American Alsatian

The American Alsatian , also known as the Alsatian Shepalute, is a large, unrecognized crossbred dog originating in the United States of America. The dog has been 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, The American Alsatian is most suited for the gentle work of therapy dogs or Reading Education Assistance Dogs (READ).
Description
The American Alsatian is bred to resemble, in size and bone structure, the extinct Dire Wolf of the Middle to Late Pleistocene. This breed is a large sized dog standing on average between at the withers and weighing between . The overall length of the American Alsatian is longer than tall. As with the Dire Wolf, the head is very broad and large, sloping slightly to a wide dark muzzle. This dog's nose is deep black, with any color variations faulted. The color of the eyes ranges from light brown to yellow with a desired almond shape. Its black-tipped ears are set wide apart and are erect and short in comparison to its solid stature. However, they can move in many directions when listening and also pull back to lie flat against the sides of skull when ashamed. Pelt colors range from gold to silver sable, timber wolf gray being the most desirable. 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 as they easily build a strong bond to their owners. These dogs are sensitive to voice and respond well to light correction. Due to their calm nature, thunderstorms and loud noises do not generally bother them. American Alsatians are alert to their surroundings and confident when approaching new and unfamiliar events. They respond easily to direction and learn commands quickly.
Health
The American Alsatian lives an average of 12-14 years. Eye and ear problems have not been experienced in any American Alsatian and panosteitis, a genetic disease causing limping in young dogs, has not been seen in any dog since 2004. To date, hip dysplasia has not existed within this breed. Elbow dysplasia and severe arthritis currently have a 0.1% incidence rate. In 2009, one 4 month old puppy was shown to have seizures for one week immediately following the rabies shot. Seizures, in general, have an occurrence rate of 0.5% and are the most prominent health issue within this breed at this time.
History
The American Alsatian was developed by Lois Denny (now Lois Schwarz) in Oxnard in southern California in 1987. At that time, Lois encountered a number of clients who could no longer keep their pets because of the working behaviors they exhibited. In time, Lois acknowledged the need for a large breed of dog without working qualities that could live with limited boundaries and minimal exercise. In 1987, Lois developed a standard of a large breed of dog with a companion dog disposition and the look of a wolf.
The name of this breed of dog has gone through many changes over the years. At the onset of the first breeding in 1988, the breed name was originally the North American Shepalute. In 2004, the name was changed to Alsatian Shepalute. Now, as of February 21, 2010, the breed club has again opted to change the name of this breed. This was done in order to drop the portmanteau word, Shepalute, which no longer reflected the breed and portrayed the breed incorrectly as a hybrid dog. Later, the purebred English Mastiff entered the gene pool in order to establish larger bone structure, a broader head, and a deeper chest. Each dog was specifically chosen for its health and personality. Only certain chosen pups were selected to continue in the breeding that exhibited the desired traits of a family companion dog. No hyperactive, whining, or barking traits were bred. In the year 2000, the American Alsatian was first introduced to the American public as they finally conformed to the breed standard in both looks and personality. Since that time, a Great Pyrenees/Anatolian Shepherd mix, with its laid-back, mellow attitude and large bone structure was used in several lines in 2004.
The American Alsatian is not recognized by any multi-breed kennel clubs and the National American Alsatian Club has stated that it is not currently seeking recognition in this way.

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