Saarloos wolfdog

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Here, you will find all the useful information about saarloos wolfdog. This descriptive profile will allow you to discover the aspects of this breed. You can notably consult information about the average price, monthly and annual upkeep expenses, their health, name ideas, as well as their official recognition by competent authorities.

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Overall description of the breed

The Saarloos Wolfdog is a breed created entirely by human hands, thanks in particular to the professional breeder Leendert Saarloos (1884-1969) who found that domestic dogs were too humanized and wished to give them back a little character while fixing their working qualities.

To do this, he crossed a German Shepherd "Gerard Van Der Franseum" with a she-wolf called "Fleuri" in 1932, the result was not up to his expectations, but after several attempts, he managed to establish a very specific type and after his death, the breed was officially recognised by the Dutch Kennel Club in 1975. The International Cynological Federation recognised the breed on 18 November 1981, and the latest update of the official standard was published on 3 November 2014.

Thanks to its ancestors, the Saarloos Wolfdog is a robustly built canine and its appearance is strongly reminiscent of a wolf, despite its imposing size, its lines are clean and harmonious. High on legs, its height at the withers is equal to its length so that its body is square, its bone is massive, its chest is deep.

The topline is clean, slightly rounded at the loins, with a long, thick and straight tail. The head is proportional to the body, similar in shape to that of the wolf, the ears are straight and erect on the top of the skull, the stop is not very marked. The coat changes with the season, the Saarloos Wolf's hair is dense, abundant and forms a thick covering over the whole body, combined with a thick undercoat. The coat colours permitted by the breed standard are sable or fawn, blackened, cream to whitish.

The "Saarlooswolfhond" of its original name is a gentle dog, particularly affectionate with family members and social groups. Proud and independent, docility is not one of its qualities and it often obeys its own wishes. Before adopting it, we advise you to find out more about the breed, as only experienced owners will be able to understand and control it.

Reserved by nature and quite wary, he does not surrender easily to strangers, so his wolf-like instincts of flight often take over in case of danger. It also has a strong predatory instinct, and cohabitation with other animals could become complicated if it is not accustomed to them from an early age.

In conclusion, despite many similarities with the wolf, he retains a gentle and loyal temperament towards his owner, whom he will love and esteem more than anything else.

Adult: The Saarloos Wolfdog will weigh approximately 38-41 kg (84-90 lbs) for males and 34-36 kg (75-79.5 lbs) for females, withers height will be approximately 65-75 cm (25.5"-29.5") for males and 60 cm (23.5"-27.5") for females.

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When you choose to adopt an animal, you take on the responsibility of ensuring its health and well-being throughout its life.

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Origins

The Saarloos Wolfdog, also called the Saarloos Wolfhound, is a breed originating from the Netherlands. It was created by Leendert Saarloos in the 1930s. Saarloos crossed a German Shepherd with a European she-wolf in order to enhance the natural characteristics of the dog. His intention was to create a breed that would possess the positive qualities of wolves, such as robustness and survival instinct, while retaining the loyalty and trainability of the domestic dog.

History

The history of the Saarloos Wolfdog is marked by the experimentation and passion of Leendert Saarloos, who wanted to reintroduce some natural characteristics of the wolf into domestic dogs. After many crosses and rigorous selections, the breed was officially recognized in 1975 by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI). Although initially envisioned as a working dog, the independent and sometimes reserved nature of the Saarloos Wolfdog has led to its use as a companion dog.

Standard

The standard of the Saarloose Wolfhound describes a medium to large sized dog, with an appearance strongly reminiscent of a wolf. Males measure between 65 and 75 cm, while females measure between 60 and 70 cm. Their weight ranges from 36 to 41 kg for males and from 30 to 36 kg for females. Their coat is dense and double, providing good protection against the weather. Colors can vary from gray to fawn, and even white. They have a lively and intelligent expression, with almond-shaped eyes often amber in color.

Physical characteristics

Physically, the Saarloos Wolfdog is impressive by its resemblance to the wolf. It has a muscular and well-proportioned body, a deep chest and strong legs, giving it endurance and agility. Its dense and double coat varies in color, often with shades of gray, fawn or white. The almond-shaped eyes, amber or yellow in color, add to its piercing gaze. The ears are erect and triangular, completing its wolf-like appearance. Its tail is long and bushy, carried low.

Character

The Saarloos Wolfdog is known for its independent and reserved character. Although very loyal to its family, it can be wary of strangers. Intelligent and sensitive, it requires early socialization and patient training. Its wolf-like nature makes it less suited to city life, preferring calm and spacious environments. It is often described as affectionate with those close to it but distant with those it does not know. Its pack instinct is strong, making it very attached to its family.

Life expectancy

The life expectancy of the Saarloos Wolfdog is generally 10 to 12 years. This longevity is typical for large breeds. To maximize their lifespan, it is crucial to provide them with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and appropriate veterinary care. Although they are generally robust, regular health monitoring can prevent common health issues and ensure they live a long and healthy life. Regular check-ups at the veterinarian help detect and treat potential diseases early on.

Exercise and activity needs

The Saarloos Wolfdog has high exercise and activity needs. It is an energetic breed that requires long daily walks and intense physical activity to stay healthy and happy. They particularly benefit from large spaces where they can run freely. Interactive games, agility, and even mentally stimulating tasks are ideal for them. Without adequate exercise, they can develop destructive behaviors due to boredom and built-up energy.

Recommended diet

A balanced diet is essential for the Saarloos Wolfdog. They require a protein-rich diet to support their musculature and energy. High-quality kibble, specially formulated for large active breeds, is recommended. Supplementing their diet with lean meats, vegetables, and whole grains can be beneficial. Portions should be adjusted to their weight and activity level to prevent obesity. Fresh water should always be available, especially after intense exercise.

