Saarloos Wolfhound

What Is A Saarloos Wolfhound?

The Saarloos wolfhound, also commonly referred to as the Dutch wolfdog or Saarloos wolfdog, originated as a genetic mix between a German shepherd and Eurasian wolf. Although not a common breed, and not generally recommended for first-time dog owners, the Saarloos wolfhound can be a devoted pet for the right family or person.

Breed Background

The Saarloos wolfhound was originally bred to be an improvement over domestic dogs. The original breeder, a Dutchman named Leendert Saarloos felt that domestic dogs were inferior creatures to wolves and far too susceptible to diseases and sicknesses like distemper. He was also a firm believer that domestic breeds of the 1920s had lost their true canine qualities.

This desire to create a breed that managed to tap into its original “source” would drive him for the remainder of his life. Unfortunately, Saarloos did not take into consideration that wolves, although very intelligent, were also notoriously shy of people. Several hybrid litters resulted in dogs that could easily escape man-made enclosures, but would not be sociable with humans.

He tried the breeding again and again, but each time he infused more wolf genes and thus diluted the good-natured qualities of domestic dogs. Eventually, Saarloos passed away without ever fully recognizing his dream. Thankfully, in the 1970’s the Dutch Canine Authorities saved the awkward hybrid by declaring it an official breed, and thus saving it from extinction.

Physical Characteristics

The Saarloos wolfhound is indeed a beautiful breed of dog. Standing at a height of up to 30 inches with a weight of almost 90 lbs, this breed is truly the perfect physical mix of the German shepherd and wolf. Its head is that of a wolf with a wide muzzle and erect, pointed ears. Its body is strong and compact with muscle, making it a very athletic breed. Its coat tends to be rather short and thick, making it an ideal dog for cold weather. This breed also comes in a variety of colors, ranging from tan to blue.

Behavioral Characteristics

These dogs tend to be rather stand-offish and shy until they feel comfortable and at home with their owners. Once they truly feel at home they often become fiercely devoted to their family. They are incredibly intelligent animals, but not in the traditional sense of the word. They do not give in to commands easily and prefer to figure things out for themselves. If you are going to own this breed you need to be able to have incredible patience and an understanding of pack mentality.

Although they are devoted, they do not make good watchdogs. Like wolves, they rarely bark. While they may attack an intruder, it is not likely that they will warn you to the presence of an unwanted person on your property beforehand.

Special Notes

This breed can do very well in a particular type of home environment, and not so well in some others. It is a large athletic dog, so you need to be able to give it proper exercise to keep it happy. In addition to this, they have a voracious appetite, and so you need to be able to feed it properly on your income. Unfortunately, many people find out after the fact that they cannot afford to care for this breed of dog.

Because it has behavioral needs that most dogs don’t, the Saarloos wolfhound is not recommended for new dog owners. Experienced owners will be far more likely to properly handle any problems that arrive with behavior. Additionally, this dog is not recommended for houses with young children as the breed has a recessive aggressive streak that may come out over time.