in the brace classes lately. Drummer is a complete nutcase, and is always barking his head of. But he really loves showing, as they all do.
They are very much pack dogs. As a qualified canine psychologist (behaviourist) I have leant a lot by just watching their behaviour towards each other. They love each other dearly and yes, we do have a top dog – that's me! Maverick, who is 11 years old leads the four-legged brigade and he answers to me.
Grooming – well, that is a hard, busy affair. With six to groom, clean teeth, cut nails, check ears – I need a cup of tea by the time I'm finished, I can tell you.
Alsatians have a double coat, so it is a lot of work, especially when they are moulting. In my job at Isabelle Vets I see a few dogs from time to time who could do with a good groom. People seem to think that because a dog is old it doesn't need to be groomed as much. This is not the case. If anything, it needs more work than the younger dog.
Maverick
Fusilier
Drummer
Gurkha
