Saarlooswolfhond
In 1935, Dutch breeder Leendert Saarloos (1884-1969) started cross-breeding a German Shepherd Dog male to a female European Wolf (Canis lupus occidentalis) which he obtained from the Rotterdam Zoo (Dutch: Diergaarde Blijdorp). Although he was passionate about the German shepherd, he found most dogs to be too domesticated and wanted to breed in more natural properties in order to get better working dogs. The result wasn't entirely what Saarloos had hoped for. This breed is cautious, reserved and lacks the ferocity to attack. Until Leendert Saarloos died in 1969, he was in full control over the breeding of his "European wolfdog". The Dutch Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1975. To honour its creator they changed the name to "Saarloos Wolfdog". In 1981 the breed was recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI). In the past, some Saarloos wolfdogs were trained as guide dogs for the blind and as rescue dogs, but most dogs of this breed are currently kept as family dogs.
The Saarloos wolf dog is only for the lover of the old canine ways, as it retains in a limited state some of the wolf-like and/or ancient canine ways, including a strong pack instinct, tendency toward shyness, and a need to roam or at least have suitable yard space, or living area.
They need daily walks and mental/physical stimulation to satisfy its instincts. This dog is extremely stubborn and doesn’t do well in obedience training and they are still pack-oriented and therefore need a strong leader and a social atmosphere. As an owner you must establish the dominant alpha position, be willing to spend a lot of time with them and train with patience and understand his/hers behaviour.
Temperament:
They are fairly quiet, seldom barking, alerting homeowners in other ways. They do well in packs with a leader emerging and keeping order. That leader MUST be the human! Not recommended if you have kids and not suitable for kennel life because they can get into a panic if they get locked in an enclosure. They don’t like being left alone and have to be trained from a puppy to be able to accept it, otherwise the might make big effort to get out of the house. They are not for a first time dog owner due to their behaviour and needs!
Height and Weight:
Male/Female 24 – 30 inches (60 – 70cm) and around 79 – 90 pounds (36 – 41kg)
In 1935, Dutch breeder Leendert Saarloos (1884-1969) started cross-breeding a German Shepherd Dog male to a female European Wolf (Canis lupus occidentalis) which he obtained from the Rotterdam Zoo (Dutch: Diergaarde Blijdorp). Although he was passionate about the German shepherd, he found most dogs to be too domesticated and wanted to breed in more natural properties in order to get better working dogs. The result wasn't entirely what Saarloos had hoped for. This breed is cautious, reserved and lacks the ferocity to attack. Until Leendert Saarloos died in 1969, he was in full control over the breeding of his "European wolfdog". The Dutch Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1975. To honour its creator they changed the name to "Saarloos Wolfdog". In 1981 the breed was recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI). In the past, some Saarloos wolfdogs were trained as guide dogs for the blind and as rescue dogs, but most dogs of this breed are currently kept as family dogs.
The Saarloos wolf dog is only for the lover of the old canine ways, as it retains in a limited state some of the wolf-like and/or ancient canine ways, including a strong pack instinct, tendency toward shyness, and a need to roam or at least have suitable yard space, or living area.
They need daily walks and mental/physical stimulation to satisfy its instincts. This dog is extremely stubborn and doesn’t do well in obedience training and they are still pack-oriented and therefore need a strong leader and a social atmosphere. As an owner you must establish the dominant alpha position, be willing to spend a lot of time with them and train with patience and understand his/hers behaviour.
Temperament:
They are fairly quiet, seldom barking, alerting homeowners in other ways. They do well in packs with a leader emerging and keeping order. That leader MUST be the human! Not recommended if you have kids and not suitable for kennel life because they can get into a panic if they get locked in an enclosure. They don’t like being left alone and have to be trained from a puppy to be able to accept it, otherwise the might make big effort to get out of the house. They are not for a first time dog owner due to their behaviour and needs!
Height and Weight:
Male/Female 24 – 30 inches (60 – 70cm) and around 79 – 90 pounds (36 – 41kg)
