What are the FACTS and the TRUTH on a breed of dog called the ALSATIAN?

Is there such a BREED? or is this a slang name? is it like the 'wiener dog' being the Dachshund? or the 'sled dog' being the Siberian? I am just asking this because i want to see how many different thoughts and rumors are running around in the publics mind, especially in the minds of those who have studied and thought they knew the TRUTH.. only if you really are sure you know the answer, then i would like to hear your opinion of what you believe to be the TRUTH. plz update yourself in this area, before you write back. thanks :>)