Saarloos Wolfdog – a dog that looks like wolves – is the result of combining the German Shepherd with the Eurasian Grey Wolf. The Saarloos Wolfdog is an extremely powerful breed with its broad head, strong neck and long, sturdy legs. Tail is feathered and long.
It is best to avoid this breed if you are a new owner, or have small children in your family. It needs an experienced leader to build a relationship of alpha with. The breed makes a wonderful family dog and watchdog. It is also a good hiking partner.
Origin and History
In 1936, Leendert Saarloos was a Dutch dog breeder. The Dutch breeder Leendert Saarloos loved German Shepherds but desired a more domesticated dog. He crossed a German Shepherd with an Eurasian Grey Wolf and the Saarloos Wolfdog resulted.
The attempt to turn the Eurasian Grey Wolf into a hardy dog with defensive and wolflike characteristics failed, and the animal became reserved and aloof. The United Kennel Club recognized it on July 1, 2006.
Is Saarloos Wolfdog Child-Friendly?
Saarloos Wolfdogs do not get along with children. This breed is a good companion to children if raised and supervised with them. They can be cautious around children outside of the house, which is why you need to supervise them closely when they are interacting with other kids.
Temperament is a combination of behavior and personality
Temperament: Saarloos Wolfdogs are reserved and independent. The Saarloos Wolfdog is reserved, wary and not friendly with strangers. This makes it a good watchdog. It is essential to socialize them from an early stage so that they don’t become aggressive.
Behavior: Saarloos Wolfdogs have an instinct for prey and are shy. It is easy to see that they are apprehensive and shy when meeting new people. It is important to start socializing your child at a young age. These dogs can also be prey driven, which could lead them to attack small animals. The dogs should only be let out with a leash and in a yard that is fenced.
Personality: Saarloos wolfdogs are independent, gentle, and affectionate. The Saarloos Wolfdog loves to be around their family, and they enjoy participating in different activities. If they are raised in an environment that is gentle, and with gentle hands, then they will be gentle and loving.
Trainability
Saarloos Wolfdogs are a smart breed of dog, so they can be trained easily as long as their alpha is introduced to them when the puppy stage is still young. The Saarloos Wolfdog is a very independent breed, and if you do not introduce yourself to them as the Alpha when they are still puppies, then training will be difficult.
Saarloos Wolfdogs are easily bored and need challenging training. Join them for agility, dog sports and more to keep their minds active and stimulated.
FACTS
- The German Shepherd inherited more of its traits than the wolf.
- Saarloos Wolfdog is named after its creater ‘Leendert Saarloos’.
The Health of the Nation
Saarloos Wolfdogs are generally healthy dogs with very few health problems.
Image source: Happy Puppy Site
Hip Dysplasia The hip bones of dogs are abnormally formed. The condition is hereditary and can cause your dog to have difficulty walking or running normally. This health issue is difficult to treat, so check the parents of a Saarloos Wolfdog pup before bringing it home.
Atrophy of the Progressive Retinal AtrophyThis is a genetic problem that affects the eyes. The condition affects both eyes, and it can lead to blindness. Ask about your dog’s parents health before bringing him home.
Colors
Saarloos Wolfdog is available in these colors:
- Gray shades are available in many different hues
- Multi-colored browns
- Silver
- Cream
- White
Saarloos Wolfdog Puppy Price
Saarloos Wolfdogs cost between 2000-$3000 US dollars. Adopting one will only cost you $300.
Dogs Similar To Saarloos Wolfdog
- Wolfdog
- German Shepherd
- Czechoslovakian Wolfdog
- Tamaskan Dog