A is for Alsatian.

 

Here is our very own Alsation Bing. He is now approaching 12 weeks.

Last night he had his second vaccination, was micor-chipped and we were given a combined flea/worm treatment which we need to give him next week.

As ever the receptionists made a big fuss about him, as did the vet!

She examined him and informed us he had gained 3.5kg in two and a half weeks, which is good and also that both testicles had dropped!!!!!!!!!

 

 

He is on a special puppyfood which is specifically aimed at larger breeds. High protein for his growing bones.  He has two modes really - a mad half hour then sleep time!

 

 

He is growing by the minute. I can tell by the floor tiles. This was him today....

and the day he arrived

 

 

 

The Alsatian Dog comes from Germany and was bred originally for herding and guarding sheep. It's origins can be dated back to the 1700's.

The Alsatian Dog is also known by the other names of the German Shepherd Dog and the Deutscher Schaferhund.

The advent of the two World Wars influenced the history of this dog.

The association with Germany was unpopular following the wars and the breed was therefore given the name of the Alsatian Wolf Dog after the German-French border area of Alsace-Lorraine.

The term 'Wolf Dog' was then dropped as it was believed that this would also prove to be unpopular. Finally, in 1977, the breed name was changed back to the German Shepherd Dog.

The word Alsatian is often mis-spelt as Alsation.

The Alsatian Dog's coat is normally a shade of solid black, grey, tan, gold and white.

The coat is normally medium, straight and hard. Bing is quite distinguished with his white paws and white mark on his nose.

Dogs in the Herding Group ( sometimes referred to as the Pastoral Group ) include the Alsatian, were developed to perform a variety of tasks relating mainly to the herding of livestock. The types of livestock that these dogs are associated with are quite diverse and include sheep, cattle, reindeer and any other cloven footed animals.

The Herding groups of dogs are eminently suited to these pastoral tasks as many of the breeds have a weatherproof double coat to protect them from the elements when working in severe weather conditions. Their natural abilities have been fully recognised and the initial livestock herding function have been extended to include police work and Search & Rescue amongst other duties.

Bing has done lots of socialising in his 12 weeks. Next week he will start attending puppy socialisation and training classes.

The chickens by the way have met Bing! We dont allow him free run without his lead as his curiosity may lead to a confrontation with Ernest who protects his gals. Ella has also been reminding Bing that she is top kitty in the Nesbitt household!

Another Round of ABC Wednesday commences.
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