The Australian Ban on 

German Shepherds.

An article by W.D CROWLEY - reprinted from the Second Century News October 1968.

The journal of the Victorian Poultry &  Kennel Club - October, 1968 edition: For almost 40 years now the importation of German Shepherd dogs to Australia has been forbidden.

So long has this futile embargo been in operation that it has come to be accepted by most citizens, without questioning the basis for it.

This unjustified discrimination against such a noble animal should be removed and, no doubt quickly would be if the true position were brought home to a sufficient number of responsible people. Unless some positive program is undertaken, we could drift along with the present embargo for another one or two decades. However, as our mineral resources and secondary industries develop sheep and cattle owners will have less influence on such discriminatory legislation, giving definite hope.

The ban was introduced for one purpose - "To prevent the German Shepherd going wild and mating with the Dingo, producing a wild dog capable of killing sheep". So wide spread has this panic thinking become that, in various parts of the so-called free country, legislation operates to entirely prohibit German Shepherds unless they have been sterilized (Castrated) and thus rendered incapable of reproduction. The peculiar part of all this is that over a 40 year trial period, there is not one title of evidence that German Shepherd dogs have crossed with the Dingo. this becomes even stranger when one appreciates that for much of these four decades the German Shepherd has been one of the strongest breeds of dogs numerically in Australia. Evidence is available to support the claim that certain other fairly large breeds of dogs have crossed with the Dingo. In North - Eastern Victoria large dogs claimed to be Dingo-Husky crosses  have been shot. One  whose picture I have seen is said to be 8 feet from nose to tail to tip of tail.

All dog clubs, dog fanciers and controlling bodies should ban together to remove this illogical useless ban. Concerted action based on the facts of the matter should soon gain wide support.

Let us first look at the animal in question:

Who would deny that he is one of the most majestic, intelligent, faithful and brave canines in the world? How many times do we read of his efforts to protect his owner and family? How often do we go to a Show or obedience demonstration and see him well in the fore? As a guard dog for the armed services or vital section of world police forces he is unsurpassed. Although importations after a forty year ban would improve him, fanciers in Australia must be commended for their efforts to continually breed such fine specimens under adverse conditions. Despite import restrictions and high permit fees he has retained his immense popularity against all challengers.

Sheep and cattlemen all over Australia (indeed the world) depend on importations to improve their stock. In the thoroughbred horse field this principle is also accepted without challengers. It is then strange indeed to see these livestock breeders opposing the importation of German Shepherd sires certain to improve their stock. Again opponents claim that if the dogs were imported in large numbers it would drop in price, become everybody's property and strays would become a menace.

This objection is about as valid as the others. In Australia today we have probably had more imports in Pekinese, Daschunds and Boxers than other breeds.

Let us examine the effect:-

1.    These importations have unquestionably improved the breeds, both temperamentally and physically

2.    The costs of the importations and the Sires fees have raised the price of puppies.

3.    Irresponsible owners are disinclined to buy puppies at this price, but those who do certainly prevent them straying.

4.    The number of importations has no effect on the numerical strength of the breed. Each breed has its fling of popularity and taper off to a solid permanent figure.

Already, there are ample facts available to clearly demonstrate the absurdity of this ban and to demand its immediate removal. However, if further assurances are necessary, these could be readily available. No great problem would be involved in having the various Australian controlling bodies and dog Clubs guaranteeing one or all of the following points:

• That the German Shepherd dog population of Australia be restricted to the figure existing at the   1st January 1969.

• That a certain quota of puppies (for example the 1967 figure) only will be bred in any one year.

• That, as in Germany, litters will be registered only from bitches mated to approved sires.

• That puppies will be sold not below a certain fixed price. That only an agreed number of dogs or bitches would be imported into Australia in any one year.

These and other regulations or conditions would lead to an improvement in the breed, prevent any sharp increase in numbers (although this is obviously unnecessary) and ensure as far as possible that the dog would not fall into the hands of indiscriminate breeders.

Finally, let all dog lovers, dog clubs and interested people put their shoulders to the wheel to effect the long overdue removal of this unjustified and harsh restriction. We believe this is a senseless ban. Let us get to work to prove it. The opposition no doubt believes it is justified so let us force their arguments out into the open.