The American Alsatian is a recently developed dog breed that aims to create a larger companion animal resembling the extinct Dire Wolf. Currently, breeders are focusing on the breed’s temperament and longevity rather than pursuing recognition from kennel clubs. The American Alsatian has an average lifespan of twelve to fourteen years, but the goal is to increase it to match the lifespan of wolves in captivity, which is around fifteen to twenty years.
Below, we look at American Alsatian dog breed, its history, personality, pros and cons of owning an American Alsatian, characteristics, and must-know facts. We will also examine how to care for this breed and much more. Prepare for a tail-wagging adventure into the world of American Alsatians!
| Dog Breed | American Alsatian |
| Size | |
| Weight | 85-110 lbs (average) |
| Height | 25-28″ (average) |
| Location | Southern California, USA |
| Ancestry | Alaskan Malamute, German Shepherd, Pyrenean Mountain Dog, Anatolian Shepherd and Mastiff |
| Date of Origin | 1987/1988 |
| Group | Companion |
| Life Expectancy | |
| Price | |
| Family | Canidae |
| Scientific Name | Canis Lupus Familiaris |
📖 Breed History
Lois Denny, known later as Lois Schwarz, started the Dire Wolf Program in 1987 to breed a new type of domestic dog that resembled the extinct Dire Wolf and had a suitable temperament as a companion animal. To achieve this, she crossed German Shepherds and Malamutes selected for intelligence, stability, and a tendency not to bark. Later, she introduced a fawn-colored English Mastiff to increase the size of the dog. Initially, the breed was called Shepalute or Alsatian Shepalute.
By 2002, dogs with the desired temperament were consistently bred, and in 2006, a Great Pyrenees/Anatolian Shepherd with the right size and temperament was added to the mix. In 2010, the name was changed to American Alsatian to distance it from the perception of being a designer dog. The popularity of the American Alsatian has been on the rise, and newer breeders are working to improve the breed according to Lois’s original goals. While the breed has not been added to any multiple breed registries, progress has been made steadily and deliberately to perfect this new dog breed.
🐕 American Alsatian Appearance
The American Alsatian is a fairly large dog, although being smaller than the extinctDire Wolf that it is intended to imitate. Most of these dogs stand taller than two feet at the withers and weigh somewhere in the neighborhood of one hundred pounds as adults. With a wide chest, a robust neck, strong legs, and unusually huge feet that provide them additional stability and make them exceedingly sure-footed, they are strongly constructed. They have a broad, somewhat rounded cranium that flattens out slightly as it reaches the eyes, and their backs are often significantly longer than the dogs’ heights, giving them a rectangular appearance. Their almond-shaped eyes, which can be brown to yellow but are preferred to be closer to yellow, have a hefty nose that is somewhat tapered. Their straight tails are preferable over longer or curved over tails. Their upright triangular ears are somewhat rounded at the tips and are often broad set and shorter.
| 👀 Eye Color | Brown |
| 🐽 Nose Color | Black |
| 🐕 Coat Color | Sable |
⚡ Fun Fact:
🐶 Traits & Temperament of American Alsatian
The American Alsatian has only been designed as a companion animal, unlike the majority of big dogs. They love to be as near to their owner or family as possible at all times and are typically accepting of strangers and other animals. However, some are more aloof and a few have a propensity to be timid, however this tendency is being addressed by careful breeding procedures. While large dogs and little children should always be constantly watched while interacting, these dogs are normally extremely trustworthy and not unduly loud. Despite their size, they are quite peaceful both indoors and outside. These canines do not make good guard dogs, watchdogs, or protectors despite their size and German Shepherd ancestry, aside from because of their wolf-like physical appearance. They were particularly designed to be calm, and they are more likely to show a criminal around the property in a friendly manner than to defend their area. However, because of their innate ability to be welcoming and laid-back, they do make good therapy dogs, and some have even been trained for search and rescue operations.
🤝 Are American Alsatians Friendly or Aggressive?
🐩 American Alsatian Care & Maintenance
Due to the American Alsatian’s low odor and thick coat, which is very good at rejecting dirt and debris, bathing is only sometimes necessary. The undercoat, which grows in during the winter and is exceptionally thick, is nearly entirely shed during the spring, leaving the outer coat, which is slightly coarse and of average length. While this breed needs brushing every few days during the year to control their mild shedding, they will probably need it daily, if not more frequently, when they lose their undercoat and will still typically leave a trail of hair. Consistent dental and nail care is recommended, with teeth cleaning recommended a few times per week and nail trimming recommended once per month.
