Alsatian

German shepherd

 or Alsatian

German shepherd

(credit: Sally Anne Thompson/EB Inc.)

Breed of working dog developed in Germany from traditional herding and farm dogs. A strongly built, long-bodied dog, it stands 23–25 in. (58–64 cm) high and weighs 75–95 lbs (34–43 kg). Its coat is of coarse, medium-long outer hair and shorter, dense inner hair and ranges from white or pale gray to black; often it is gray and black or black and tan. Noted for intelligence, alertness, and loyalty, it is used as a guide for the blind, as a watchdog, and in police and military work.

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Alsatian

1. a large wolflike breed of dog often used as a guard or guide dog and by the police

2. a native or inhabitant of Alsace

3. (in the 17th century) a criminal or debtor who took refuge in the Whitefriars area of London

4. of or relating to Alsace or its inhabitants