The Saarloos Wolfdog is a large, powerful and very intelligent breed, being a family pet with a docile and loyal character.

At perrolobo.org we will explore in detail everything about the Saarloos Wolfdogshowing all their physical characteristics, origins, behavior, care advice and possible health problems.

The Saarloos Wolf is a breed that is becoming very popular as a companion dog and an ideal pet for families, as it is intelligent and bold.

Origin and History of the Saarloos Wolfdog

The Saarloos Wolfdog is originally from the Netherlands, developed by the dog geneticist scientist, Leendert Sendert Sarloos in the 1920s.

Leendert Sendert Sarloos was a dog-loving man and especially a dog lover. of the German ShepherdHe observed that its behavior had become too humanized, and for this reason he had the intention of recovering the natural qualities of this beautiful animal.

Where is the Saarloos Wolfdog from?

Saarloos crossed a male German Shepherd, Gerard Van Der Fransenuma dog of the classic Prussian style, with a Siberian wolf female to which he called Fleuri.

Unfortunately, the first breeding attempt failed because the wolf became infected with distemper and died.

The breeder received another female wolf and in the spring of 1936 crossed her with the German Shepherd and produced the first litter.

However, all the puppies contracted the terrible canine plague. Despite such disastrous events, Leendert Sarloos stuck to his initial goal of creating an improved version of the German Shepherd.

Finally, the wolf-dog hybrid emerged in the kennel. Saarloos van de Kilstroom and received the name of Europese Wolfhond.

Leendert passed away in 1969 and with his death the existence of the Saarloos Wolfdog was seriously threatened, generating deep concern among breed enthusiasts, who ask the Raad van Beheer for recognition of the Saarloos dogs.

The breed was formally accepted by the Dutch Kennel Club in 1975 and was renamed in honor of its creator, becoming known as the Saarloos wolfdog.

Saarloos Wolfdog Characteristics

Discover the characteristics of this majestic canine, which make the Saarloos wolfdog an impressive looking breed.

It is an intelligent and stubborn breed that inherited many of its specific traits from its ancestor, the wolf.

Appearance

It is a large dog, with an impressive appearance, very strong and athletic. With an approximate height between 60 to 75 centimeters and a weight that ranges between 30 to 45 kilograms when they are fully developed. This robustness and bearing make them stand out from the crowd.

Females are smaller in appearance, weighing between 30 and 35 kilograms and between 60 and 70 centimeters in height.

Its head is well proportioned with a wedge shape, a long muzzle and pointed ears. It has a straight back, a broad chest, muscular legs and a pointed tail.

Fur

Its coat is dense, rough and short, with colors ranging from light gray to brown, often with white fur on the chest and legs.

During the winter a thick undercoat is formed in its coat and in summer it consists mainly of a dense top coat.

The Saarloos wolfdog has the following coat color variations:

• Light to dark brown
• Light creamy white
• Light dark brown
• Gray and black in different shades

Behavior and temperament

The Saarloos wolf is a surprising, energetic, active and very loyal dog, which forms strong bonds with their owners, liking to be the center of attention and always wanting to please their masters. However, it is recommended to show firmness and consistency with them, as they can be very stubborn dogs.

They are characterized by always wanting to be close to their family members, not tolerating feeling lonely, presenting anxiety due to separation from their masters.

They are very intelligent dogs, in spite of these characteristics they are very difficult to train due to their independent character.

If intended as a family pet, early and extensive socialization is recommended for the puppy of this breed.

They generally exhibit unwavering loyalty to the alpha human of the household and prefer to keep their distance from other family members.

Common diseases

Among the diseases and health conditions observed in this breed are muscular, joint and bone problems, due to its physical conformation, however, these are ailments that manifest themselves in other dogs, such as hip dysplasia.

It is recommended to submit them to a hip X-ray session when they reach two years of age or if indicated by the veterinarian.

Care and special needs of the Saarloos wolf

The Saarloos wolfdogs require special care to keep them healthy and happy.

Learn some useful tips so you can properly maintain your wolf dog:

Saarloos Wolf Exercise

They are dogs that require a lot of exercise and physical activity to keep them happy and healthy, as they are an active and energetic breed. It is advisable to provide them with enough time for long walks, running and playing outdoors.

However, remember to perform these exercises outdoors in a safe area or always keep them on a leash, due to their natural hunting instinct and desire to venture out on long journeys.

Saarloos Wolfhound Feeding

It is recommended to provide a balanced diet that is adequate to their nutritional needs, for this reason, consult a veterinarian to indicate the amount and type of food required to give the wolf.

It is advisable to include fruits in their diet, such as apples and pears, which provide vitamins and fiber. Likewise, give them vegetables, carrots and spinach, rich in iron and calcium.

It is recommended to give them lamb, chicken and turkey, being easy to digest, you can also choose to give them fish, providing their diet with essential fatty acids for their health.

Saarloos Crossing Training and Socialization

It requires early training and socialization, due to its independent nature and natural wolf instinct. This will help develop their social skills, guard against aggressive attitudes and destruction of objects.

It is recommended to expose them to different situations, visits to different places with crowds of people and other animals, helping them to adapt, feel safe and emotionally healthy.

Curiosities and interesting facts about the Saarloos wolf dog

What is the difference between Czechoslovakian and Saarloos Wolfdog?

The Czechoslovakian and Saarlovian Wolfdogs are two very similar breeds with similar ancestry, but very different temperaments.

The fundamental difference is that the Czechoslovakian wolfdog was bred to be a guardian and working patrol dog, while the Saarloos Wolf is characterized by being a loyal companion and a guide for his master.

In addition, they differ in that the Wolf Saarloos is more reserved and shy with strangers. It takes him much longer to accept a complete stranger, making it difficult for him to socialize when living in populated areas.  

On the other hand, the Czechoslovakian Wolf is a very brave breed, they are more confident and quicker to accept strangers.

Where to get a Saarloos Wolfdog?

The population of the Saarloos Wolf is concentrated exclusively in its country of origin, The Netherlands. 

Those who are fond of this breed and would like to have one with them, will have to pay 2000 dollars for a purebred puppy.

Dangerous tendency to breed

Currently, crossbreeding between wolves and dogs is illegal in many countries, however, there is a known black market in wolf crosses that turns these dogs into aggressive breeds.

Likewise, many sites are known to pass off some dogs as Saarloos wolfdogs with false papers. Getting on the Internet prices of illegal puppies ranging from 3000 euros.

What is the natural instinct of the Saarloos Wolfdog?

Their natural instinct, inherited from the wolf, makes them have a tendency to hunt and explore, making them enjoy outdoor activities, requiring a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy.

What is the life expectancy of the Saarloos Wolfdog?

The life expectancy of the Saarloos wolfhound is around 10 to 12 years old.

At perrolobo.org we wanted to give you detailed information about a unique breed that combines the majesty of the wolf with the loyalty and devotion of the dog, the Wolf of Saarloos.

Their stunning appearance, loyal temperament and natural instincts make them an interesting choice for dog lovers looking for a unique canine experience.