Description: Saarloos Wolf
The Saarloos Wolfdog is a striking and unique breed developed in the Netherlands by crossing a German Shepherd with a Eurasian grey wolf. Originally bred in the 1930s by Leendert Saarloos, the breed was created to enhance the German Shepherd’s natural abilities with the wolf’s traits. The result is a large, athletic, and independent dog that closely resembles its wild ancestor, both in appearance and behavior. Saarloos Wolfdogs are loyal and devoted to their families but maintain a reserved and sometimes aloof demeanor, especially with strangers. They require plenty of space, exercise, and patient, experienced owners who can meet their socialization and training needs. Best suited for active individuals or families with experience in handling primitive breeds, the Saarloos Wolfdog thrives when given a purpose and must be integrated into daily life. While they form strong bonds with their owners, they are not typically suited for first-time dog owners and may not be ideal for households with young children.
Saarloos Wolf ratings
Properties
The Saarloos Wolfdog is a distinctive and fascinating breed that was developed in the Netherlands in the early 20th century by Leendert Saarloos. This breed is known for its wolf-like appearance and was created by crossing a German Shepherd Dog with a Eurasian grey wolf, aiming to preserve the natural, healthy traits of the wolf while maintaining a domestic temperament. The outcome is a large, athletic dog with a majestic and wild expression, showcasing pronounced wolf-like features including a lean body, erect ears, slanted eyes, and a dense double coat that is most commonly found in shades of wolf-grey, sable, or brown.
The Saarloos Wolfdog's personality is unique among dog breeds. They are known for being highly intelligent, independent, and reserved. Although loyal and affectionate with their family, Saarloos Wolfdogs tend to be wary of strangers and are generally not suited for inexperienced owners. Their wolf ancestry is reflected in their cautious and alert nature, which makes them excellent watchdogs, but it also means they require extensive socialization and careful handling from a young age. They can be sensitive and easily stressed by chaotic environments or harsh training; therefore, positive reinforcement and a calm, patient approach are essential.
This breed is extremely energetic and needs a lot of physical exercise and mental stimulation. They thrive best in homes with large, securely fenced yards and with active owners who can provide long walks, runs, or other outdoor activities. Saarloos Wolfdogs are less likely to become aggressive than some might assume, but they do have a strong flight instinct, which means they might try to escape from unfamiliar or frightening situations. They are typically not well-suited for apartment living or for families with small children or other small pets, as their prey drive, inherited from their wolf lineage, can sometimes be difficult to manage.
Health-wise, the Saarloos Wolfdog is a robust breed with fewer genetic issues than some other purebred dogs, although they can be prone to hip dysplasia and some eye problems. Regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, and proper exercise help maintain their health. Due to their unique heritage, Saarloos Wolfdogs require owners who understand canine behavior deeply and are willing to invest significant time and patience into their upbringing.
Appearance
The Saarloos Wolfdog, or Saarloos Wolfhound, is a striking and noble breed that possesses a distinct wolf-like appearance, which is the result of its unique heritage as a cross between the German Shepherd Dog and the Eurasian grey wolf. This breed was developed by the Dutch breeder Leendert Saarloos in the early 20th century, specifically to create a dog with more natural, primitive behaviors and looks.
The Saarloos Wolfdog is a large, athletic dog, with males standing between 24 to 30 inches (60 to 75 cm) at the withers, and females only slightly smaller, generally ranging from 23 to 28 inches (59 to 70 cm). Their weight usually falls between 66 to 90 pounds (30 to 41 kg), and their overall build is well-proportioned, muscular, and slightly longer than tall, reflecting the breed’s agility and stamina.
One of the most distinguishing features of the Saarloos Wolfdog is its head, which strongly resembles that of a wolf. The skull is flat and broad, with only a slight stop, and the muzzle tapers gently to a black or dark brown nose. The eyes are almond-shaped, usually a striking yellow or light brown, and set slightly obliquely, giving the dog an intelligent and watchful expression. The ears are medium-sized, upright, and triangular, covered with short fur and very mobile, again contributing to the breed’s lupine appearance.
The double coat of the Saarloos Wolfdog is harsh, dense, and weather-resistant, providing excellent protection against the elements. The outer coat is straight and close-fitting, while the undercoat is softer and woolly, becoming especially thick in colder months. In terms of color, this breed comes in wolf-grey, red, or white, with shading and patterning that often mimic those seen in wild wolves. The tail is bushy, carried low in a sickle shape, and well-furred, adding further to the breed’s wild allure.
The overall movement of the Saarloos Wolfdog is effortless and light-footed, with a long stride, reflecting endurance and speed. All of these features combined make the breed stand out as one of the closest domesticated dogs with the authentic look of a wild wolf, while still retaining the general elegance and refinement of a carefully bred companion animal.
History
The Saarloos Wolfdog is a unique and fascinating breed that originated in the Netherlands during the early 20th century. The history of this breed is closely tied to its creator, Leendert Saarloos (1884–1969), a Dutchman who was passionate about dogs and sought to enhance the natural qualities of the German Shepherd.
Saarloos believed that German Shepherds, after generations of selective breeding, had lost some of their natural abilities such as endurance, resilience, and instinctual behaviors. To address this, Saarloos decided to cross a male German Shepherd with a female Eurasian wolf (Canis lupus lupus) imported from Siberia in 1935. This marked the first step in the creation of what would become known as the Saarloos Wolfdog, or Saarlooswolfhond in Dutch.
The early generations of the resulting hybrids displayed a mix of wolf-like and dog-like traits. Saarloos’s goal was not to make a pet wolf or a wild animal, but to reintegrate the natural vigor of the wolf into the domestic dog, hoping for a healthier and hardier working dog. The first litter laid the foundation for further breeding, and Saarloos continued to crossbreed the offspring with German Shepherds over several generations, carefully selecting those that exhibited the desired balance of wolf and dog qualities.
In 1942, the breed was recognized by the Dutch Kennel Club (Raad van Beheer) as the 'European Wolfdog,' but after the death of Leendert Saarloos, the breed was renamed in his honor to 'Saarlooswolfhond.' In 1975, the Dutch Kennel Club officially recognized the breed under this name. The Saarloos Wolfdog was later accepted by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) in 1981, gaining international recognition.
Throughout its history, the breed has remained rare, partly due to its strong wolf-like instincts. The Saarloos Wolfdog is often described as reserved, independent, and highly intelligent, making it best suited for experienced owners. Saarloos Wolfdogs have been valued for their loyalty, stamina, and unique appearance, but their shy nature and high energy levels make them unsuitable for everyone. Today, the Saarloos Wolfdog represents a living legacy of Leendert Saarloos's vision, offering a fascinating blend of wild and domestic traits while retaining a relatively small but dedicated following among enthusiasts.