When we talk about Alsatian Shepherd we talk about a breed that is distinguished from the German Shepherd although it comes precisely from this breed. The problem comes from the fact that there is a discrepancy over which dog is the Alsatian. It is still believed that both are the same breed, as this is nothing more than a simple name for the German Shepherd who has long hair. The reality is that there is a breed called Alsatian Shepherd that emerged in the United States and is called that, but none is recognized as a breed.
Today we are going to talk about Alsatian Shepherd, which has many characteristics that bring it very close to its close relative the German Shepherd, because they are almost the same breed but with different fur. From their appearance to their character they have many similarities. On the other hand, there is the American Alsatian Shepherd that we will talk about briefly.
History of the Alsatian Shepherd
At present there is still discrepancy about this breed of dog. Many consider it a variant of the German Shepherd, including it in the same breed. However, there are also those who speak of it as a race of its own, because there really is a new dog that emerged in America by means of crosses and who is called the American Alsatian Shepherd. Neither is recognized. The one that appeared in the United States was born from the crossing of German Shepherds with Alaskan Malamutes. Thus a large dog emerged with a longer and more abundant coat and with a calmer character than that of the German Shepherd but with the same predisposition to work. At present it is a little known breed.
In Europe it is still called Alsatian Shepherd to Long Haired Shepherd which is almost equal to the German Shepherd. They say that the distinction of the dog came from the fact that during the Second World War they wanted to distance the name of the dog from its German origin and that is why they named it Alsatian, for Alsace, in France, a border place with Germany. The difference between the two lies in their coat, since the Alsatian has a longer and more abundant coat. This characteristic is not included in the standard of the German Shepherd breed and it is one of those traits that are recessive, but that are becoming fashionable because it is a really beautiful dog, hence many consider it a breed in itself.
Physical characteristics
The Alsatian Shepherd of Europe is a German Shepherd with the same characteristics except if we refer to its fur, which is long. It is sometimes one size smaller than the German Shorthaired Shepherd. You will never be able to compete in the category of the German Shepherd, at most in some special category created for them now that they are more popular, since that coat was considered a defect in the breed. The color is the same, with fire and a black cloak. Its tail is long, the ears are high and pointed.
If we refer to the American Alsatian Shepherd it has a certain wolf aspect due to the crossing with the Alaskan Malamute. Its fur is grayish and black, very abundant and with an undercoat to protect it from low temperatures.
Dog curiosities
Apparently this dog can arise from litters of the German Shepherd with short hair. If both parents have short hair, some long hair may appear in the litter, but it will be a recessive gene. It can disappear in several generations and then resurface again in new litters.
Dog character
This shepherd is an animal just as intelligent as the German Shepherd, so it can be educated from a very young age. You will quickly understand the orders and it will be a good guardian. It is a dog that apparently can be a little more emotional and attached to its owners, but in essence it has almost the same character that a German Shepherd can have.
It's a active dog who likes to exercise. Being a large dog, the best option is usually to have it on a farm so that it can move. In an apartment or inside the house it will be possible if we are willing to take it out for a walk quite often.
Caring for the Alsatian Shepherd
This dog stands out for having a long and abundant coat of fur. It is a dog that is quite hot in hot climates, so if we live in them we should not leave them in the sun or take them for a walk in the central hours of the day, as they could suffer a heat stroke.
This dog needs care in its coat, which must be combed every other day to avoid knots. It is also possible to take it to the hairdresser and trim this coat in warmer times. During the summer it tends to loosen the inner layer and shed the hair so we must comb it often. His hair is undoubtedly one of the things that can give us more work.
The Alsatian Shepherd he is also quite active, so we will have to take it out for a walk daily. He likes to play games and it is a good way to teach him some commands. In very hot hours we must avoid excessive exercise.
Dog health
In the German Shepherd there have been many problems due to poor breeding of dogs. If done properly, it is a dog that can be in very good health. However, there is a common problem such as hip dysplasia, which can occur even when the dog is young. If we are going to acquire a dog of this type, we must do so from trusted breeders who ensure that the dogs have not been crossed indiscriminately in order to get as many dogs as possible at any cost. Ideally, they should have a proven pedigree that ensures these conditions.
Why have an Alsatian Shepherd
The Alsatian Shepherd is a dog just as good as the German Shepherd, because it is the same breed, if we talk about the European. It is a very faithful dog, best guardian of the family and very intelligent, always ready to obey. The only difference is their long coat, which requires some care. But we will be facing a great dog for the family.
Very satisfied with my Alsatian Shepherd, I attest to everything mentioned that is very true