What is Alsatian?
Alsatian term was framed by the Britishers during the time of world war. Britishers considered German Shepherd as an essential part of the war. As they are loyal and guard dogs. But they were not in favor of using any phrase related to Germans. So they came up with a new name, Alsatian, for the same dog. They are also known as war dogs.
The term Alsatian is used by people of Alsace region. Alsatian are military dogs. They are very loyal and fearless. They are fantastic guard dogs for bomb detection and other police cases. They are found in various regions around the globe. They have different names in different regions. Alsatian are black and brown colour. The rarest colour of Alsatian is Isabella. After the war was over Alsatian got its original name back i.e, German Shepherd.
Alsatian got back its original name that is German Shepherd in 1977. After the war came to an end, the France people decided to give change the name back to the original. These dogs need proper grooming and care. Alsatian are significant. Even as a pet, they are very loyal, and their behavior depends on the type of training provided.
What is German Shepherd?
German Shepherd is a breed of dog. As the name suggests, the origin of this dog is Germany. The life span of German Shepherd is 9 to 13 years. An average male German Shepherd weighs 30 to 40 kg, and an average female German Shepherd weighs 22 to 32 kg. They are available in different colors like Black, grey, brown, and a mixture of black and silver. Common nicknames of German Shepherd are DSH, GSD, etc. The body structure of these dogs is more elongated with a large head.
German Shepherd are known for their intelligence, protective nature, confidence, and loyalty. They are also very stubborn. They are well-known as Guard dogs. The way of training is significant, and the behavior of a dog depends on training only. If trained properly, they are fantastic pet dogs as well. German Shepherd has double-coated fur that enables them to tolerate cold and live in temperatures up to -1°C.
German Shepherd are outdoor dogs, and they are very playful. Being natural guard dog they are used by police. They are used for tracking, bomb detecting, sniffing work, etc. There are different types of German Shepherd like Saddle coats, Black German Shepherd, Panda German Shepherd, Sable German Shepherd, and White German Shepherd. White German Shepherd is fearless and very self-confident. As the name suggests Panda German shepherd are of black and white color.
Difference Between Alsatian and German Shepherd
- Origin of Alsatian is from Alsace region. While German Shepherd has a German origin.
- The term “Alsatian” was coined in 1914-1917 during the first world war when Britishers refused to use the word German. At the same time, the term German Shepherd was coined in the 1800s.
- The word Alsatian was used by the people of France, especially in Alsace-Lorraine region. At the same time, the word German Shepherd is used by most people, especially Germans.
- Alsatian is a military dog that even got its name during the war. While police use German Shepherd for bomb detection etc.
- Alsatian are significant. While the size of German Shepherd varies from medium to large.
Comparison Between Alsatian and German Shepherd
| Parameters of Comparison | Alsatian | German Shepherd |
| Origin | Alsace region | Germany |
| Coined in | 1914-1918 | 1800s |
| Name used by | French people | German people |
| Characteristics | Military dogs used at the borders of France | Police dogs, loyal pets, and playful |
| Size | Large | Medium to large |