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.
The first generation of American Alsatian was registered by the North American Shepalute Club (since renamed the National American Alsatian Club) in 1988 with purebred Alaskan Malamute and German Shepherd Dog lines. 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.
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.
The first generation of American Alsatian was registered by the North American Shepalute Club (since renamed the National American Alsatian Club) in 1988 with purebred Alaskan Malamute and German Shepherd Dog lines. 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.