Have you ever wondered why some people refer to German Shepherds as Alsatians? It’s a question that has puzzled many dog lovers, and the answer lies in a fascinating piece of history. The story behind the dual names is intertwined with wartime sentiment, breed popularity, and a bit of geographical confusion. Let’s delve into the reasons why a German Shepherd is sometimes called an Alsatian, shedding light on this intriguing canine mystery.
The German Shepherd: A Breed Born in Germany
The German Shepherd Dog, or GSD, originated in Germany in 1899. The breed was named Deutscher Schäferhund by Max von Stephanitz, which translates to “German Shepherd Dog”. At the time, this name was used for all herding dogs in Germany. Von Stephanitz, an ex-cavalry officer, created the breed by cross-breeding working sheep dogs from rural Germany. His goal was to create a working dog for herding that could trot for long periods. The German Shepherd quickly became known for its intelligence, agility, and loyalty. They assisted shepherds in herding and protecting sheep.
World War I and the Rise of the “Alsatian”
The story takes a turn during World War I. The German Shepherd was used extensively by both the British and German forces as military dogs. These dogs’ intelligence and trainability made them valuable assets on the battlefield. However, due to anti-German sentiment during the war, the British were uncomfortable calling these dogs “German Shepherds”. To distance themselves from anything associated with Germany, they decided to rename the breed.
The name “Alsatian” was chosen because of the Alsace-Lorraine region. This area, located on the border between France and Germany, was a significant site of conflict during the war. The name “Alsatian Wolf Dog” was officially adopted by the UK Kennel Club. The appendage “wolf dog” was eventually dropped. Many other international kennel clubs also adopted the name.
Post-War Confusion and the Return to German Shepherd
After World War I, anti-German feelings lingered, and the name “Alsatian” continued to be used in many places. The American Kennel Club reinstated the original “German Shepherd Dog” name around 1925. However, the UK Kennel Club retained “Alsatian,” with “German Shepherd” listed in brackets.
The dual nomenclature led to confusion, with many people believing that Alsatians and German Shepherds were separate breeds. Even today, this misunderstanding persists. However, German Shepherds and Alsatians are indeed the same breed. They share identical physical characteristics, temperament, and health concerns.
In 1977, after campaigns by dog enthusiasts, the UK Kennel Club allowed the breed to be registered again as German Shepherds. The word “Alsatian” still appeared in parentheses as part of the formal breed name and was only removed in 2010.
Alsatian vs. German Shepherd: Unraveling the Mystery
The reason why Alsatians are now called German Shepherds dates back to the World War I era. The breed, originally known as the German Shepherd, was bred in Germany for herding and guarding sheep. To save the breed from the repercussions of wartime animosity, the UK decided to change the name from German Shepherd to Alsatian. This clever branding helped preserve the popularity of the breed during those turbulent times.
Today, both names are used interchangeably, but German Shepherd is more commonly used worldwide.
The German Shepherd Today
The German Shepherd Dog as we know it today didn’t really appear until after the Second World War. Since then, the breed has grown enormously in popularity and is now one of the most popular pedigree breeds in the UK as a pet. They are widely used for security purposes because of their strong protective instincts. GSDs make wonderful family pets and will protect family and home. These dogs are highly intelligent and will show undying devotion to their master.
Conclusion
So, why is a German Shepherd called an Alsatian? The answer lies in the historical context of World War I and the resulting anti-German sentiment. While the name “Alsatian” was initially adopted to protect the breed’s popularity, it eventually led to confusion about whether the two names referred to the same dog. Today, both names are used, but “German Shepherd” is the more widely accepted and recognized term. Understanding this historical quirk adds another layer of appreciation for this remarkable and versatile breed.