Saarloos Wolfdog

Quick Take

• This wolf-hybrid breed has a surprising reaction to strangers, one that most people would never expect from a dog with wolf blood. See the stranger reaction →
• Bathing your Saarloos Wolfdog too often can actually harm it, and this is the grooming mistake owners don't see coming. Read the grooming details →
• Its wolf ancestry makes this breed devoted and pack-loyal, yet that same instinct can quietly turn it into a serious problem dog without one specific intervention. Discover the key intervention →
• Three serious spinal and joint conditions lurk in this breed's health history, and knowing which one is progressive could change how you care for your dog. Explore the health conditions →

The Saarloos Wolfdog breed was developed in the 1930s when Leendert Saarloos mated a German Shepherd with a captive European Wolf. Leendert Saarloos then mated the result of the first pair again with the German Shepherd father. Initially, this breed was called the European Wolfdog, but was renamed the Saarloos Wolfdog when the Dutch Kennel Club officially recognized it.

Saarloos Wolfdogs can be a variety of colors. Gray is the most common, but some dogs may also be brown or white. This breed is very active and has a strong urge to roam. If socialized from an early age, they can be good with kids, but otherwise may not be the best choice as a family dog.

Ownership: 3 Pros and Cons

Size and Weight

The Saarloos Wolfdogs are large dogs. Males weigh up to 100 pounds and are between 25.5 and 29.5 inches tall. Females weigh between 66 and 77 pounds and are between 23.5 and 27.5 inches tall. Puppies weigh between 25 and 32 pounds when they are three months old. By the time they are six months old, puppies will weigh between 46 and 60 pounds. Smaller females will finish growing by the time they are 16 months. Males and females who will be larger in size finish growing by 19 months.

Common Health Issues

There are a few common health issues that these Wolfdogs may suffer from. Not all dogs in this breed will develop all of these conditions, but being aware of them can help prepare you to offer the best care to your dog.

Some of them may suffer from hip dysplasia. Dogs with this condition have a hip joint that is malformed. Their thighbone does not connect properly with the hip, which causes the two bones to rub against one another. This can be painful and may cause a dog to limp.

Another possible health problem for this breed is spinal spondylosis. This is a condition in which bony growths develop along a dog’s spine. Some dogs don’t seem to be impacted by this condition, but for other dogs, it can be very painful.

Degenerative myelopathy is another health concern for these dogs. This condition affects the spinal cord, resulting in progressive muscle weakness and loss of coordination. Dogs with this condition will become uncoordinated and weak. Keeping your dog active can help slow the condition, but most dogs will get progressively worse if they have degenerative myelopathy.

Temperament and Behavior

The Saarloos Wolfdog is a very intelligent breed. They can also be very curious, and if not properly stimulated, both physically and mentally, they may exhibit destructive behaviors. Saarloos Wolfdogs have a pack mentality, like their Eurasian gray wolf ancestors, so they can do well with other dogs. They can be very suspicious of new people, but are more likely to run away than to display aggressive traits. This breed can also have a more independent personality, but may also suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for too long.

Care

A Saarloos Wolfdog is definitely a unique breed. The care you provide will look different from what other breeds need.

Best Dog Food

Saarloos Wolfdogs are a very active breed. When choosing a food for your dog, you may want to look for a quality formula specifically designed for more active dogs. They are also large dogs, so be sure to select a large-breed formula. In general, this dog will need to eat between 3 and 4 cups of food each day. The exact amount of food that will be right for your dog will depend on their activity level, metabolism, age, and health concerns. If you are not sure how much food your dog should eat each day, you can check with your veterinarian.

It is generally best to split the total amount of food your dog should eat each day into two servings. This can also help reduce the chances of bloat. A puppy has a smaller stomach. It will need even more frequent and smaller meals throughout the day. Puppies younger than three or four months should be fed at least four times a day. After the age of four months, you can start decreasing the number of times you feed your dog every few months.

Maintenance and Grooming

Grooming a Saarloos Wolfdog is easier than grooming many other breeds. Its coat should be brushed about one or two times each week. This breed generally sheds twice a year and is considered a moderate shedder. You don’t need to give your dog frequent baths. Over-bathing a Saarloos Wolfdog can reduce the natural oils in its coat and may cause its coat to be less waterproof.

You should also brush your dog’s teeth a few times each week. Its nails should also be clipped regularly so they don’t get too long and make walking painful.

Training

When trained from a very early age by an experienced trainer, these Wolfdogs can do very well. It will be important to be very consistent with your dog and assert yourself as the “top dog” so it knows where it stands in your “pack.” Consistent training and clear rules can help prevent this breed from acting out or getting into trouble. Saarloos Wolfdogs are smart and enjoy learning new things, which can make training easier when it is done correctly.

Exercise

Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise every day. It should be taken for at least two long walks each day. It can also benefit from jogging, hiking, running, or playing in a large, fenced-in backyard. Be cautious when giving a puppy exercise. Its bones and joints are still developing, and too much exercise could lead to joint problems.

Puppies

If you bring home a Saarloos Wolfdog puppy, it is very important to begin training and socializing it right away. From the beginning, you need to make it clear to the puppy that you are the head of the “pack”; otherwise, it may decide it is the leader. Scheduling puppy playdates can help your dog learn how to interact with other dogs. It is important to use a location other than your home for these playdates to prevent your dog from getting too territorial.

Before you bring home your new dog, find a trusted veterinarian so you’ll have someone ready when your dog needs to be examined, treated for illness, or vaccinated. You will also want to make sure your home is ready for a puppy and make sure that you have purchased food and all the necessary supplies you’ll need.

Children

Saarloos Wolfdogs aren’t always the best dog for families with children. If they don’t grow up around children and aren’t properly socialized, they may not interact with them appropriately.

Similar Dogs

Canadian Eskimo Dogs, German Shepherds, and Alaskan Malamutes are three breeds that share some similarities with Saarloos Wolfdogs.

• Canadian Eskimo Dog: Canadian Eskimo Dogs share some common characteristics with a Saarloos Wolfdog. Since both dogs were bred in cold countries, Canada and the Netherlands, they both prefer colder climates. Eskimo Dogs from Canada are generally a better choice for families with children than Saarloos Wolfdogs. Both Saarloos Wolfdogs and Eskimo Dogs are large-sized dogs. A Saarloos Wolfdog is slightly larger on average, weighing approximately 84.5 pounds, compared to a male Canadian Eskimo Dog’s typical weight range of 66 to 88 pounds.
• German Shepherd: German Shepherds were used to create the Saarloos Wolfdog breed. Both breeds can be very affectionate and can make good watchdogs. A Saarloos Wolfdog is much more likely to wander or roam than a German Shepherd and does not shed as heavily.
• Alaskan Malamute: Alaskan Malamutes and Saarloos Wolfdogs are both large dogs with an average weight of around 85 pounds. In general, Saarloos Wolfdogs are less social with strangers but more affectionate with their owners than Alaskan Malamutes.