American Alsatian

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American Alsatian

Canis lupus

Last updated: January 16, 2022
Verified by: IMP

American Alsatian Scientific Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Scientific Name
Canis lupus

Read our Complete Guide to Classification of Animals.

American Alsatian Conservation Status

American Alsatian Locations

American Alsatian Locations


American Alsatian Facts

Temperament
Calm, friendly, and loyal
Diet
Carnivore
Common Name
American Alsatian

American Alsatian Physical Characteristics

Color
  • Black
  • Gold
  • Cream
  • Silver
Skin Type
Hair
Weight
66-88 pounds
Height
24-26 inches

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American Alsatian as a Pet:

General Health
Energy Level
Shedability
Trainability
Intelligence
Tendency to Chew
Size
Family and kid friendliness
Yappiness / Barking
Moderate
Separation Anxiety
High
Preferred Temperature
Cold climate
Exercise Needs
Moderate
Friendly With Other Dogs
High
Pure bred cost to own
$1,800 to $3,000
Dog group
Non-sporting
Male weight
66-88 lbs
Female weight
49-71 lbs

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The American Alsatian is known to be a look-alike of the dire wolf.

The American Alsatian was developed in California in the 1980s. These dogs are tall and are about 25 to 32 inches in height. They weigh about 100 pounds and their lifespan is around 9 to 13 years on average.

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Also known as the North American Shepalute, these dogs are known to be intelligent, friendly, and calm. They are known to make great companions for individuals and families alike.

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These dogs have to be regularly groomed. However, they do not require a lot of exercise, making them ideal pets for families that may have a smaller yard or no yard at all. These dogs were bred from an Alaskan Malamute and a German Shepherd, creating a strong and dependable breed. In fact, that combination of these names is why they were called a Shepalute.

They are known to be strong dogs and have a muscular build with long muscles. Their noses are always black. Their ears, however, are known to have slightly rounded tips.



3 Pros and Cons of Owning an American Alsatian

Pros! Cons!
Intelligent!

A look-alike of the dire wolf, this dog is extremely intelligent which makes it easier for the owners to tame and train them as they are able to quickly pick and obey commands.
Can get lonely.

As stated above, American Alsatians can bond very well with their owners. However, that also has a flipside because when left alone, loneliness can trigger a lot of aggressive behaviors in these dogs.
Great watchdogs!

If your purpose of keeping a dog is also having a watchdog, then this could be a great breed to go for. American Alsatians are known to make great watchdogs.
Shedding.

If you’re looking for a low-maintenance dog, this might not be the best option to consider. These dogs shed a lot of hair and need regular grooming.
Loyal!

American Alsatians are known to bond well with their owners and are known to be very loyal to them.
Prone to many health issues.

American Alsatians, just like German Shepherds, have a lot of health issues which can be a problem for the owners.
A golden sable American Alsatian, Shepalute

American Alsatian Size and Weight

These are known to be strong, muscular dogs and have long muscles. They are tall dogs and are about 25 to 32 inches in size. They are known to weigh about 100 pounds on average.

Male Female
Height 24-26 inches Tall 22-24 inches Tall
Weight 66-88 lbs. fully grown 49 to 71 lbs. fully grown

American Alsatian Common Health Issues

Since this breed is barely three decades old, American Alsatians still have health issues that they inherited from their parent breeds – German Shepherds and Alaskan Malamutes. One of the biggest health issues that these dogs often suffer from include hip and elbow dysplasia. This condition causes the hip bones to form improperly, causing pain.

Health and Entertainment for your American Alsatian

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These dogs have sometimes experienced epilepsy, like one of the original pups from the breed. However, they are at no higher risk for this condition than other breeds.

Panosteitis, which involves inflammation around the long bones in the Alsatian’s leg, is also common. Often referred to as growing pains, this problem can cause limping while the animal walks. It often occurs in young puppies of larger breeds, due to the stature of which they will eventually have.

Here are some common health issues that these dogs suffer from:

  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Epilepsy
  • Arthritis
  • Panosteitis
  • Seizures
  • Sheath Problems
  • Limping

American Alsatian Temperament

These dogs make great companion dogs and are equally great with both adults and children. These dogs are very loyal and are also accepting of other pets. They are great and playful with the kids of the family.

