Earned six service stripes in the German Red Cross.
Was never able to howl. His brother Flash doubled for him in scenes that required howling.
A plaque kept over his bed quoted the Bible's book of Job: "Ask the
very beasts, and they will teach you."
The first canine star in motion pictures, he was a magnificent German
Shepherd dog.
Owner Laurence Trimble worked tirelessly to overcome the dog's harsh
military-style prior training, staying with the dog virtually non-stop
for several months and emphasizing rewards for positive
behavior.
He had an astonishing level of instinct regarding the character of
strangers, both good and bad; he would often suddenly pursue passersby
who long after were found to have been embezzlers, frauds or spousal
abusers.
Strongheart ate ten pounds of meat daily while working; two pounds if loafing.
Trained as a WWI police dog in Germany, he was brought to the U.S. by
director Laurence Trimble and his wife, writer Jane Murfin.
Injured by shrapnel after the second battle of Ypres.