You may have seen an American Alsatian before or heard about that breed and wondered if this big doggie is suitable as a pet. They are great dogs and canine buddies. So, what is an American Alsatian?
The American Alsatian is a dog breed that was developed back in 1987 to have the same physical features as the dire wolf, yet they also have characteristics of companion dogs. Despite the dog’s huge size, the American Alsatian is suitable for domestication, but there’s more to know about their temperament and physical features.
American Alsatians, like any other dog breed, have a certain diet and meal plan that ensures they stay strong and healthy. Moreover, there are some misconceptions that people usually have about them that I’ll talk more about later. By the end of this article, you’ll learn about American Alsatian’s physical and temperamental characteristics and how best to take care of them. Let’s get started by discussing their exact size measurements.
How Big Do American Alsatians Get?
American Alsatians are well known for their giant and bulky physique, as they have heavy bones, tall bodies, and big muscles. Furthermore, their wolf-like physical appearance is eye-catching.
Weight
Adult males generally weigh from 90 lbs to 115 lbs. On the other hand, adult females weigh from 85 lbs to 100 lbs on average. American Alsatians are considered very heavy compared to the average dog’s weight.
Height
American Alsatians are relatively tall dogs. Adult male heights can be anywhere from 26 to 32 inches, while adult female heights range from 25 to 28 inches.
Coat Colors And Patterns
American Alsatian dogs have a variety of coat colors. The most desirable and favored color is the silver sable, as it looks similar to a wolf coat. Other colors are golden sable, tri sable, black silver sable, and cream.
Moreover, their coat is dense, and they have double coats, an inner and an outer coat. Their coats are relatively straight and medium-length.
How Long Do American Alsatians Live?
American Alsatians have a lifespan of 12 to 14 years.
But of course, the lifespan depends on each dog’s health conditions as inherited from parents. American Alsatians are strong, healthy, and athletic dogs; however, there are some health conditions that could threaten them.
Common Health Issues
First of all, these furry buddies could suffer from bloating. So, feed them high-quality food and don’t feed them immediately before or after exercise. Also, check them regularly for any signs of bloating and immediately visit the veteran if you notice any symptoms.
Provide your canine buddies with a balanced diet and monitor their weight. As these dogs are already huge and heavy, excess weight could hurt their joints. Glucosamine and omega-3 fatty acids help dogs with joint problems by reducing swelling and pain.
American Alsatians could also suffer from panosteitis, a condition that causes inflammation of long bones. Unfortunately, this illness causes extreme pain. In this case, use pain medications and anti-inflammatory medications. Other related health problems are arthritis and hip dysplasia.
They could also have epilepsy, a neurological disorder common in the canine population. Some, but very few, cases were recorded as having an enlarged heart or heart problems in general. These are the most common health issues you should know about to monitor that your dog doesn’t show symptoms.
How To Take Care Of Your American Alsatian?
American Alsatians don’t need special treatment that differs from other dogs, and they cope well with different environments since they are so intelligent.
The Best Environment
Generally, American Alsatian dogs adapt well to various environments and cope extremely well with cold weather because of their thick double coat. However, this is a double-edged weapon, as this coat makes it harder for them to cope with hot weather.
Therefore, always make sure that there’s enough water available for your dog to drink at all times. Also provide them with shade and cooling mats.
Due to their large size, your furry friend might need fairly big spaces; nonetheless, they don’t need big gardens, as they won’t be visiting them a lot due to their tendency to just chill instead of playing or running.
Their Exercise Routine
They don’t need to exercise as much as other dogs. It is adequate for them to exercise about 60 minutes daily and walk 7 miles per week. Longer or more intense exercises won’t appeal to them.
Their Ideal Diet
Adult American Alsatians eat an average of two times per day. They need adequate amounts of fats and proteins in their meals to build healthy muscles.
