Watching a young pup grow into an adult dog can be a beautiful and emotional experience. You get to watch their personality unfold and their features develop, yet you also miss those early days when everything was brand new to them.
Many dog owners document their pet’s journey so those moments are never forgotten. Alyssa did the same for her beloved dog, but when she shared his transformation online, the internet could not believe what they were seeing.
Introducing Lupin
Lupin is far from an ordinary dog.
Now five years old, he carries a mix of breeds that most people will never encounter in a single pup.
Alyssa shared that Lupin is a blend of German Shepherd, Alaskan Malamute, and Irish Wolfhound. On top of that, his ancestry also includes English Mastiff, Anatolian Shepherd, and Great Pyrenees.
When Alyssa posted a video documenting Lupin’s physical changes across five years, viewers were stunned. It was not only his wolf-like features that caught their attention but also his unusual orange beard.
“When he was a baby, he only had a few gray whiskers on his chin that we thought may fall out eventually. Ironically, they multiplied and grew into the patchy featherings you see on him today,” Alyssa explained.
Despite his striking appearance, Lupin is incredibly gentle and affectionate.
“It is fun to see people smile when they meet him; he gets excited and rubs his face all over their legs just like a giant cat. Our most-common comment is how he looks like a werewolf, which is quite true,” Alyssa said.
His size, coloring, and whimsical beard often spark curiosity. Even so, he is nothing more than a warm and friendly dog who loves making people happy.
A Dog With Dire Wolf Roots
Lupin’s rare appearance is not random. He is part of the well known Dire Wolf Project.
The project was launched in 1967 by Lois Elaine Denny, who aimed to create a companion dog that resembled the prehistoric Dire Wolf in overall appearance and temperament.
To build this unique lineage, she brought together breeds such as German Shepherds, Alaskan Malamutes, Akitas, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Anatolian Shepherds, Great Pyrenees, and English Mastiffs.
Decades of selective breeding shaped the breed into what it is today. Upright ears, golden eyes, dense coats, and strong facial features are trademarks of this line, along with personalities centered around loyalty, calmness, and family companionship.
The result became the American Alsatian, a rare breed created to capture the gentleness of a family dog with the look of an ancient wolf. Lupin is one of these dogs, and his unique features are helping introduce the breed to a wider audience.
A Viral Favorite
Through her posts, Alyssa not only shared Lupin’s transformation but also educated countless viewers about his unusual breed background.
She never expected his story to attract so much attention, yet she is grateful for the joy it brings.
“It is a joyful experience to see how many people’s days can be just a little bit brighter because they stumbled upon us,” Alyssa said.Lupin may look like a creature from the past, but his heart and personality are pure modern-day cuddly companion. His journey is a reminder of how remarkable our dogs can be and how much they can surprise us as they grow.
