“The Majestic Saarloos Wolfhound: A Perfect Blend of Strength and Grace”
Meet the Saarloos Wolfhound. A majestic canine bearing the name of its Dutch breeder, Leendert Saarloos. He pioneered the creation of this breed in the 20th century, creating a blend of a German Shepherd and wolf. In the beginning, he produced 20 wolf dog hybrids. Despite the fascinating endeavor, the crossover resulted in shy dogs, unskilled in training, not fit for work nor guard duties due to their lack of response to intruders.
The Rise of the Saarloos Wolfhound
The turning point came in 1975, five years after the demise of Saarloos. The Dutch Canine Authorities recognized the Saarloos Wolfhound as a breed, thereby saving it from potential extinction. The breed then found its utility as guide dogs for the blind and rescue dogs, given their keen sensitivity to body language.
Physical Attributes of the Saarloos Wolfhound
The Saarloos Wolfhound, standing between 24-30 inches tall and weighing between 80-90 pounds, boasts an admirable physique. Their wide muzzle is held high with erect ears. They wear a coat of short and dense fur, providing them with insulation in cold climates. Their fur displays shades of gray or brown, usually with white markings.
These hounds possess a compact and well-toned body, complimented by almond-shaped, brown eyes and a long, bushy tail.
Personality and Lifestyle of the Saarloos Wolfhound
The Saarloos Wolfhound is an excellent companion for experienced dog owners. They require ample exercise and are driven by their instinct to roam, just like their wolf ancestors. This is why they thrive best in rural settings with plenty of space to explore. Their loyalty towards their owners is commendable, and they form strong bonds if introduced to new owners at a young age, ideally around ten weeks.
Longevity and Health
The average lifespan of a Saarloos Wolfhound is 10-12 years. The breed does not have a strong affinity towards orthodox obedience training methods but responds better to specialized training that respects their unique personality.
Co-living with Other Pets and Children
The Saarloos Wolfhound integrates well into families with children and other pets, as long as they perceive them as part of their pack. They may have difficulty adjusting to smaller pets like rabbits due to their predatory instincts.
- Novice owners may face challenges in training due to the dog’s independent personality.
- Their need for physical activity makes them unsuitable for small living spaces.
- An environment that allows them to follow their natural instinct to explore is best.