Podcast Summary: The Dollop with Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds Episode: 679 - Don the Talking Dog Release Date: April 15, 2025

Introduction to Don the Talking Dog

In Episode 679 of The Dollop, hosts Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds delve into the peculiar and captivating story of Don the Talking Dog, a German canine who purportedly possessed the ability to communicate using human language. The episode intertwines historical facts with the hosts' signature humor, making the tale both informative and entertaining.

Don's Early Life and Training

[04:29] Dave Anthony introduces Don as a setter or pointer with dark brown hair, medium-sized build, originating from the small village of Thichut, Germany. Don's owner, Herman Ebers, recognized his unusual behavior early on. At six months old, Don began exhibiting behaviors that suggested an eagerness for communication.

[05:03] Gareth Reynolds humorously comments on Don's sophisticated demeanor, emphasizing the comedic contrast between a talking dog and everyday canine antics.

[05:27] Dave Anthony recounts how Don would beg with "wonderfully appealing eyes," leading Martha Ebers, Herman's daughter, to train him using his affinity for cakes (kuchen in German). Within weeks, Don learned to say "haben hunger" (have hunger) and "kuchen" on command, a feat noted by the New York Times as particularly challenging for German children due to linguistic nuances.

Notable Quote:

• [07:09] Gareth Reynolds: "Look who's running. I get to pick. I'm helping to pick or I'm..."

Public Recognition and Vaudeville Stardom

Don's unique abilities quickly garnered international attention. Carl Hagenbeck, a renowned German animal trainer and circus founder, offered €2,500 to exhibit Don in his outdoor menagerie in Hamburg. However, offers soon escalated, with one proposal valuing Don outright at €15,000—a substantial sum at the time.

[14:12] Dave Anthony humorously imagines the absurdity of navigating the complex offers, comparing it to negotiating pet celebrity status today.

Don's rise to fame saw him performing across various American cities, including Sacramento, Boise, Spokane, Seattle, Portland, Bend, and San Francisco. His ability to utter words like "hunger," "kuchen," and later additions like "yes" and "no," made him a beloved figure in vaudeville circuits.

[10:52] Dave Anthony: "Dogs are so lame."

[11:15] Gareth Reynolds: "Kuchen. Hunger. V. Kuchen."

Skepticism and the Clever Hans Comparison

Despite the widespread adoration, skepticism existed regarding Don's true abilities. The episode draws parallels to Clever Hans, a horse believed to perform arithmetic and other intellectual tasks but later debunked as responding to subtle human cues.

[18:37] Dave Anthony introduces Professor Oscar Fungust, who critically examined Don's performances. Fungust concluded that Don merely responded to human gestures and suggestions, similar to Clever Hans, and that the perceived speech was a result of audience expectation rather than genuine communication.

[19:01] Dave Anthony: "The whole tapping kind of dealio. Yeah."

Don's Heroic Feat and Continued Performances

In a dramatic turn, Don attempted a rescue operation at Hotel Shelburne in Brighton Beach, Brooklyn. While trying to save a drowning waiter by pulling him out of the ocean, both Don and the waiter ended up in distress. A passerby police officer capable of understanding German intervened but was ultimately overwhelmed by a passing lifeguard boat, leaving Don to resume his carefree demeanor immediately after the incident.

Notable Quote:

• [64:30] Dave Anthony: "Don then swam over to the drowning waiter and began pulling on his bathing suit."

Decline of Vaudeville and Don's Legacy

As vaudeville began to wane with the rise of motion pictures, Don's performances became less frequent. Despite retiring and returning to Germany in late 1915, Don's legacy as one of the earliest canine celebrities persisted. His story remains a fascinating chapter in American entertainment history, highlighting the blurred lines between genuine animal abilities and orchestrated performances for public amusement.

[62:54] Dave Anthony: "The Times reported, quote, Don will sail on the conference Wilhelm next Wednesday."

[67:58] Gareth Reynolds: "I'm still a little dubious."

Conclusion: Reflecting on Don's Impact

Dave and Gareth wrap up the episode by contemplating the cultural impact of Don the Talking Dog. They acknowledge the blend of genuine curiosity and entertainment that such phenomena inspire, leaving listeners to ponder the authenticity of animal intelligence and the lengths to which humans will go for fame and fascination.

[70:34] Dave Anthony: "Win. We all win."

[70:40] Gareth Reynolds: "Not all of us."

Additional Notes

• The episode includes humorous interactions and banter between Dave and Gareth, particularly when discussing advertisements and personal anecdotes unrelated to the main topic. However, these segments are minimal and do not detract from the core historical narrative.

• Sources Cited:

  • New York Times
  • Springfield Daily Republican
  • Idaho Statesman
  • Spokane Press
  • Oakland Tribune
  • Poverty Bay Herald
  • New York Tribune
  • Smithsonian Magazine

This detailed summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from Episode 679 of The Dollop, providing listeners with a comprehensive overview of Don the Talking Dog's intriguing story in American history.