Whats the difference between German Shepherd and Alsatian

[lankeela]

This question appeared in the box above, but I could not find it anywhere.

The answer is there is no difference. The correct name in the UK is German Shepherd Dog (Alsatian). Often the name is shortened to GSD, and there are some enthusiasts who prefer to call them Alsatians, and indeed a couple of breed clubs who still use this name.
Some people think the difference is in the coat or colour, but this is not true, all the colours and coats are officially German Shepherd Dog (Alsatian). In most other countries they are referred to simply as German Shepherd Dogs, it is only the UK that started to call them Alsatians as because of the wars, it was felt anything with a German connection would be unpopular.

[Gromit]

The accent they bark in?

[jack daniels]

take a look here

http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid =20060905052708AA692qq

[BadBad.Leggy]

http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/item/136



Kennel club say they are the same.

And they are god.

[lankeela]

The name Alsatian stems from the area of Alsace Lorraine which depending on when you are talking about is a region in either France or Germany, and this is where many of the service dogs were brought back from during the war, but the original German Shepherds were bred in Germany. This name was chosen due to the 'German' connection and they were originally registered as Alsatian Wolf Dogs, but this was then changed to Alsatian (German Shepher Dog) and then in 1977 changed again to German Shepherd Dog (Alsatian). Currently there are moves afoot to change it yet again by dropping the Alsatian part, as they are known as German Shepherd Dogs in their country of origin and all over the world.

There are many different types of GSD, depending on which side of the fence you sit, but in this country there are basically the 'Germanic' types are slightly lighter built than the 'English' types, which are heavier and shorter in the leg. Personally I prefer a more 'middle of the road' type and one of the greatest dogs of this type for years has recentrly passed away, Ch Norwulf Going for Gold at Slatehouse. I will see if I can put a link to a picture of him.

[lankeela]

http://www.ourdogs.co.uk/News/2009/July2009/Ne ws170709/slatehouse.htm

[Ice.Maiden]

Yes, they're one and the same lankeela. We have one - but call him an Alsation for no other reason than the family've always called them that, and also he's not the long-haired variety.
They're beautiful, handsome dogs, however you want to describe them.

[kita1]

That is my favourite 'type' of GSD - he is stunning and what a good age to reach. Glad his line is continuing, I would love to have him in the pedigree of a dog I shared my life with.

Sadly they are a very misunderstood breed and too many people breed/buy them without knowing what they are doing (health and temperament).

[lankeela]

My first GSD was born on 22nd July 1978 (just realised it would have been his birthday yesterday!). I have owned several over the years, bred a couple of litters and I judge them occasionally. I don't have any at present, but one day.........

I watched 'Send the Dogs In' the other night about the police dogs in action, and I thought the bitch Carla was beautiful and so intelligent. Made me want one again!

[Ice.Maiden]

Awww, that's a shame ahmskunnirt.
We used to have an alsation cross labrador, and he had a beautiful temperament.
Unless you have a "rogue" dog, whatever the breed, I think they turn into however you treat them.
We have 3 Staffies now as well, and they're all as daft as brushes.

[seadogg]

Whatever they are called I found that a GSD bitch was the nearest thing to a human I ever met in the dog world. She had a loyal relationship because that's what she wanted and was generally one move ahead. For sheer good looks, however the Belgian Shepherd takes some beating.

[tamborine]

Mine are GSD as they have long shaggy coats (KC reg). Alsations have short coats?

[lankeela]

Coat clause from KC breed standard:

"Coat
Outer coat consisting of straight, hard, close-lying hair as dense as possible; thick undercoat. Hair on head, ears, front of legs, paws and toes short; on back, longer and thicker; in some males forming slight ruff. Hair longer on back of legs as far down as pasterns and stifles and forming fairly thick trousers on hindquarters. No hard and fast rule for length of hair; mole-type coats undesirable."

So as I said before, all coats and colours are GSD (Alsatian) there is no difference, only one breed.

[brenda]

have had 3 GS dogs all rejects from the police, they were the best friends I ever had .

[fredpuli47]

I've always thought this was an 'age thing'. All my generation (over 60) always called them Alsatians years ago and those of us not in the breed still tend to. German Shepherd dog is such a mouthful and GSD sounds like some military abbreviation ! But we older people have seen a lot of changes. Why, I'm old enough to remember when they were of a different shape (and when golden retrievers were golden, come to that !)

[paddywak]

Back in the 60's my brother in law bought an alsation puppy bitch (Sheba) which I used to walk regularly. One day while walking her I met a couple walking their GSDs and as dog owners do, especially those with the same breed, we stopped to discuss our friends. During the discussion the name issue came up and after listening to their explanation about the history of the breed etc i've never called them any thing but GSDs so it's not a new thing. Incidentally since Sheba I've never had any dog but GSDs to my mind they're the tops