These dogs are known to be a look-alike of the dire wolf (which was the point of their species) and are always mindful of strangers but are never aggressive or fearful of them. They are calm, loyal, and intelligent and pick up training commands quickly. They are known to be able to respond to minimalistic sounds.

How to Take Care of an American Alsatian

Just like any other pet, the North American Shepalute also has certain needs that the owner has to take care of. After all, the breed only had its first generation in 1987, as breeders changed it even more with the use of the Great Pyrenees, the English mastiff, and the Anatolian Shepherd. Therefore, it is necessary to know what needs to be done to take care of the American Alsatian dogs.

The Best Dog Food for American Alsatians

These dogs’ diet often includes a lot of proteins and fats because those are the nutrients that they need the most. Mostly, an adult food blend should be used to feed your American Alsatian. These dogs should be fed two times a day.

Their diet could include meat, eggs, and gravy. Puppies can be fed the same. However, instead of two times, they should be fed 4 times a day as their stomachs are smaller and they take longs to digest food. They can only digest smaller quantities of food at one time.

American Alsatians’ protein and fat requirement makes raw/freeze-dried dog food an optimal choice for this breed.

Therefore, at A-Z Animals, we say the best dog food for American Alsatians is Instinct Freeze Dried Raw Meals Grain Free Recipe Dog Food.

Rather than legumes and grains, this minimally processed dog food is made of an impressive 85% meat and organs for a heavy dose of healthy protein and fat. The other 15% is non-GMO fruits and veggies. So you know your American Alsatian is getting and effectively absorbing all the vitamins and minerals they need for long-lasting, full-body health.

Try out Instinct Freeze Dried Raw Meals Grain Free Dog Food for your American Alsatian, available on amazon.

Instinct Freeze Dried Raw Meals Grain Free Real Beef Recipe Dog Food, 9.5 oz. Bag

  • UPGRADE FROM KIBBLE TO FREEZE DRIED RAW: 3x more real meat & nutrient-rich organs than kibble. More animal-based protein in each bite for better nutrition and guaranteed meal time excitement. 100% complete & balanced meals.
  • NEVER COOKED: Raw foods are never cooked, preserving the integrity of the ingredients and their nutrients, for 100% complete & balanced meals.
  • MINIMALLY PROCESSED: Our raw recipes are freeze-dried for a less processed food than cooked kibble – which means better digestion and nutrient absorption.
  • WHY RAW: Feeding raw supports healthy digestion, lean muscles, strong bones, vibrant skin & coat and overall energy and vitality. Made without grain, corn, wheat, soy, legumes, artificial colors or preservatives.
  • POWER OF RAW INGREDIENTS: Our dog food is made with the pure, real nutrition of raw. Raw is natural, made from real meat & whole food ingredients, protein packed & minimally processed. Made in the USA with the finest ingredients from around the world.

American Alsatian Maintenance and Grooming

American Alsatians or the North American Shepalute need a lot of grooming, especially in the seasons when they shed a lot. You would usually need to brush your dog’s fur twice a week. Their coat also accumulates dirt which would also need to be removed regularly.

However, they need to be bathed only occasionally so that shouldn’t be much of a problem. However, you would also need to check their ears for any kind of first and would also need to regularly clean it.

American Alsatian Training

It is relatively easier to train an American Alsatian because these dogs are highly intelligent and love to please their owners. They pick up commands very quickly and go a long way if you keep pleasing them verbally. They are not bred to be working dogs, but their loyalty and intelligence make them easier to train than some other breeds.

For individuals that have the time to train their pets themselves, there are many instructional videos online that cater to this specific breed.

American Alsatian Exercise

These dogs are energetic but do not need too much exercise. These dogs can thrive best on about an hour of exercise each day. It can also accompany you on your regular everyday walks. However, the dogs might not be very excited about the hiking trip uphill.

