Dog Club celebrates 60th anniversary

THE Natal German Shepherd Dog Club was formed in 1956 and this month celebrates its 60th anniversary with a Championship Show and Guinness World Record attempt on Sunday, 21 August at Port Natal School (Selbourne Road entrance).

One of the Club’s longest standing members, Lynne Milne said the club was initially called the Natal Alsatian Club, but changed its name in 1978 to the Natal German Shepherd Dog Club, in line with the international recognition of the correct name of the breed. “Our beginning was just a handful of dedicated enthusiasts with the aim of educating the public towards the correct type of GSD and assisting with the training of all dogs. Keeping these aims in mind, during our 60 years in existence, we have held many shows for both breed and working disciplines, as well as training classes on a weekly basis, which are currently held on the grounds of Glenmore Primary School,” Milne said.

Over the years the Club trained on many different grounds in the Durban area, beginning with a site in Albert Park. “For some time we only had temporary sites, which we had to clear and clean before they were habitable. These included the old Durban Wings Club in Stamford Hill; Umgeni Road and NMR Avenue. Our membership was adversely affected by our unsettled and constantly changing venue, so we set out to convince the then Durban Corporation that we needed permanent grounds. It was with great joy that our members welcomed the news that we were to be leased some land in Cato Manor where we could build a clubhouse. Only one problem: the lease stated that this was to be open to ‘whites only’. Our continued refusal to accept such wording led to some considerable delay but eventually this condition was removed and, in 1972, we signed the lease for 30 years,” she said.

With the prospect of the Cato Manor grounds being permanent, members rallied with renewed enthusiasm and vigor. The land was cleared, bulldozed, grassed and fenced. A clubhouse was finally built and faithful members spent weekend after weekend finishing the work, with events like ‘a painting party’ to encourage them. However, after 1994, the area was designated for low-cost housing and the clubhouse was subsequently broken into with heart-breaking regularity. A few new short term bases around Durban for the Club drew more interest and membership blossomed again for a number of years but fell when they had to move premises.

“The good news is that, since 2009, we have been very fortunate in having safe and secure grounds at the Glenmore Primary School in Durban. Training classes are regularly held on Saturday afternoons and the club is providing instruction to a growing number of members. The Club is affiliated to the Kennel Union of Southern Africa and represented on the Kwa Zulu Natal Working Disciplines Sub-Committee and the KZN Provincial Council.Shows are held each year and we are recognized as a strong and well-organized club, with high standards. In August this year, 2016, we will be proud to say that we are sixty years old and thriving,” said Milne.