What is the difference between GSD and Alsatian?
Many people in the world who are dog lovers have heard this question in mind. They are trying to figure out whether GSD and Alsatian breeds are the same things or not.
Most people consider the two as different breeds. The real fact is that there is no difference between the two breeds.
The main difference between the two is that they were called by different names in different countries. The alsatian breed was called after the Alsace-Lorraine region bordering France and Germany. The GSD was noticed in Germany.
Comparison Table (GSD vs Alsatian)
| Characteristics | GSD | Alsatian |
| Geographical location | It is found in Germany. | It was found in the Alsace-Lorraine region bordering Germany. |
| Name | It got its name from Germany. | It got its name from the Alsace-Loraine region bordering German. |
What is GSD?
GSD is a dog breed that originated from Germany. It was initially called Deutscher Schafehund. It was bred as a working dog.
It was also bred for its protective and high intelligence instincts. During world war 1 and world war 2 is when the GSD breed was termed as Alsatian wolf dogs.
This is because the British did not want the dogs to have a connection with German as they were going to war as Britain and not Germans. Later the word wolf was removed and it remained Alsatian dog.
They are fed with food rich in proteins such as Instinct Duck Dog food and sweet potatoes which contain other more minerals, essential vitamins, carbohydrates, fats, and fatty acids.
If they are physically healthy, they can reproduce all their lifetime. Their gestation period is 58 to 68 days. It is recommended for it to be bred after it is 2 years old.
What is Alsatian?
Alsatian is a dog breed that got its name from the Alsace-Lorraine region which borders France and Germany.
It is the same breed as the GSD only that the name changed from where it was being bred. During the world war, The British changed the name from GSD to Alsatian wolf-dog as they did not want to have any connection with German as they were going out to war.
Later on, the word wolf was removed and it remained to be called the Alsatian dog. As they are carnivores, their food should be rich in proteins hence it should be supplied with food that contains meat and other proteinous food.
The Alsatian dog is the same as GSD hence they feed on the same staff and also reproduce in the same way.
Main Differences between GSD and Alsatian
- GSD originated from German while Alsatian originated from the Alsace-Lorraine region which found on the border of France and German.
Similarities between GSD and Alsatian
- They are both carnivores.
- They both grow to the same height.
- They possess the same characteristics.
- Both are bred for a similar purposes.
In Conclusion
As many people have been confusing between GSD and Alsatian dog breeds, it is the same breed. The only difference comes in the names.
The names differ as they are given names basing on where they are bred. GSD originated from German hence the name GSD, while Alsatian originated from the Alsace-Lorraine region which is found at the border of France and German hence the name Alsatian.
Sources and References: