Kingsley Kennels

Kingsley Kennels — Preserving the Original American Alsatian & Continuing the True Dire Wolf Project Since 1987

Our Legacy Begins in 1987

The American Alsatian is a rare large-breed companion dog created by Lois Schwarz in 1987. In the earliest years, they were known as the Shepalute, the foundation stock that later evolved into the modern American Alsatian.

To guide the breed’s development toward a plausible Dire Wolf–inspired appearance, Lois began the Dire Wolf Project — a structured development program focusing on size, bone, structure, and temperament.

This project has guided the breed for more than 35 years.

What the Dire Wolf Project Really Is

The Dire Wolf Project is not a breed name — it is a development plan refining the American Alsatian toward:

a noble Dire Wolf–inspired silhouette

correct size and height

balanced bone structure

strong head and ear shape

proper coat texture

calm, stable temperament

Because the true Dire Wolf’s coloration is unknown, the breed was never intended to be limited to one color. However, naturalistic camouflage — dark gray, dark silver, sable shading, dark pads, dark legs — remains the most plausible and preferred.

My Early Involvement (1987–1996)

I grew up inside this breed from its very beginning.

My earliest memories were in my mother’s grooming shop in Southern California, where I learned dog care, grooming, behavior, and temperament selection. I helped with:

early Shepalute litters

the first outcrossings

whelping and neonatal care

temperament and structure evaluations

This was my childhood — hands-on, full-time involvement in the creation of the American Alsatian.

Returning to Oregon & Supporting the Breed (2007–2014)

After many moves through my early adulthood while raising my family and earning my degrees, I returned to Oregon in 2007, where my mother had relocated with the remaining dogs of her original lines.

From 2007 to 2014, I assisted consistently while completing my college degrees in:

business and game art development

I worked hands-on with the kennels, helping with litters, evaluations, cleaning, health care, and record preservation.

During this period, carefully selected outcrosses were performed to maintain vigor, improve structure, and support genetic health — always following my mother’s strict temperament criteria.

The Family Split (2021)

In the late 2000s, my sister joined the project and helped with early online material referencing the Dire Wolf Project.

By 2021, differing breeding philosophies and business disagreements led to a formal split.
My sister began a separate breeding program using different outcrosses and goals, resulting in a different type of dog.

When my mother retired, she entrusted me with:

her original chosen breeding dogs

her true American Alsatian foundation stock

her selection criteria and genetic intentions

the authentic continuation of the Dire Wolf Project


I rebuilt her lost website, restored historical breed data, and continued the program exactly as intended.


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Kingsley Kennels Today

Kingsley Kennels is the direct continuation of:

the original American Alsatian

the founder’s temperament standards

the Dire Wolf Project’s developmental goals

We maintain the breed exactly as designed:

✔ Calm, grounded, emotionally stable
✔ Low-prey drive and family-reliable
✔ Large, impressive, Dire Wolf–inspired appearance
✔ Intelligent without hyperactivity
✔ Companion-focused, not working-drive

We continue to use carefully chosen outcrosses only when necessary — always with strict temperament goals and preservation of true American Alsatian type.

We proudly offer a Lifetime Genetic Health Guarantee because we stand behind every dog we produce.

Our Mission

We breed American Alsatians that embody:

grounded emotional stability

loyalty without reactivity

steadiness without anxiety

structural soundness and longevity

noble Dire Wolf–style appearance

consistent, predictable temperament

Our purpose is to protect the integrity of the breed while continuing its development exactly as the founder intended.

A 35+ Year Family Legacy

Beginning as the Shepalute,
evolving into the American Alsatian,
guided by the Dire Wolf Project,
this breed is a multi-generational family endeavor.

Kingsley Kennels carries forward this legacy with loyalty, intention, and deep respect for the dog that inspired it.