Saarloos Wolfhound

Other names : Saarloos Wolfdog, European Wolfdog

Photo: adult dog of Saarloos Wolfhound breed
© Zuzule / Shutterstock
Photo: adult dog of Saarloos Wolfhound breed
© Zuzule / Shutterstock

The Saarloos Wolfdog is a cross between the German Shepherd and the European Wolf. She is a large, powerful, and athletic dog that still looks very much like a wild wolf. This can be quite intimidating at first, especially for those who are naturally nervous around big dogs. However, the wolfdog is surprisingly calm, and even a little reserved. This is not the outcome breeders were hoping for, but the pairing still created a very unique animal. Despite being a bit of a gentle giant, a wolfdog is not the best choice for inexperienced owners. 

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Life expectancy

The Saarloos Wolfhound has a life expectancy of between 11 and 13 years

Temperament

Size

Large

Adult size

Female Between 24 and 28 in
Male Between 26 and 30 in

Adult weight

Female Between 75 and 79 lb
Male Between 84 and 90 lb
Coat colour
Sand
Type of coat
Long Hard
Eye colour
Brown
Good to know

The Saarloos is much better suited to living in the countryside, as she needs lots of space to fully express herself.

Some of the Saarloos’s health issues can be very expensive to treat. 

She sheds a lot of hair.

More details about the Saarloos Wolfhound

Saarloos Wolfhound: Origins and history

The Saarloos Wolfdog is quite the enigma. Despite being the cross of two fearless animals, the Wolfdog failed to inherit many of their characteristics. She certainly looks the part, but Wolfdogs have a very different personality from either parent breed. She is more reserved than brave, more shy than confident, and more passive than aggressive. This has lead to her kind being used as companion dogs and assistance dogs rather than what they were originally bred for, which was hunting and herding. 

FCI classification of the Saarloos Wolfhound

  • Group 1 - Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs)

  • Section 1 : Sheepdogs

Training a Saarloos Wolfhound

In the right hands, she can be well trained, but a relationship of mutual trust must first be established to get this willful dog on board.

Saarloos Wolfhound: Purchase price

Around £800 for a well-bred pedigree puppy. Looking after a dog of this size typically costs between £60 to £90 a month, including food, medical/insurance, and incidental expenses.
 

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