Alsatians

Northeast France residents

Alsatians are German Shepherds—the British term for the large, intelligent dogs widely used in police and military work.

The name arose during World War I when anti-German sentiment made "German Shepherd" unmarketable in Britain; Alsace, the border region between France and Germany, provided a neutral-sounding alternative.

The American term has since become dominant even in Britain, though Alsatian persists.

Separately, Alsatians are people from Alsace: Alsatians have historically spoken both French and German dialects.

herding

shepherd

One who tends flocks

sheepWoolly farm animal
flockAnimals gathered together
livestockDomesticated farm animals

pastoral · working · cattle · grazing · drover · farm · instinct · mustering · pen · corral

breed

German Shepherd

Intelligent working canine breed

canineOf or like dogs
pedigreeRecord of descent
kennelEnclosure for hounds

puppy · fur · paws · tail · bark · working dog · police dog · K-9 · purebred · breeder

companionship

loyalty

Faithful commitment to another

devotionDeep, loyal commitment
bondBinding tie or connection
faithfulConsistently loyal and true

pet · family · affection · trust · protective · owner · handler · attachment · dedication · steadfast

guarding

watchdog

Guard or monitor

guardianProtective caretaker of another
patrolRegular surveillance route
securityProtection from threat

protection · defender · sentinel · alert · territorial · intimidating · deterrent · handler · attack dog · guard duty

Alsatians

shepherd

German Shepherd

loyalty

watchdog

Alsatians

Opposites

Categories

Family