Why Breed a New Breed?

Originally posted by Shepaluteprez on May 16, 2007.

OK everyone...here's the big one I've been hearing lately, and not just about our Alsatian Shepalutes, but other dog breeds recently started solely for loving their master.

Here are the two arguments I've heard:
1. Why breed a new breed of dog that's only purpose is to love its master? There are already many toy breeds that can perform this function adequately.

2. Most of the dogs at the pound are large breeds. It is the small, cute dogs who get adopted first or don't even end up in the pound in the first place. Why then start a new large breed of dog that is only going to end up in the pound?

Here's what I have to say about these two arguments...

There are no large breeds of dog bred solely for companionship. All large breeds were originally bred for some type of service to humans, until now that is. These dogs could potentially live as companionship dogs, in fact many do, but they still have the working drive within their nature that may come out in their lives. I'm not saying these dogs could not and do not live happy lives with their masters. Some people enjoy the drive and willingness to work that these working dogs possess. But think of the large dogs in the pound and the humans who could not keep them...what of those dog's nature? What brought them there? Why are they not getting adopted? I don't know those answers for sure (if anyone knows the true statistics let me know) but I have a sneaking suspicion that they are not there because they were calm, friendly, devoted, quiet, loving, slow family dogs.

Now, why are the little dogs not there and the large dogs more prone to be left at the pound? Is it really just the size of the dog or could it be the personality of the dog?

The reason for breeding a large dog solely for companionship is this: the look of the wolf is intriguing and prized. The size and stature of the wolf is intimidating and haunting. But, if this dog had a devoted, quiet, calm, even temperament that could easily live in any location then all the better. What if I don't want a small dog to be my companion, but I am attracted to a large dog, but don't want the working hyperness that can come with that? Now there is a choice when there was not before. It is not cruel to create another option more suited for a different individual. It is not because the founder is out to make a million dollars (wow, when's that coming?) and it's not for the prestige of being the one to start a new breed. What if, just maybe, I'm only guessing, but what if the founder actually wanted a dog like that for herself, didn't find one, created one, and found that other people wanted one, too? hmmm...is it really that simple? Could there really be a kind person out there who's not out there for the money or power? Perhaps instead of assuming that which you do not and cannot possible know, you should just ask her. (kindly and with genuine interest) I'm sure she'll be happy to tell you.

Shepaluteprez

Originally posted by Shepaluteprez on May 19, 2007.

I've heard this one, too...

"My dog is a German shepherd dog and it is a great dog as a companion dog. There are many large dogs who can be companion dogs even though they were bred to be working dogs."

I say, yes, but there is much more work involved in a dog with drive. There are several different types of German shepherd dogs and perhaps this person has a more gentle, laid-back American show shepherd type, but none-the-less, a person is not guaranteed that another German shepherd dog will be just as gentle and laid-back. The same goes for the other large breed working dogs. With the right person, a working dog is great. But, our dogs address the average American family member who does not have the time, energy, want, or know-how to take on a large working breed. within the urban or rural home.

The founder of this breed had a choice. She loved the German shepherd's heart and intelligence, but could not tolerate the whining, digging, running back and forth, jumping over 6 foot fences, etc. that she experienced with them. She could either breed pure-bred German shepherds who were more laid-back in nature with less working drive or create something totally different to fit her vision of the ultimate easy companion dog. She ultimately did not want to change the drive within a breed of working dog by breeding low-drive German shepherds, for example. As she's states in her book, she believes that each breed of dog should be preserved for the duties it was created in order to keep the orginal integrity of the breed. Changing the character of a breed of dog is changing the breed of dog as it no longer can perform the duties it was bred to do. Many examples of drastically changing an important feature of a breed have been stated in this forum: Jack Russell Terrier, American Cocker Spaniel, Australian Cattle Dog, perhaps the Border Collie in the future.

The Alsatian Shepalute is slow, lumbering, quiet, inquisitive, patient, watchful, soft, tolerant, gentle, and very devoted to family. They do not dig, bark, jump, run, or howl excessively. This was and is the main focus of this breed of dog. Its character is awarded the highest points when judging. It is the most important thing about our breed and why they came into being in the first place. The looks are coming, I don't think they are there yet, but they are coming. Everyone, including myself at times, is in such a rush to get to the looks of the dog because so many identify a dog by its looks. But, we will continue with a steady hand and our feet planted firmly on the ground. The character must not falter or we no longer have an Alsatian Shepalute.

Shepaluteprez

Originally posted by Shepaluteprez on May 19, 2007.

Speaking about the looks of the Alsatian Shepalute...

Many people on dog forums and chats have shrugged their shoulders and rolled their eyes at the looks of this breed at present because these critics feel that most Alsatian Shepalutes look like a Shiloh Shepherd or a large, long-haired German shepherd. Ok, I will concede to these critics and say that there are some definite similarities between the long-haired shepherds and the Alsatian Shepalutes.

There are differences, though, that should be noted well, because the general overall appearance of the Alsatian Shepalute compared to the German shepherd is the only similarity.

Here are a few differences in the Alsatian Shepalute that you might be able to notice if you look carefully:
1. large, round bones
2. large, wide head
3. ears coming off the sides of the head, not on the top
4. feet slightly splayed
5. shorter muzzle with more stop
6. thick double coat that sheds profusely in the late spring
7. light amber to yellow eyes
8. longer torso
9. no wide variation in color (we used to early on, but no longer) (light cream to silver sable are what you seen now)
10. character is calm, quiet, slow, lumbering, gentle, watchful, non-aggressive, inquisitive, passive, etc...etc...etc

Shepaluteprez