Introduction

.....Welcome I would like to introduce to you the American Tundra Shepherd Dog. Though not a breed for everyone, owners of these magnificent dogs have come to love and cherish the unique qualities that this breed offers. The breed has came a long ways in its thirty year history but not as far as it should have. The American Tundra Shepherd Dog is the result of what began as a breeding program originally funded by the government, This "experiment" the "Superdog" project entailed crossing the Alaskan Tundra Wolf (Canis Lupus Tundrarum) and the German Shepherd Dog to try and produce a superior line of shepherd like dogs. More information about the breeds origins can be found on the History Page

Buyer Beware! Ask your ATSD breeder if the parents have been certified free of Canine Hip Displasia. There are some that would try to mislead you and say these test are not necessary. Do not take for granted someone who tells you that there have been NO cases or only a few incidents of CHD, A careful prospective owner would ask for proof such as OFA or Penn Hip paperwork or check this section for ATS with hip certifications or the OFA Home page at OFA Homepage.

It is interesting to note that the great and very versatile German Shepherd Dog breed is only around 100 years old. ( the first registered GSD 'Horand von Grafrath SZ#1 was admitted to the Verein fur Deutsch Schaferhunde S.V. studbooks in 1899) some early documents list wolves crossed with the German Sheepdogs as the foundation for that breed, in fact the first S.V. studbook list four pure wolves within the 2 pages of entries from SZ#41 to SZ#76. There is an article that questions the early history of the GSD Myth and Controversythat truly makes you wonder why the GSD is known as the Alsation Wolfdog in some parts of the world, was there a cover up to make the breed more socially acceptable?

Be sure to check out the American Tundra Shepherd Dog home page. Breed club and registry. The ONLY registry that requires breeders signing a Code of Ethics and OFA and/or Penn Hip certifications before a breeding can take place. ATSDA registry & breed club.

........ A properly bred American Tundra Shepherd Dog is very tractable, energetic, and intelligent, they retain the positive characteristics of their unique breeding. Through selective breeding by the ATSDA, focus has been on developing an animal that is outgoing and brave yet approachable, tractable and very intelligent. The ATSD are very adept at tracking and Search & Rescue work as they are gifted with a special talent for scent work and scent discrimination. They can excel at obedience competitions. They are very athletic and have done well on obstacle and agility courses.,The ATSD sometimes surprises their owners with their uncanny ability at problem solving and memory retention. They are also extremely athletic having great stamina and endurance making them an ideal candidate for most working dog sports.

General Information on the American Tundra Shepherd Dog:

Group(s): Herding
Height:Males 27"(min); Females 25"(min)
Weight: Males 90lbs(min) avg 110-120 lbs; Females 85lbs avg
Longevity:Breed has been known to live 16-17 yrs
Maturity Age:3+yrs
Colors:Coat colors vary; variations of black&tan, grizzled sables, solid blacks and whites, bi-colors.
Coat type: short, medium, & long length w/ water resistant double under coat,
Recognized Registries:ATSDA, GKC, USAWA
Overall Appearance:Shepherd type dog. The ATSD is a large, strong and muscled dog, being slightly longer then he is tall.

Personality - Behavior - Training:
Energy level:Varies; breed needs daily exercise, dogs considered working dogs are high energy.
General Nature:w/ children: good***w/ other pets,dogs:very good if raised together
Socialization Requirements:On going throughout life; as a puppy, needs exposure to people, places, other animals
Ideal home Characteristics:A person or family willing to give a life time commitment to a ATSD that has daily time to interact, play, socialize, exercise, training, etc.. (same commitment as you would a child)
Temperament Notes:Puppies should be assesed by a breed warden, and given an temperament evaluation. Dogs can then be placed in proper settings, enviroments, families, or certain working situations.
Training requirements:Everyone owning an ATSD should train or have their dog professionaly trained to help ensure a properly behaved and controlled ATSD
Trainer notes:

Background Information:
Year range of first recognition:1984 in Kansas
Country of origin:USA
Original Function:Old type shepherd with superior hips and lacking many health issues
History:The breed traces its roots back to the "super dog" program enacted by the US military to produce a superior line of dogs for military purposes

Adoption Information:
Contact:ATSDA for rescue and adoption information
Deviation from standard: Health Notes:In the case of the German Shepherd Dog; Canine dysplasia can be a major concern
Health testing:Request to see copies of the certificationfrom Penn Hip or OFA for breeding stock clear of CHD
Question to ask breeder:Copies of OFA, Penn Hip cert, cerf testing, CGC, 3 generation pedigree, and current breeders certification

Feeding requirements:
Food:A human grade dog food, or a bones and raw food diet. Foods with corn, wheat, and soy are not advisable, which can lead to skin and coat problems and are not readily digestable as a meat based food.
Supplements:Healthy dogs and puppies may not need supplements if on a quality diet. Only suggested for pregnant, and lactating bitches, or high energy demand working dogs. Over supplementation in puppies and young adults can be a contributing factor in canine hip dysplasia and other health problems.




Other ATSDA approved sites:

Info will be coming soon...

Contact Information


For contact information on the American Tundra Shepherd Dog, please check the contact page for emails and phone numbers.

These pages, articles and pictures are Copyright 1997-2007 by Tom & Tammy B. & The ATSDA and the original Authors. Copying is prohibited unless written consent is granted from the original Authors or the ATSDA.
This Home Page was created ,Friday, November 14, 1997
Most recent revision Wednesday December 7, 2006