American Alsatian

American Alsatian

American Alsatian

American Alsatian

The American Alsatian (English pronunciation: /ælˈseɪʃən/), formerly known as the Alsatian Shepalute,is a large breed of domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris) originating in the United States of America, bred back to resemble the Dire Wolf's bone and body structure. It was developed from purebred Alaskan Malamute, German Shepherd, English Mastiff, Anatolian Shepherd and Great Pyrenees lines,through selective breeding. The breed was developed as a large companion dog, making it the only large breed of dog originally bred for this purpose. Although the American Alsatian can be trained to work and some have been successful as wilderness search and rescue dogs, this breed does not possess a strong desire for the physical demands of most working dog endeavors.

The American Alsatian is bred to resemble, in size and bone structure, the extinct Dire Wolf of the Middle to Late Pleistocene.As such, the head is very broad and large with a slight slope down to the muzzle. The American Alsatian has a wide dark muzzle housing strong white teeth.The nose is deep black, with any color variations faulted. The eyes are almond-shaped and light brown to yellow in color. The ears are erect and short in comparison to the body. They are set wide apart, tipped with black and will fold back in shame and turn in any direction aware of the sounds around them. The body is solidly built and should have a large defining stature. Adult males weigh 79 to 120 pounds (36 to 54 kg) and stand on average 25 to 28 inches (63 to 71 cm) tall. Females are smaller, weighing 75 to 100 pounds (34 to 45 kg) and standing 24 to 27 inches (61 to 69 cm) tall.The overall length of the American Alsatian is longer than tall.

The neck is well-muscled, short in length and thick in circumference. The shoulders are slightly sloping and set wide apart to accommodate the depth and width of the chest. The large feet are heavy, with slightly splayed toes to support the dog's weight. The legs are massive and round. Any indication of unsoundness in the legs is considered a serious fault. The tail lies flat and does not curve over the back of the body. It is tipped with black and reaches to the hock. American Alsatians have a thicker, denser undercoat, which completely sheds out in the spring and summer. They also possess a longer, coarser outer coat with a light color and black tips.All skin pigmentation should remain dark.Pelt colors range from gold to silver sable, timber wolf gray being the most desirable.Cream and black sable colorings have also been seen in a few dogs, but remain very rare overall.

The American Alsatian is a calm dog with a low working drive. It does not initiate play unless encouraged. True to the personality of dogs bred for companionship, the American Alsatian enjoys being close to its owners.The American Alsatian is generally friendly, but has a tendency to be more aloof with unknown children and pets. However, the American Alsatian is rarely aggressive or fearful.While outdoors, these dogs generally will not wander or roam the neighborhood, choosing instead to stay close to their pack and their home.True companions, these dogs are sensitive to voice and respond well to light correction.