Watching a puppy grow into adulthood can be a bittersweet journey.
On the one hand, it’s heartwarming to see them mature into loyal companions, but on the other, you can’t help but miss that tiny ball of curiosity running around, barking at everything in sight.
Many pet parents document their dogs’ growth to hold onto those memories forever. Alyssa did the same with her beloved pup — but when she shared his grown-up pictures online, the internet was completely stunned.
Meet Lupin
Lupin is no ordinary dog.
Now five years old, he carries a rare combination of breeds that you don’t come across often.
Alyssa revealed that Lupin is a mix of German Shepherd, Alaskan Malamute, and Irish Wolfhound. But that’s not all — tucked further back in his lineage are giants like the English Mastiff, Anatolian Shepherd, and Great Pyrenees.
When Alyssa posted a video showing Lupin’s transformation over five years, viewers were blown away — and it wasn’t just because of 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, wolf-like appearance, Lupin is a total softie who loves people.
“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 shared.
With his size, unique coloring, and “wizardly” beard, Lupin often stops people in their tracks. Yet beneath his majestic exterior, he’s just a playful, affectionate pup who enjoys bringing joy to everyone he meets.
The Dire Wolf Connection
Lupin’s unusual look is no accident — he is actually part of the Dire Wolf Project (DWP).
The DWP was started in 1967 by Lois Elaine Denny, who set out to develop a breed that mirrored the prehistoric Dire Wolf in both appearance and temperament.
To achieve this, she carefully incorporated genes from German Shepherds, Alaskan Malamutes, Akitas, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Anatolian Shepherds, Great Pyrenees, and English Mastiffs.
Over decades, selective breeding refined both physical traits — like upright ears, yellow eyes, and thick coats with rugged patterns — and personality traits, such as loyalty, gentleness, and companionship.
The result was the creation of the American Alsatian, a rare breed that carries the essence of the Dire Wolf while being a loving family companion. Lupin is one of those dogs, and he’s now helping raise awareness about the project.
A Viral Star
By sharing Lupin’s journey online, Alyssa not only taught countless people about his breed but also captivated hearts around the world.
She never expected his story to spread so far, but she’s grateful for the positivity it has brought.
“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.
With his impressive lineage, unusual transformation, and endearing personality, Lupin is more than just a viral sensation — he’s living proof of how extraordinary our furry companions can be.