Origin and Development

The Saarloos Wolfdog, known as Saarlooswolfhond in Dutch and Saarlooswolfhund in German, is a breed that originated in the Netherlands. It was developed through the crossing of a German Shepherd with a Siberian grey wolf in 1935 by Leendert Saarloos, a Dutch zoologist and dog breeder. Saarloos aimed to breed a dog that retained more natural properties, believing that the German Shepherd had become too domesticated. The resulting offspring were then bred back with German Shepherds to create a dog with one quarter wolf blood.

The Dutch Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1975, naming it "Saarlooswolfdog" after its creator. In 1981, the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) also recognized the breed. As of April 2026, the Saarloos Wolfdog was added to the American Kennel Club Foundation Stock Service (FSS), indicating its acceptance within the international canine community.

A 2015 DNA study confirmed that the Saarloos Wolfdog has a higher genetic association with the grey wolf than any other breed, reflecting its historical crossbreeding with grey wolves. This study, along with a 2016 genomic study, found that the Saarloos Wolfdog possesses 18-33% grey wolf ancestry, emphasizing its unique genetic makeup. The study also noted that the breed's genetic diversity is lower than that of its parent breeds, which is a concern for maintaining the breed's health and vitality.

Physical Description

The Saarloos Wolfdog is a large, strongly built dog with a wolf-like appearance. Males typically stand between 65-75 cm (26-30 in) tall, while females range from 60-70 cm (24-28 in). Their weight can reach up to 45 kg (100 lb). This breed is athletic, with a medium bone structure and a strong, muscular body. Their movement is light and elegant, reminiscent of a wolf's. The breed's coat is a distinctive feature, with a short and dense texture that can range in color from wolfgrey to forestbrown, often with white markings.

The wolfgrey color is dominant in the breed, while the white color is recessive and less common. The Saarloos Wolfdog's head and expressions are wolf-like, with a long, narrow snout and alert ears that contribute to its distinctive appearance. The breed's eyes can vary in color, but amber or brown are most common, adding to the wolf-like aspect of the dog.

Temperament and Behavior

The Saarloos Wolfdog is known for its independent and alert temperament. They are loyal and intelligent, making them suitable for working purposes, such as search and rescue, herding, and as service dogs. However, their reserved nature means they may not be as affectionate as some other breeds. This independent streak can also lead to a strong will, requiring a firm and consistent handler.

They may be less suitable for households with young children or other pets, as their reserved nature might not align well with constant play and noise. Their high intelligence and trainability make them responsive to training, but they require a handler who can provide clear and consistent rules.

Health and Genetics

Genetic studies have shown that the Saarloos Wolfdog has a significant amount of grey wolf ancestry, which can influence certain health conditions. While specific health issues may vary among individuals, potential concerns could include hip dysplasia, a common condition in large breeds, and epilepsy, which can affect dogs with wolf-like ancestry. Additionally, some Saarloos Wolfdogs may exhibit a condition known as "wolves' eyes," where the eyes have a blue or heterochromatic appearance, which can be a sign of genetic predisposition to certain eye disorders.

In an effort to improve the breed's health and genetic diversity, the Dutch parent breed clubs initiated an outcross program. This program involved controlled breeding with 'look-alikes' and several FCI-recognized breeds, such as the White Swiss Shepherd, Siberian Husky, Ibizan Hound, Norwegian Elkhound, and the Northern Inuit Dog. The goal was to increase vitality, fertility, and genetic variation within the breed, mitigating the risk of inbreeding and reducing the incidence of hereditary diseases.

Breeding and Outcross Program

The Saarloos Wolfdog's breeding program includes a controlled outcross program to enhance genetic diversity and improve the breed's health. This program began in 2010, with the first meetings between the Dutch parent breed clubs and the Dutch kennel club. The research conducted by quantitative geneticist J. J. Windig and Ir M. Spies-Stoop revealed a high degree of interrelatedness within the Saarloos Wolfdog population, necessitating intervention to prevent inbreeding.

The outcross program involves two types of breeding: using 'look-alikes' and FCI-recognized breeds. The offspring from these outcrosses are health-screened and evaluated, with the best individuals contributing to subsequent generations. This process, known as the F1, F2, and F3 generations, aims to maintain the breed's characteristics while introducing genetic diversity. As of January 2019, the following outcrosses had been performed: White Swiss Shepherd (F3), Siberian Husky (F2), Ibizan Hound (F2), Norwegian Elkhound (F3), and Look-alike Northern Inuit Dog (F3). These efforts aim to ensure the long-term viability and health of the Saarloos Wolfdog breed.

Lifestyle and Care

The Saarloos Wolfdog requires a moderate amount of exercise to maintain its physical and mental well-being. Their energy level is medium, and they do not require excessive amounts of exercise. Daily walks and playtime are sufficient to keep them healthy and happy.

This includes routine vaccinations, preventive care, and addressing any health issues that may arise. Given their genetic makeup, it is particularly important to monitor for conditions associated with wolf-like ancestry, such as hip dysplasia and epilepsy.

Buying a Saarloos Wolfdog

When considering the purchase of a Saarloos Wolfdog, potential owners should be prepared for the following:

• Proper socialization and training to ensure good behavior and a well-rounded temperament. This should start early and continue throughout the dog's life.
• A home environment that can accommodate the breed's size and energy level, as well as their reserved nature.
• A budget for potential health issues, as with any breed, there may be genetic predispositions to certain conditions.