The Alsatian Shepalute (pronounced /ælseɪ'ʃən ʃɛpɑː'luːt/) is a large breed of domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris) originating in the United States of America prized for its calm, quiet demeanor and intelligent, loving devotion to its human family. Although this breed started from purebred Alaskan Malamute, German Shepherd Dog, English Mastiff, Anatolian Shepherd and Great Pyrenees lines,  through selective breeding, these dogs have evolved into large companion dogs, making them the only large breed of dog originally bred for this purpose. Although the Alsatian Shepalute can be trained to work and some have been successful as wilderness search and rescue dogs, this breed does not possess a strong desire for the physical demands of most dog endeavors.  The Alsatian Shepalute is most suited for the gentle work of therapy dogs or Reading Assistance Education dogs (READ dogs).

History

 The first generation of Alsatian Shepalute was registered by the North American Shepalute Club (since renamed the National Alsatian Shepalute 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 hyper, whining, or barking traits were bred.  In the year 2000, the Alsatian Shepalute 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.

Appearance and Size

The Alsatian Shepalute is bred to resemble, in size and bone structure, the extinct Dire Wolf of the Middle to Late Pleistocene.  As such, the head is very broad and large with a slight slope down to the muzzle. The Alsatian Shepalute has a wide dark muzzle housing strong white teeth.  The nose is deep black, with any color variations faulted. The eyes are almond-shaped and light brown to yellow in color. The ears are erect and short in comparison to the body. They are set wide apart, tipped with black and will fold back in shame and turn in any direction aware of the sounds around them. The neck is well-muscled, short in length and thick in circumference. The shoulders are slightly sloping and set wide apart to accommodate the depth and width of the chest. The large feet are heavy, with slightly splayed toes to support the dog's weight. The legs are massive and round. Any indication of unsoundness in the legs is considered a serious fault. The tail lies flat and does not curve over the back of the body. It is tipped with black and reaches to the hock. Alsatian Shepalutes have a thicker, denser undercoat, which completely sheds out in the spring and summer. They also possess a longer, coarser outer coat with a light color and black tips.   All skin pigmentation should remain dark.The Alsatian Shepalute is solidly built and should have a large defining stature. Adult males weigh 79 to 120 pounds and stand on average 25 to 28 inches tall. Females are smaller, weighing 75 to 100 pounds and standing 24 to 27 inches tall.  The overall length of the Alsatian Shepalute is longer than tall.Colors range from gold to silver sable, timber wolf gray being the most desirable.  Cream and black sable coloring has also been seen in a few dogs, but remains very rare overall. 

Personality

 The Alsatian Shepalute is a calm dog with a low working drive.  It does not initiate play unless encouraged. True to the personality of smaller dogs bred for companionship, the Alsatian Shepalute enjoys snuggling and being close to its owners. The Alsatian Shepalute is friendly with a tendency to be more aloof with unknown children and pets. However, the Alsatian Shepalute is not aggressive or fearful.  While outdoors, these loving dogs will not wander or roam the neighborhood, choosing instead to stay close to their pack and their home. True companions, these dogs are sensitive to the smallest sound and respond well to light correction. Thunderstorms and loud noises do not bother them.

Wikipedia and GNU

The content of this entry is from the Wikipedia article "Alsatian Shepalute" licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License.