Moreover, these dogs need calcium for bone development. It is a good idea to add additional calcium for larger dogs. They normally consume about 3.5 cups of dog kibbles. Their meals could also include cottage cheese, meat, and eggs.
American Alsatian puppies need to eat four times per day. Feed them as the breeder fed them, sticking to the same food brand.
A high-quality diet also includes multivitamins that help support arthritic joints and reduce shedding. Check out Pet Plate for vet-designed recipes and human-grade treats for your doggie.
Dental Care
Brush your canine buddy’s teeth daily with dog-friendly products and brushes. Consider using dental water additives to prevent the growth of bacteria inside your dog’s mouth. Simply add a few drops of such additives into its drinking bowl, and you are set for the day!
Are American Alsatians Aggressive? Temperaments Of American Alsatians
Don’t be intimidated by their huge size—American Alsatians are friendly and loyal to owners and quite intelligent.
Are American Alsatians Good Guard Dogs?
No, they are not working dogs, and they cannot be trained to be guard dogs; they are more like companion dogs. However, they can be easily trained to follow commands and learn behaviors, as they are quick learners.
Are American Alsatians Friendly?
American Alsatians are very friendly dogs, and they’re known for having a teddy bear’s personality, since they like to cuddle with their owners and stay with them.
Furthermore, rest assured that you can leave American Alsatians around children, as this breed behaves well and remains calm around kids.
Another characteristic of the American Alsatian is their quiet nature, so loud barking and howling won’t be a problem for you. Moreover, they are not likely to run from you or even leave your side. However, this dog has a low activity level, so don’t expect your canine to be playful all the time.
American Alsatians don’t normally bark at strangers or act aggressively towards them, but they are observant and cautious around them. Nonetheless, these dogs are approachable and good around other animals.
Despite their generally gentle nature, these doggies need to be socialized from a young age with other people and animals to ensure they develop without social issues or behavioral problems. So, introduce your dog to other pets as well as many different places and sights.
Do American Alsatians Shed? Grooming Tips For American Alsatians
American Alsatians shed, but not much during most of the year. However, they shed excessively during spring, causing some mess around the house.
Are American Alsatians Hypoallergenic?
No, American Alsatians are not hypoallergenic, because they shed regularly. Hypoallergenic dogs don’t shed or only shed a small amount, and therefore, when their fur falls, dander doesn’t get released.
Brushing Your Dog
American Alsatians need daily brushing during spring. During the other months, brush them weekly. It’s a good idea to use a wide-toothed comb when brushing their coats.
For better and more efficient grooming, use the Furminator Undercoat Tool to make sure no fur sticks in your furry buddy’s coat.
Bathing Your Dog
As for baths, the American Alsatian don’t need to be bathed excessively, but bathing them every once in a while is a good idea. In general, bathe them at least a few times a year. Use Paws & Pals 6-In-1 Oatmeal Dog Shampoo specified for dogs.
Furthermore, clean their ears at least once a month with a damp cloth to prevent any ear infections. Don’t forget to trim their nails when needed and clean them once a week.
Related Questions
How Much Is An American Alsatian? An American Alsatian usually costs from $1,800 to $3,000. Since this breed was developed recently, it is considered quite rare, so finding them can be a bit tricky. Nevertheless, it is advisable to get one from trusted breeders, like Schwarz Dogs in Oregon or Vallecito Alsatians.
Are German Shepherds And American Alsatians The Same Dog? No, the German Shepherd and the American Alsatian are two different dogs. For starters, the American Alsatian is much bigger than the German Shepherd. Also, the American Alsatian is much quieter, calmer, and doesn’t bark as much as the German Shepherd. So, American Alsatians are generally the friendlier dog breed.
Do American Alsatians Swim? Yes, American Alsatians can swim, despite their heavy bodies and dense coats. Some do enjoy swimming, especially in hot weather, to cool off. They can even save a person from drowning. When teaching your dog to swim, avoid just tossing them into the water to figure out their way. Instead, introduce them to the water gradually.
