Filed under: Dogs
Just Nuisance
Just Nuisance was a famous Great Dane, born 1st April 1937 in Rondebosch, Cape Town, South Africa.
He was sold to Benjamin Chaney, who ran the United Services Institute (USI) in Simon’s Town. Royal Navy sailors from the Simon’s Town Naval Base would frequent the USI.
He made friends with the sailors and they would feed him various human snack foods.
He would sneak on to the trains with them. They would hide him from the conductor, but given his size this wasn’t always possible. If he was “thrown off” the train, he would simply wait for the next train or walk to another station. The railway finally said that they would have him put down if he continued to board the trains.
The solution was to enlist him into the Navy, since a volunteer enlisted during the War was entitled to a free train pass. He was enlisted in the Royal Navy on 25th August 1939. He was the only dog ever to be officially enlisted in the Royal Navy. He was awarded the title Able Seaman.
Just Nuisance quickly obtained celebrity status and would often have to attend functions to promote the war effort. He was a friend and morale booster to all sailors and would often help them find their way home if they got too drunk.
However like any dog, he did get up mischief. Like any sailor he had a conduct sheet and would be punished for any misconduct. His “rap sheet” is on display in the Simon’s Town museum.
Just Nuisance was discharged from the Royal Navy on 1 January 1944. After an accident he was suffering from thrombosis, which slowly paralysed him. On recommendation from a vet he was put to sleep on 1 April 1944 and was buried with military honours.
Just Nuisance is a special part of Simon’s Town’s history. His grave is on Red Hill and there is a statue dedicated to him on Jubilee Square, as well as a display in the Simon’s Town Museum. On 1st April 2000 the inaugural “Just Nuisance Commemoration Day Parade” was held in Simon’s Town’s through the main street.
There was also a TV show about this famous dog, suitably titled “Just Nuisance” which was very popular in South Africa. It’s is not a good idea to buy a dog simply because you saw the breed on TV or in a movie. You should first research the breed and make sure that it would really suit you.
more info:
Time
albatroshouse.co.za
Wikipedia
Filed under: Dogs | Tags: animals, breed, Dogs, german, medium sized, pets, terrier
Standard Schnauzer
The Standard Schnauzer was originally bred in Germany originally during the Middle Ages and was developed from herding, ratting and guard dog breeds. Both the Miniature Schnauzer and Giant Schnauzer originated from this breed. They fall into the terrier class.
The Schnauzer reportedly got its name from a dog show winner (of the same breed) by that name, “Schnauzer”, at the 1879 Hanover Show in Germany. The term Schnauzer comes from “Schnauze,” the German word for snout, and is applicable because of the dog’s distinct beard.
They make excellent working dogs. The Red Cross used the dogs for guard duty during First World War. Both American and German Police departments have used them for things like drug and bomb detection, and also as search-and-rescue dogs.
Their colours usually vary from black and silver, salt and pepper and pure black. Schnauzers require very specific grooming and are very high maintenance. They are known for the distinctive furry snouts, which give them a wise and noble appearance. They do not shed a lot of hair, which makes them suitable for people with pet hair allergies.
The Standard Schnauzer is a medium sized square built dog. Males are about 18-20 inches (45.7 – 50.8 cm) in height and females are about 17-19 inches (43.2 – 48.3) high at the shoulders. Males weigh about 35-50 pounds (15.9 -22.7 kg) and females 30-45 pounds (13.6 – 20.4 kg).
Their tails are usually docked when they are puppies and some dogs also have their ears cropped. They are generally healthy dogs, but like other medium and large dogs they can develop Hypdisplasia. They can also develop eye problems.
They are very trainable, alert, energetic, dominant and highly intelligent. They are very friendly and make good companion dogs. They make excellent guard dogs and will bark at intruders, but do not bark incessantly. They are very territorial, so they do well in homes where they are only pets. They can learn to get along with other pets if they are properly socialized as puppies, but should rather be kept away from rodents as the were originally bred to hunt them.
These dogs don’t need a particularly big yard (although that is always better for dogs) but they should be taken on daily walks. The Schnauzer is adaptable and is a good choice if you want a companion as well as a guardian.
As always buying a dog is a serious choice. Before you start looking for dogs for sale seriously consider if you are ready for the responsibility.
For my post about the Miniature Schnauzer visit my other blog: Animal Spirit.
For more info:
Wikipedia
Dog breed info
