Saarloos Wolfdog
SAR-lohs WOOLF-dog
Netherlands· Netherlands
The Saarloos Wolfdog is a large, wolf-like breed developed in the Netherlands from crossing a German Shepherd with a European wolf.
At a glance
Quick facts
Size
Large
Exercise needs
2 hours+ per day
Home size suited to
Large
Grooming frequency
Weekly, more when shedding
Coat length
Medium, dense
Sheds
Heavy seasonally
Lifespan
10-12 years
Town or country
Country only, experienced owners
Garden size needed
Large, secure high fencing essential
Where it comes from
Origins of the Saarloos Wolfdog
Dutch breeder Leendert Saarloos crossed a German Shepherd with a European wolf in the 1930s, aiming to restore what he saw as lost natural vigour and health to the shepherd breed. The mild, damp Dutch lowlands were far removed from the wolf's mountainous origins, and the resulting dogs proved too independent and cautious for reliable working use. The breed instead developed a reputation as a striking but challenging companion needing space and specialist handling.
- Region
- Netherlands
- Climate it was bred for
- Temperate, damp lowland climate
- Original job
- Originally bred to create a hardier working dog, later used in search and guide dog trials before becoming a companion breed
The long read
About the breed
Its origins as an attempt to reinvigorate the shepherd breed with wild vigour shaped a dog with strong pack instincts, caution towards strangers and limited suitability for conventional obedience work.
As a companion it needs an experienced owner, generous space, and a settled multi-dog or pack-like household, as it is highly sensitive and can be reserved or fearful without careful upbringing.
Today the breed is kept mainly by specialist enthusiasts as a companion and occasionally for sport, rather than for any working role.
Living with one
Temperament & needs
Our own ratings, based on the breed standard and how these dogs behave in ordinary homes.
Friendliness
3/5
How openly the Saarloos Wolfdog greets people it does not know.
Trainability
3/5
How readily the breed takes to training in an ordinary home.
Energy
3/5
How much daily exercise and stimulation the breed expects.
Barking
3/5
How vocal the breed tends to be day to day.
Grooming
3/5
How much coat work the breed needs to stay comfortable.
Suits a first-time owner
3/5
How forgiving the Saarloos Wolfdog is for someone taking on their first dog.
Illustrated breed standard
The points of the breed
Hover or tap a numbered point to read what the standard asks for.
Point 1
Skull
The Saarloos Wolfdog's skull is judged on balance rather than size — proportionate to the body, with a clean cheek and a stop typical of the breed. Coarseness or an over-refined head are both faulted.
Timeline
History & development
1935
First wolf cross made
Leendert Saarloos crossed a male German Shepherd with a female European wolf.
1940s-60s
Development as 'European Wolfdog'
Saarloos continued breeding, aiming for a hardier working dog, though results proved too independent for typical service work.
1975
Dutch breed recognition
The breed was officially recognised in the Netherlands and renamed after its creator following his death.
1981
FCI recognition
The Saarloos Wolfdog gained international recognition.
1990s-present
Establishment as a companion breed
The breed became established internationally mainly among specialist companion owners.
Reference
Breed standard summary
- body
- Rectangular, muscular but lean, with a deep chest.
- coat
- Straight, dense, with a thick undercoat.
- ears
- Erect, medium-sized, set well apart.
- eyes
- Medium, almond-shaped, amber to light brown, giving a watchful expression.
- head
- Wedge-shaped, with a strong, straight muzzle.
- size
- Dogs at least 65cm, bitches at least 60cm
- colour
- Wolf grey, brown or cream.
- temperament
- Independent, cautious with strangers, highly pack-oriented and sensitive.
- general appearance
- A large, athletic dog with a strong wolf-like appearance and reserved bearing.
Health
What to screen for
Green means little to worry about, amber means ask the breeder for test results, red means manage it actively.
General information only — always speak to your vet about your own dog.
From real owners
Dogs like this
Saarloos Wolfdogs added by PawPoint members through their pet passports. Share yours to appear here.
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Made for the Saarloos Wolfdog
The book, plus prints, hoodies and mugs using our own Saarloos Wolfdog illustration — and one everyday accessory that suits any dog.
The book
Pawpoint: The Complete Dog Breed Book
Every officially recognised breed plus the unofficial ones nobody else documents. 400+ pages, hardback, printed and shipped from the UK.
Own stock — shipped by us
Framed poster
Saarloos Wolfdog Framed Poster
Museum-weight print of our Saarloos Wolfdog illustration, framed or unframed.
Printed to order
Hoodie
Saarloos Wolfdog Hoodie
Heavyweight hoodie carrying the Saarloos Wolfdog illustration on the chest.
Printed to order
Mug
Saarloos Wolfdog Mug
Ceramic mug with the Saarloos Wolfdog illustration wrapped around it.
Printed to order
Accessory
LED Reflective Lead Light
Rechargeable clip-on light for dark walks.
Fits any dog
Pawpoint on YouTube
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