As if through the myst of time the extinct Direwolf reemerges as the American Alsatian, a large companion dog ranging from 75 to 130 pounds. The ancient DNA within the American Alsatian is evident any time these strong, capable dogs are let loose in the wilderness or anywhere in nature.
Prudence, the photographer's American Alsatian, howled on command for this "Crimson Crow" CD cover shoot for Kimberly Parker, my wife and Rep, also a talented composer/musician. How did I get her to howl? I howled . . .
Fenris, a 110 pound male American Alsatian owned by Peter HIcks, runs up and down the streets of San Francisco. Fenris is a classic American Alsatian with dark silver grey wolf coloration and the breed's characteristic wolf-like eyes
Just a few moments into my shoot at SchwarzKennels.com, this American Alsatian charged me as if to rip me up when the dog was merely running over to be petted. (phew...)
American Alsatians are most comfortable running wild in the natural world. Looking a bit like a wild animal, this adolescent female sips from a stream.
Breed creator Lois Schwarz with a passel of Direwolf pups. Lois has devoted close to 40 years to creating this healthy, beautiful, non-aggressive large companion dog breed which is wildly popular due to it's easy temperament and extreme pack dog loyalty. Lois' website is
http://www.schwarzdogs.com if these cool dogs interest you.
Creating the American Alsatian breed is clearly a labor of love for Lois Schwarz
American Alsatian's can have the following colors: gold sable (gold/black), tri-gold sable (gold/silver/black), tri-silver wolf gray (silver/gold/black), silver wolf gray (silver/black), dark silver wolf gray (black in the ears/chest, silver/black), reverse black silver wolf gray (black/silver)
These burly 4 week old American Alsatian pups were obvlious to the soggy grass first time out of the kennel
Breed Mother Lois lugs a nearly grown "AA" back to the kennel after a romp in the wet grass.
Sturdy 4 week old American Alsatian puppy
American Alsatian breed creator Lois Schwarz walks barefoot across a wet field on a misty Oregon morning
Fenris, a 110 pound AA male, represents the breed-perfect look of a Dark Silver Wolf Grey American Alsatian
Our own mellow American Alsatian, Dear Prudence, with the lovely bride Dear Kimberly. AA's are maddeningly aware of photography so candid moments work best.
Our own Direwolf best friend - Dear Prudence - is a very athletic 75 lb female
Dear Prudence doesn't bark unintelligently - she checks things out carefully.
Dear Prudence with her alpha mother Kimberly romping in the surf
The new Direwolf is particularly at home in natural settings, sea and wilderness
Affection can be dangerous when a mistaken command results in "up" rather than "come."
The classic Alfred Hitchcock movie "The Birds" was shot at and around this church. A few crows and one Direwolf remain.
American Alsatians have very little prey drive - except for ornery swans
Prudence finds a tumbling tumblenerd hung up to dry on a hitching post over Silicon Valley. (actually a random yogi doing yoga)
Since AA's are so wary around cameras, it's tough to capture their true beauty. The holidays prompted Prudi's cooperation, one of the few times I've been able to get a clean shot of her looking gorgeous. Some dog breeds are tougher than others to photograph.
There was a young woman in Humboldt County CA who lived in a tree with her wolf dog . . .
The medicine was quite safe when Prudence visited a CA herb garden. Would YOU hop the fence for a handful of free herbs with Prudence on duty?
Though Prudence is a very mellow Direwolf, pity the fool who assaults her humans
Athletic to a surprising degree for a big dog, Prudence hurdles outdoor seating at an amphitheater after watching her boy do the same.
In a great location for contemplating the meaning of life, Prudence romps with her human brother
Although this AA doesn't like sea water, she leapt into this freshwater creek running into the sea after one sniff from 50' away. AA's have amazing noses so they're used in search & rescue.
On nice mornings mellow Prudence enjoys laying out front watching people walk their dogs
At the end of the day this dog photographer's conclusion is American Alsatians are one sweet, special dog!
