The Saarloos Wolfhond is a large and powerful breed that is known for their loyalty and affection towards their owners. These dogs have a unique history, which has helped shape their temperament and characteristics into what they are today.

They are confident and strong-willed, yet gentle and affectionate, making them a great choice for those who want a loyal companion that is both protective and loving.

The Origins of the Saarloos Wolfhond

The Saarloos Wolfhond, also known as the Saarloos wolfdog, is a Dutch dog breed that was created in the early 20th century by a Dutch breeder named Leendert Saarloos.

Saarloos was trying to create a dog breed that had the intelligence and loyalty of a German Shepherd, with the strength and stamina of a wolf. His idea was to create a wolf-dog hybrid that would be a great working dog for police and military units, as well as a loyal and protective companion for families.

In the early 1930s, Saarloos began crossing German Shepherds with European wolves in the hopes of creating this new breed.

He was successful in creating a dog that had the strength and stamina of a wolf, but he quickly realized that these hybrids were not always easy to train and could be unpredictable in their behavior. As a result, Saarloos turned his attention to breeding these hybrid dogs with Dutch Shepherds, hoping to create a more trainable and predictable dog.

The result was the Saarloos Wolfdog, a breed that combines the intelligence and loyalty of a German Shepherd with the strength and stamina of a wolf.

The Characteristics of the Saarloos Wolfhond

The Saarloos Wolfhond is a large breed of dog, with males typically weighing between 77-99 lbs and females weighing between 61-82 lbs. They have a muscular body, with a broad head and pointed ears.

Their coat is thick and woolly, in shades of brown, gray, and black. The Saarloos Wolfhond is a strong and athletic dog that requires a lot of exercise and stimulation to keep them happy and healthy.

One of the distinguishing characteristics of the Saarloos Wolfhond is their loyalty to their owners. These dogs form strong bonds with their families, and they are known to be very protective of them.

They are also affectionate dogs that love to be around their owners, and they will often follow them from room to room, just to be near them.

Another characteristic of the Saarloos Wolfhond is their high energy level. These dogs are very active and require regular exercise and playtime to stay healthy and happy.

They are great dogs for families that enjoy outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, or running.

Training a Saarloos Wolfhond

Training a Saarloos Wolfhond can be a challenge. These dogs are intelligent and independent, which means that they can be stubborn and difficult to train at times.

However, with proper training and socialization, they can become well-behaved and obedient dogs.

It is important to start training a Saarloos Wolfhond at a young age. Early socialization is key, and these dogs should be exposed to a variety of people, animals, and environments.

They should also be trained using positive reinforcement techniques, such as praise, treats, and toys.

Because the Saarloos Wolfhond is a strong and powerful breed, it is important for owners to establish themselves as the pack leader.

This can be done by providing consistent training, setting clear rules and boundaries, and showing the dog that their owners are in charge.

Caring for a Saarloos Wolfhond

Caring for a Saarloos Wolfhond is fairly easy. These dogs have a thick and woolly coat that requires regular brushing to keep it looking healthy and shiny. They should also be bathed as needed, typically every 4-6 weeks.

It is important to provide a Saarloos Wolfhond with plenty of exercise and stimulation. They require daily walks or runs, as well as plenty of playtime and interactive toys. These dogs do best with an active family that enjoys outdoor activities.

The Saarloos Wolfhond is a relatively healthy breed, with few medical issues. However, they are prone to hip dysplasia and should be screened for this condition.

They also require regular check-ups with a veterinarian to ensure that they are healthy and up-to-date on vaccinations.

Is the Saarloos Wolfhond Right for You?

The Saarloos Wolfhond is a unique breed that requires an experienced owner who is willing to provide them with plenty of exercise and stimulation. They are not the best choice for first-time dog owners or those who have a sedentary lifestyle.

If you are looking for a loyal, affectionate, and protective companion that is great with an active family, then the Saarloos Wolfhond may be the right dog for you. Just be prepared to provide them with plenty of love, attention, and exercise.

The Bottom Line

The Saarloos Wolfhond is a unique and powerful breed that has a lot to offer as a loyal and affectionate companion.

Their history as a wolf-dog hybrid has helped shape their temperament and characteristics into what they are today, making them a great choice for those who want a loyal and protective dog that is also gentle and affectionate.

While they can be challenging to train at times, with proper training and socialization, they can become well-behaved and obedient dogs. Caring for a Saarloos Wolfhond is fairly easy, as long as they are provided with plenty of exercise and stimulation.

If you are looking for a loyal and active companion that is great with families, then the Saarloos Wolfhond may be the right dog for you.