Merlin (August West)

Health: 

Merlin is extremely healthy. He did not show any signs of innocent heart murmur. He showed some allergy-like symptoms around 6 months old, but it all went away without medical intervention once he was removed from the environment in which he lived. He has not experienced any tremors, seizures, weakness in the legs or feet, limping, panosteitis symptoms, issues with his eyes or ears, excessive scratching or other allergy symptoms, soft stools, etc. He runs, jumps, lopes, lies down, etc without any difficulty. He has never showed signs of pain or any symptoms of illness at any time. He is extremely healthy and vibrant.  

Merlin comes to us from Missouri where he was born.  His mother is an AKC registered white German Shepherd Dog named Lexi.  His father is a first generation American Alsatian named Hemi.  Hemi's father (Merlin's grandfather) was a purebred giant Alaskan Malamute and Hemi's mother (Merlin's grandmother) was a truebred American Alsatian named Autumn.  Merlin himself is a beautiful silver wolf gray with deep black pigmentation and a large size.  He has a large head and a black muzzle.  Merlin is considered a first generation American Alsatian cross.  He will enter the American Alsatian lines in order to add overall size, keep the intelligent alertness and confidence in our breed.  We will be traveling to Missouri in late August 2015 in order to pick him up and bring him here to Vallecito Alsatians, LLC.  He will be under strict temperament observance as well as any signs of ill health at any time.  

Temperament:

Merlin has an exceptional temperament. Overall, he does not show many signs of discomfort and does not let anything in life bother him. He is extremely mellow and calm. One of the most amazing aspects about Merlin's personality is that he shows an exceptional intelligence and memory. He can remember things many months after they occur. Merlin learns by observing and using his nose. He understood, even as a young 8 week old puppy, that he could sniff the scent in the air and determine whether he knew a person or not who was approaching. He is exceptionally intuitive and anticipates future events. Merlin can calculate and problem solve. His superior intellect is one of the most amazing things about this special dog. Merlin is aloof in nature and gives more intimate affection to those with whom he is bonded. He bonds strongly and likes routine and structure, although he takes things in stride when circumstances change. Merlin doesn't mind strangers or strange dogs and remains calm and gentle at all times. Merlin can pick up human emotion and respond accordingly. He has an uncanny ability to show emotion. Merlin is compliant and willing, but does not do so with unbridled energy. He is a very stable, well-rounded dog with a perfect American Alsatian companion dog temperament. This is astonishing considering his crossbreeding. 

Conformation:

Merlin is a tall silver wolf gray with a short coat and a black muzzle. He has thin bones and small feet. Merlin has a short, straight tail with black points and no white spotting. He shows deep black pigmentation. Merlin has erect ears, although they are taller than desired. Merlin has a shallow chest and long legs, which gives him an overall athletic appearance. Merlin has brown eyes that are almond shaped. Merlin has good proportions overall. His teeth are well positioned in a scissors bite. 

Faults:

1. thin bones
2. small feet
3. brown eyes
4. tall ears