We have recently begun the journey toward National American Alsatian breeding certification. We have a new website.
You can reach the Vallecito Alsatians at the following URL address:
Cricket was born on June 23, 2008. She is a second generation outcross from Anny and Hero both from the
Schwarz Kennels. She was the last pup born in the litter and the smallest in size. We went to the Schwarz Kennels
to see the litters and choose one specifically with a more outgoing personality for search and rescue. This pup was
not afraid of any noise and was the first pup to come to us as we approached. She was independent and strong-willed,
which we wanted on the trail.
Cricket @ 4 weeks old
Cricket drove home with us in the car all the way from Oregon to Colorado. She was a bit stubborn at first,
but once we figured out that she liked the cold air on her face from the air conditioning, she was content and slept most
of the way home. We took her camping when we arrived home. She loved the freedom of the outdoors and ate lots of pine cones.
Cricket eating a pine cone
Cricket grew fast and loved to chew on anything we could give
her. She loved balls especially. She bonded with her aunt, Citara, and they played each day in the yard. She learned how
to fetch and some basic obedience to help her on her way in search and rescue. We played fun scent games and she ate and
ate and ate.
Cricket @ 10 weeks old
Cricket's ears started to go up at 10 weeks old. She learned
to start searching on a leash with a scent article, starting with the subject running away from her. We took her up to a
big search and rescue wilderness weekend in Fairplay, CO. It was a blast. Cricket got to meet a ton of people and dogs.
She was also polite and loved her new friends. She didn't think it was much fun being away from Citara, though.
Cricket @ 5 months old
Cricket is now a beautiful silver female with a great personality. She is a tad shy of unknown people, but once she
knows you, she loves you for life. She has a stubborn streak, but that trait will treat her well in search and rescue when
she has to convince her handler that she's on the right path.
Cricket as a search dog
The Countess of Vallecito "Citara"
Citara was born on April 28th, 2006. She is a 14th generation American Alsatian out of CH. Zoro Von Der Schwarz and
Sooner Von der Schwarz ROM. She was the first born of two pups and the first purebred American Alsatian born in the state
of Colorado.
Citara (back) and Her Litter Mate
As she grew her personality grew, too. She had spunk and showed a real liking for playing with toys. This coupled with
the American Alsatian trait of watching their owners closely prompted us to think about training her for search and rescue
dog work.
Citara @ 13 weeks
As Citara continued to grow, she became more and more playful and alert to commands. She learned to speak on command as well
as several English words including "Find 'um". Slightly shy of strangers, we took her out every weekend to visit
town and experience the social scene. Being in the mountains away from people was somewhat of a hinderance in that aspect.
Citara @ 5 months
Being a teenager now with her play drive honed and promoted to enhance her drive to search, she enjoyed running, playing
fetch and tug, walking the trails around our house, and licking. We continued to search train her putting in turns and more
distance. She never failed us and always found the lost person she sought. We were amazed at her seemingly innate ability
for finding people, even though she continued to shy away from the stranger once approached. Eventually it was time again
for the annual American Alsatian get-together and we took some show pictures of her for the occasion.
Citara @ 8 months
Citara has now tracked a lost victim 1 mile in the forests near our house, including both left and right turns, contaminated
trail, and across small streams. She has learned her skills well and since there is no search and rescue dog group in the
area, we are planning to travel a bit this summer to participate in a group a few hours away. She is a wonderfully loving
dog who stays constantly by our sides, willing to do whatever we ask. She is happy, but although no longer shying away, she
remains aloof to strangers and does not readily approach them. We love her dearly and hope for the best with her search work
in the future.
Citara @ 1 year
Sooner Von Der Schwarz ROM "Odessa"
Odessa was born in Oregon at the Schwarz Kennels on February 15, 2001. She is a 12th generation purebred American Alsatian
out of Ch. Packer Von Der Schwarz and Roccada Von Der Schwarz. She was brindle at birth and carried the large paws that are
so valued in this breed.
Odessa was the pick of her litter and kept by Schwarz Kennels to further the lines and better the breed. Her assets
were yellow eyes, light muzzle, wide strong jaws, and large paws. She was slightly more active as a teenager, but produced
the greatest temperaments when bred. She whelped the Champion American Alsatian in 2006 and 2007, Zoro Von Der Schwarz.
CH. Zoro Von Der Schwarz
Odessa came to us in March of 2006. She arrived at the Denver airport where we met her and drove her the six hours home.
She was disoriented and untrusting of the new strangers. You see, she had been a kennel dog all these years and we wanted
to give her more of a family in the second-half of her life.
Odessa at Home in Colorado
Once she overcame her uneasiness and adjusted to her new life in the mountains, she perked up and has become the most loving
dog we have ever owned. She cuddles, snuggles, sits close, follows behind us all around the house, and goes wherever we go
whenever we go. She does not bark excessively, she is quiet, calm and loving. She is everything an Alsatian Shepalute was
bred to be and we adore her. The ultimate compliment was paid to us when a visitor came to our house and remarked, "Wow,
a wolf!" She is stunning in her movements and beautiful to admire.
Odessa Snuggling with Jay
Odessa, now retired, lives with us enjoying the mountains by hiking, canoeing, taking nightly walks, and sleeping near our
bedsides at night.