American Alsatian Puppies

The puppies need to be taken care of the same way you would take care of an adult American Alsatian. However, the puppies need to be fed about four times as compared to the twice serving of the adult ones because they have smaller stomachs and can digest only a small amount of food at one point.

American Alsatian puppies

American Alsatians and Children

These dogs are great with children and are very playful around them. These animals are loyal and calm and behave great with the kids in the family. They are also great family companions.

As friendly as they may be, it is possible that rough play may not be best for younger and shorter children. The American Alsatian is rather large, so they should be supervised to ensure that their weight doesn’t overpower the child.

Dogs Similar to American Alsatians

If an American Alsatian is not the right match, several other breeds are relatively similar. Check out these options below.

  • English Mastiff: These dogs, like the American Alsatians, are tall and muscular and also have long muscles. They have often also been used to breed the American Alsatian dogs.
  • Anatolian Shepherd: These dogs make great watchdogs and are known to be very intelligent 0 just like the American Alsatians.
  • Irish Wolfhound: These dogs are muscular and are tall-standing dogs like the American Alsatians. They are usually imported from Turkey.

Famous American Alsatians

Due to the loyal and courageous nature of the American Alsatian, it may be surprising that these dogs have not been found in more movies and television shows. While the breeds that have gone into the American Alsatians – like the malamute and the English mastiff – have found their way into the hearts of the public through media, the same fate has not been given to them.

In fact, the breed is so new and controlled in its breeding that there are no records of celebrity ownership of them either. They have not even been recognized as their own breed by the American Kennel Club.

Here are some popular names for your American Alsatian pets

  • Sheba
  • Lady
  • Duke
  • Buddy
  • Sasha

Last update on 2022-07-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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What’s the right dog for you?

Dogs are our best friends but which breed is your perfect match?

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Small

Medium

Large

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If you have kids or existing dogs select:

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Should they be Hypoallergenic?

Yes

No

How important is health?
Which dog groups do you like?
How much exercise should your dog require?
What climate?
How much seperation anxiety?
How much yappiness/barking?

How much energy should they have?

The lower energy the better.

I want a cuddle buddy!

About average energy.

I want a dog that I have to chase after constantly!

All energy levels are great — I just love dogs!

How much should they shed?
How trainable/obedient does the dog need to be?
How intelligent does the dog need to be?
How much chewing will allow?
About the Author

AZ Animals is a growing team of animals experts, researchers, farmers, conservationists, writers, editors, and — of course — pet owners who have come together to help you better understand the animal kingdom and how we interact.

American Alsatian FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

How much does American Alsatians cost to own?

These dogs usually cost around $1800 to $3000. Additional costs can go up to $1500 annually.

Is American Alsatians good with kids?

The American Alsatians are great with kids and are often very playful around them.

How long do American Alsatians live?

The lifespan of this animal is around 10 to 13 years.

Are American Alsatians herbivores, carnivores, or omnivores?

American Alsatians are Carnivores, meaning they eat other animals.

What Kingdom do American Alsatians belong to?

American Alsatians belong to the Kingdom Animalia.

What phylum do American Alsatians belong to?

American Alsatians belong to the phylum Chordata.

What class do American Alsatians belong to?

American Alsatians belong to the class Mammalia.

What family do American Alsatians belong to?

American Alsatians belong to the family Canidae.

What order to American Alsatians belong to?

American Alsatians belong to order Carnivora.

What type of covering do American Alsatians have?

American Alsatians are covered in Hair.

What is the scientific name for the American Alsatian?

The scientific name for the American Alsatian is Canis lupus.

Sources
  1. Perfect Dog Breeds, Available here: https://www.perfectdogbreeds.com/american-alsatian/
  2. Dear Canine, Available here: https://dearcanine.com/pros-and-cons-german-shepherd/
  3. Animalso, Available here: https://animalso.com/breeds/american-alsatian/
  4. National American Alsatian Breeder’s Association, Available here: http://naaba.americanalsatians.com/health.php
  5. Dog Breed Info, Available here: https://www.dogbreedinfo.com/a/americanalsatian.htm
  6. Love Your Dog, Available here: https://www.loveyourdog.com/american-alsatian/#Training

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