🍖 Food: We recommend 4.5 cups daily, costing you about $3.00 – $3.50 daily, or around $90.00 – $105.00 a month.
🐾 Exercise:
This dog breed requires to be walked for roughly 7 miles per week, which equates to about 60 minutes of physical activity daily. This consistent moderate exercise regimen will help maintain their physical wellness and significantly contribute to their mental stimulation. Consciously setting aside this time for your furry friend can dramatically enhance their life quality, helping them stay energetic, healthy, and mentally alert.
Did you know:
❤️🩹 American Alsatian Health & Issues
Some of the major concerns for American Alsatian Dog Breed can be:
- Hip And Elbow Dysplasia
- Arthritis
- Gastric Dilation Volvulus (GDV) or Bloat
While minor concerns include:
- Enlarged Heart
- Food Allergies
🤧 Important: Is American Alsatian hypoallergenic? .
✨ Bonus: Check out cool, creative, and funny names for American Alsatian.
⚡ American Alsatian Dog Breed Facts
What makes the American Alsatian a great choice for families with young children?
The American Alsatian is a great choice for families with young children because they are generally tolerant of children and prefer to be close to their owners or family at all times. They are calm and trustworthy indoors and out, making them a safe and reliable companion for young children.
Is the American Alsatian breed considered a suitable breed for apartment living?
The American Alsatian breed may not be considered a suitable breed for apartment living due to its large-to-giant size. These dogs require ample space to move around and exercise comfortably. Lack of space in an apartment may lead to behavioral issues and restlessness.
How much exercise does a American Alsatian require compared to other breeds?
The American Alsatian requires moderate exercise compared to some other breeds. While they do need regular walks and playtime, they are generally calm and not overly active. They do not require as much exercise as high-energy breeds like Border Collies or Huskies.
Is the American Alsatian breed known for being good with other pets?
The American Alsatian breed is known for being good with other pets. They are generally tolerant of other animals and can coexist peacefully with them. However, proper socialization and introductions are always important when introducing new pets to ensure a harmonious relationship.
What are other low-maintenance dog breeds similar to the American Alsatian?
Some low-maintenance dog breeds similar to the American Alsatian are the Great Pyrenees, Newfoundland, and Saint Bernard. These breeds share similar calm and gentle temperaments, making them suitable for families seeking low-maintenance companions.
What are the common health issues that American Alsatians are prone to?
Common health issues that American Alsatians are prone to include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and bloat. These are common issues in large breeds and responsible breeders take measures to minimize the risk through health testing and breeding practices.
Are American Alsatians known to be easy to train compared to other breeds?
American Alsatians are generally easy to train compared to some other breeds. They are intelligent and eager to please, making them quick learners. However, consistent and positive reinforcement training methods are recommended for best results.
Are American Alsatians more prone to separation anxiety compared to other breeds?
American Alsatians can be prone to separation anxiety, as they prefer to be close to their owners or family at all times. Proper training and gradual desensitization can help manage separation anxiety in these dogs.
Are there any dog breeds similar to the American Alsatian that are suitable for people with allergies?
Some dog breeds similar to the American Alsatian that are suitable for people with allergies include the Poodle, Portuguese Water Dog, and Bichon Frise. These breeds are known for their hypoallergenic coats, which produce fewer allergens.
What sizes of dogs similar to the American Alsatian are best for individuals or families with limited space?
For individuals or families with limited space, smaller sizes of dogs similar to the American Alsatian, such as the Miniature American Shepherd or the Shetland Sheepdog, may be more suitable. These smaller breeds still possess similar traits and temperaments but require less space.
Is the American Alsatian breed known to be good with children with special needs?
The American Alsatian breed is known to be good with children, including those with special needs. Their calm and gentle nature makes them patient and understanding companions for children with special needs.
How does the grooming and shedding needs of the American Alsatian?
The grooming needs of the American Alsatian are relatively low compared to some other breeds. They have a double coat that requires regular brushing to prevent matting and shedding. However, they do not require frequent baths and their grooming needs are generally manageable.
We use reliable and publicly available data and resources such as AKC and American Canine Registry to ensure that American Alsatian dog breed information is accurate and up to date. If you spot an error, please don’t hesitate to bring it to our attention.