Training and obedience

The Saarloos Wolfdog requires patient and consistent training using positive reinforcement methods. Due to its intelligence and independence, it can be stubborn and difficult to train. Early socialization is crucial to familiarize it with various people, animals, and environments. Training sessions should be short and varied to maintain its interest. It is important to start education from a young age to develop a balanced and well-adjusted behavior, while avoiding coercive methods that can lead to mistrust.

Behavior with children

The Saarloos Wolfdog can get along well with children, especially if raised with them. It is generally affectionate and protective towards family members, including the youngest ones. However, due to its size and energy, it is important to supervise interactions with young children to avoid unintentional accidents. Teaching children to respect the dog and interact with it appropriately is essential for a harmonious and safe coexistence.

Compatibility with Other Animals

The Saarloos Wolfdog can live with other pets, but early socialization is essential. Their pack and hunting instinct can pose challenges when it comes to small animals like cats or rodents. With proper introduction and supervision, they can learn to live harmoniously with other pets. They are generally more comfortable with other dogs, especially those of similar size, with whom they can interact and play, reflecting their social instinct.

Grooming needs

The Saarloos Wolfdog has a dense and double coat that requires regular maintenance. Weekly brushing is necessary to remove dead hairs and prevent knots, especially during seasonal shedding. Baths are only needed occasionally unless they get dirty. It is also important to regularly check their ears for infections, trim their nails to prevent them from becoming too long, and maintain good dental hygiene to prevent gum and teeth problems.

Health

The Saarloos Wolfdog is generally robust and healthy. However, like all breeds, they may be prone to certain hereditary conditions such as hip dysplasia, heart diseases, and some eye problems. Regular veterinary exams and special attention to their diet and exercise can help prevent and manage these issues. It is also crucial to keep their vaccinations up to date and provide regular parasite treatments to ensure optimal health throughout their life.

Average price

The average price of a Saarloos Wolfdog puppy can vary significantly depending on the breeder, the puppy's lineage, and the region. In general, you can expect to pay between 1000 and 2000 euros (1100 to 2200 dollars) for a quality puppy. Puppies from champion lines or intended for show can cost more. It is crucial to choose a responsible breeder who conducts health tests on their breeding dogs and raises their puppies in optimal conditions, thus ensuring the health and well-being of the animals.

Expenses

Annual expenses for a Saarloos Wolfdog include food, veterinary care, health insurance, accessories, and grooming. On average, you can expect to spend between 1000 and 1500 euros (approximately 1100 to 1600 dollars) per year. This estimate includes high-quality food, regular veterinary visits, vaccines, parasite treatments, and other recurring expenses. Expenses may vary depending on the specific needs of the dog and regional costs, but this estimate provides a good overview of the costs to expect.

Name ideas

For a Saarloos Wolfhound, names can reflect their wild nature and majestic appearance. "Lupin" evokes their resemblance to the wolf. "Nikita" means victory of the people, emphasizing their strength. "Frost" recalls their dense fur adapted to cold climates. "Shadow" may refer to their agility. "Thor" for their power. "Luna" evokes their mystical side. "Echo" for their loyalty. "Skye" recalling their freedom. "Blaze" for their energy. "Aspen" for their robust nature.

Legislation and regulation

The Saarloos Wolfdog is generally not subject to specific legal restrictions in most countries. However, it is always advisable to check local regulations regarding dogs, as they may vary. Some areas may have specific laws regarding dog breeds, but the Saarloos Wolfdog is not classified as a dangerous breed. It is recommended to inquire with local authorities to ensure compliance with current regulations and avoid any legal issues.

Official recognition

The Saarloos Wolfdog is recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) and is classified in group 1, section 1 (sheepdogs). In the Netherlands, where the breed was created, the official club is the Nederlandse Vereniging van Saarlooswolfhonden. The American Kennel Club (AKC) does not yet recognize it, but it is recognized by other international canine registries. This recognition ensures that the breed is preserved and promoted according to strict standards, ensuring its continuity and integrity.

Pedigrees

The pedigrees of the Saarloos Wolfdog are available from breed clubs and official canine registries such as the FCI and the Nederlandse Vereniging van Saarlooswolfhonden. A pedigree provides detailed information about a dog's ancestors, ensuring its pure lineage and origins. These documents are essential for breeders and serious owners as they allow tracking of hereditary traits, potential genetic diseases, and ensuring that breed standards are respected. Pedigrees also help to plan breedings to maintain or improve the breed.

Destination and usage

The Saarloos Wolfdog was originally intended to be a working dog, but due to its independent and sometimes reserved nature, it is mostly used as a companion dog. They excel in activities that require endurance and agility, such as canicross and hiking. Due to their strong pack instinct and loyalty, they can also be excellent therapy dogs for people who understand and respect their unique nature. Their impressive appearance and protective temperament also make them good guard dogs.

Prohibitions

The Saarloos Wolfdog is generally not subject to specific bans in most countries or regions of the world. However, it is always advisable to check local laws regarding dog breeds, as some jurisdictions may have restrictions or special regulations for certain breeds, especially those perceived as potentially dangerous. The Saarloos Wolfdog, due to its non-aggressive temperament and history as a companion and working dog, generally escapes such bans.

Breeders of Saarloos wolfdog

Domaine l'instinct Sauvage - of Saarloos wolfdogbreeder - Preeders

Pro certified

Sandra L.

France

5/28/24, 10:11 AM

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