Dog breed · Netherlands
The Saarloos Wolfdog (Dutch: Saarlooswolfhond, German: Saarlooswolfhund) is a wolfdog breed originating from the Netherlands by the crossing of a German Shepherd with a Siberian grey wolf in 1935. The offspring were then further crossed with German Shepherds.
Description: The Saarloos Wolfdog is a strongly built dog whose build, coat and movement is wolf-like. The height is between 65–75 cm (26–30 in) in males and 60–70 cm (24–28 in) in females. It weighs up to [dose — ask your vet] (100 lb). It is an athletic dog in build, with medium bone, and a strong and muscular body. It moves lightly on its feet and has an elegant march. Its coat is short and dense, providing good protection from the weather. There are three colours: wolfgrey, forestbrown and white. Because the wolfgrey genes are dominant, this is the most common colour. Genes for white colour are recessive, making this uncommon although this colour is accepted. The Saarloos has wolf-like expressions, as well as a wolf-like head.
Training: This breed needs thorough socialization before the twelfth week of age to ensure prosocial behavior.
History: Leendert Saarloos (1884–1969) was a Dutch zoologist and dog breeder who believed that the German Shepherd had become too domesticated and wanted to breed back the more natural properties in order to derive a better working dog. In 1935, he bred a male German Shepherd (German: Deutscher Schäferhund, Dutch: Duitse herdershond) to a female Eurasian grey wolf (Canis lupus lupus) from Siberia. He then bred the offspring back with German Shepherds to derive a dog with one quarter wolf blood. The result was a dog that was not useful as a working dog but as a companion that is close to nature. The Dutch Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1975 as "Saarlooswolfdog", after its creator. In 1981, the breed was recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI). In April 2026, the Sarloos wolfdog was added to the American Kennel Club Foundation Stock Service (FSS).
