Dire Wolf vs. North American Grey Wolf

Originally posted by Shepaluteprez on Jan. 20. 2008.

According to our breed standards, our dogs should resemble the Dire Wolf of prehistoric times. Now, scientists have put together the skeletons of those wolves and artists have rendered their versions of what they imagine them to have looked like based on the structural evidence of those uncovered skeletons, but no one really knows what they looked like in appearance beyond the bone structure. Many portray the Dire wolves much like our Grey wolves of today, only larger boned and stockier. I'd like to talk a little about the differences between what our club sees as the make-up of the Dire Wolf and the North American Grey Wolf that may be on the minds of many people when they hear our club talk about what our dogs should look like, if I may.

First of all, I'd like to preface this discussion by saying that first and foremost, forever and always, this breed is about the companion dog personality they possess and looks take a back seat. Always. These dogs MUST have a calm, laid-back, lazy attitude or they are not Alsatian Shepalutes!

That being said, let's focus on the way they look, as that is what most people associate a dog breed as. Let me say this plainly now. The looks of this dog are not there yet. (As of this writing) We are close, but not quite there. Some things are not set in place, but the important foundation has been laid. This does not mean that our dogs are ugly. They are not. Their structure and beauty are unsurpassed as far as we owners and enthusiasts are concerned. However, we are still out-crossing and until we close the door on breeding other stock into our lines, the looks may not be correctly per standard.

Now, let's return to my original discussion about the Dire wolf vs. the Grey wolf look. We board members agree that we envision a "big, bad wolf" look of yesterday's fairy tales. We are not after the skinny, long-legged, narrow-muzzled look of the Grey wolf. Although beautiful in its own right, that look does not interest us. The reason the Grey wolf's appearance is not as appealing is that we believe that a skinny, small-boned, narrow dog equals a hyper one. We do not want a dog built for speed or endurance. We are not after how well this dog can survive on its own in the American wilderness. We want a very slow, lumbering dog whose sole purpose and ambition is to remain calmly at our side as our trusted best friend. One who will be tolerated in any situation without fear or shyness. I believe, as do others on our board, that a large round-boned thick dog with wide hips and a large broad head will equate to a slower, more calm dog. Therefore, perhaps we can even go so far as to say that the largeness of the Alsatian Shepalute should stay in line with the calm, lazy attitude.

Where are we going? Well, one could read the standards, which are our blue-print or one could just imagine a massive-chested, thick round-boned, broad-headed stocky yellow-eyed, erect-eared, thickly gray bodied, lazy, quiet, bulky Dire wolf and you've got it.

Here's to finally getting there someday! Cheers.

Originally posted by Shepaluteprez on Feb 15, 2008.

OK, I'm writing this now, since I'm thinking of it, and so that others can plan ahead to join us this summer in Oregon. Sometime in late July or Early August the NASC will sponsor a sanctioned conformation match and tracking trial. All Alsatian Shepalute owners and enthusiasts are welcome to come. Bring your cameras because it is sure to be a great event with beautiful dogs. If you are interested in coming, and I hope you are, please email Lois or myself and will get you set up with a place to stay and fun things to do while you are there.

Originally posted by asraiangel on Jan. 28, 2009.

Will there be a 2009 show?

Originally posted by Shepaluteprez on Jan. 29, 2009.

Yes, in February. Each year on President's day weekend we have a show. You don't have to be present to win. But, you do have to be registered with the NASR.