Saarloos-Wolfhond

Leendert Saarloos was a Dutch breeder, and in 1921 he decided to make an experiment of crossing a German Shepherd dog and a zoo-kept wolf. The first cross was not successful, and the animal very soon died from a virus. Later, he was given another wolf, and this is when his plan begun to slowly unfold.

Saarloos-Wolfhond was often used as a guide for the blind, and some were even used as police dog. Six years after Leendert’s death, this dog breed was recognized. This Dutch dog breed is rare but easy to train. This dog breed is often used as a small-game hunter but is also very rarely seen outside the Netherlands.

The Saarloos-Wolfhond has a powerful and broad neck. He has a moderately broad head that is slightly arched between the ears. The ears are erected and very similar to German Shepherd’s. This dog breed has long legs, and densely feathered and low set tail. The Saarloos-Wolfhond has a harsh coat, not very long, and the undercoat is dense. Fur colors are usually wolf-gray, wolf-brown, and sometimes with limited white markings.

This dog breed has an instinct pack instinct, can be shy, and needs to be suited in an adequate space. In order to satisfy his instinct, this dog requires regular daily pack walks. The v Saarloos-Wolfhond dog breed is exceptionally strong-willed. Since they are pack oriented, they need a strong leader. This dog breed is definitely not recommended as a child companion, and is not suitable for kennel life.

Owners of Saarloos-Wolfhond must be willing to spend a great deal of time with them and to train them with patience, apart from that, this is a very quiet dog breed, barks seldomly. This dog breed is not recommended for apartment life, and will do best with acreage. Also, the Saarloos-Wolfhond is well suited for colder climates and life outdoors.

Their water resistant fur should be brushed and combed regularly. Bathing is recommended only when really necessary, in order not to remove the natural oils from the skin.