ADOLF THE NAZI DOG DOES HEIL HITLER FOR TOURISTS.

Byline: ALLAN HALL in Berlin

ADOLF the Nazi-saluting mongrel has become a hit with Japanese tourists visiting Berlin.

His master was due to go on trial yesterday for teaching him to make the banned Heil Hitler! greeting with his right paw.

But the publicity means tourists have beaten a path to his door.

Roland Thein, 54, a wealthy wine dealer, staged 30 impromptu photo sessions with Adolf for the Japanese tourists.

The dog's party trick may have made them laugh but it has scandalised Germany.

He said: "I don't mind foreigners who behave themselves,"

But added, ominously: "Those who come here to cause trouble deserve a shower," - a reference to the Nazi extermination camps.

Thein faces up to three years behind bars for breaches of laws forbidding any public displays relating to the Nazi regime.

He was arrested last year after yelling "Heil Hitler!" in the street. Adolf sat down and saluted - but was seen by a police officer. Thein did it again two months later outside a department store in front of a group of black women.

And he was also caught wearing a Hitler T-shirt outside a school with many Turkish pupils.

Thein gained a reprieve yesterday when the judge rang in to say he was sick.

He greeted police at the court with a Nazi salute - earning himself another summons - and said of the judge: "He's not sick- he's just afraid of me!"

Thein, who sports a toothbrush-moustache like Hitler's, has been quoted as saying: "I am German, was born in Bavaria, the son of a cavalry officer, I grew up this way - I don't know any other way.

For the moment Adolf is back in the kennel that bears his name - ready for more photo sessions with his shameful master.

CAPTION(S):

LIVING SPACE: Adolf at home