Any of a breed of large dog developed in Germany, having a dense grayish to brownish or black coat and often trained to assist the police and guide the blind. Also called police dog. or Alsatian Breed of working dog developed in Germany from traditional herding and farm dogs. A strongly built, long-bodied dog, it stands 23-25 in. (58-64 cm) high and weighs 75-95 lbs (34-43 kg). Its coat is of coarse, medium-long outer hair and shorter, dense inner hair and ranges from white or pale gray to black; often it is gray and black or black and tan. Noted for intelligence, alertness, and loyalty, it is used as a guide for the blind, as a watchdog, and in police and military work