So, here's what happened next in the whole GSD name changing saga. Around 1917 or so the American Kennel Club changed the name of the German Shepherd Dog breed to the "Shepherd Dog".

Additionally, the members of the German Shepherd Dog Club of America also changed their name to the "Shepherd Dog Club of America".

In England, Ireland and many other European countries the name of the GSD breed was also changed to the name "Alsatian" (from the Alsace-Lorraine area).

In many European countries especially, this name stuck, and GSDs there are still known by this name even today.

The original name for this dog breed in Germany is Deustcher Schaferhund which literally means "German Shepherd Dog". It is also interesting to note that the word "Dog" is actually part of the name of the GSD dog breed.

Other commonly used names for the German Shepherd Dog are GSD, German Shepherd and Alsatian Wolf Dog.

So, don't get confused - especially if you're traveling abroad or speaking with people from other countries about these dogs. All these names apply to the same dog breed, the German Shepherd Dog.

So, if you're interested in an Alsatian puppy, or a German Shepherd puppy, it doesn't matter which you get - just remember that they're one in the same dog breed.