Strongheart was the first German Shepherd
dog to appear in motion
picture movies. He paved the way for the better remembered Rin
Tin Tin.
Born in Germany on October 1, 1917, this
former
police dog began his acting career in 1921.
Police Dog Roots
Originally named Etzel von Oeringen, he was
trained in
the style
of K9 Police Dogs
and assigned to the German military during WWI. A descendant of a very
carefully bred line, the 125 pound dog was fearless and powerfully
built.
Famous animal trainer and American director,
Laurence
Trimble and his screenwriter wife, Jane Murfin, began searching for a
dog in Europe that could appear in motion movie pictures. When Trimble
came across 3 year old Etzel von Oeringen in 1920, he knew he found
what he was looking for.
Trimble had to work very hard to socialize
him and
de-empahasize the harsh training he had received as an aggressive
police dog.
For months on end, Trimble kept the dog by his side virtually non-stop,
using continuous positive reinforcement for good behavior.
Gentle Protector
Eventually, he shed his police
aggressiveness and became
a very well trained animal. A great judge of moral character, he never
lost his instincts. He would often pursue passersby that were later
found to have been frauds, embezzlers or were abusive to their spouses.
But he was a great actor.
His human counterparts on screen
were pleased
with Strongheart, for even though he tore their clothes to shreds, he
never left a mark of fang or nail on any actor.
~Laurence Trimble
After his first movie, he gained a large
following. He
traveled across the country by train and many came out to marvel at
this beautifully trained dog. A nationwide star was born.
Lady Jule, a beautiful German Shepherd, was
introduced
to him and they produced several litters. Sadly, he was injured at the
height of his career. While filming a movie, he slipped and fell
against a hot movie light. The burn, which appeared minor, progressed
into a tumor within a few short weeks. He died soon afterwards on June
24, 1929.
The Legend Continues
Grandson Lightning was a star in the 1930's,
appearing
in:
A Dog of Flanders
Wings in the Dark
When Lightning Strikes
Another grandson, Silver King, appeared in
movies as
well. A very intelligent dog, Silver King is better remembered for his
personal appearances and training children in safety programs.
Author J. Allen Boone wrote two books about
this amazing
canine:
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