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Saarlooswolfhond
(Saarloos Wolf Dog)
Photo Courtesy of NEDERLANDSE
VERENIGING VAN SAARLOOSWOLFHONDEN.
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Description |
The Saarlooswolfhond has a broad
powerful neck. The moderately broad head is slightly arched between the ears. The erect
ears are large like the German Shepherds. The muzzle has
a definite taper to the solid dark nose. It has long legs, with feet that turn slightly
outward. The tail is densely feathered and low set. The coat is harsh and not too long
with a dense undercoat. Coat colors include agouti, wolf-gray and wolf-brown with limited
white markings. |
Temperament
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This dog is only for the lover of the
old canine ways, as it retains in a limited state some of the wolf-like and /or ancient
canine ways - including an intense pack instinct, tendency towards shyness, and a need to
roam or at least have adequate space. They need to be taken for daily pack walks to satisfy their insticts. They are exceptionally strong-willed and do not take
well to obedience or schutzhund work. They are still pack-oriented and need a strong
leader and a social atmosphere. Not recommended as a child companion. They are not
suitable for kennel life. Seclusion intensifies anti-social behavior, and the dogs panic
if locked in an enclosure. Owners must establish the dominant alpha position, be willing
to spend a great deal of time with them, and train with patience, understanding canine behavior. The breed is quiet,
seldom barking, alerting homeowners in other ways. They do well in packs, with a leader
emerging and keeping order. That leader MUST be the human. The club's publication notes that most
owners of the breed have at least two to provide the necessary "pack.". Problems can occur, however, if a dog who does not understand
the established order is introduced to the pack. When introducing a new dog into the pack, it is important to first walk the dogs separately to drain excess energy, and then walk them together to help them secure the new order. Be sure you make the dogs heel beside you, rather than walking out in front, as the pack leader always goes first. |
Height, Weight
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Height: 24-29˝ inches (60-75
cm.)
Weight: 79-90 pounds (36-41 kg.) |
Health
Problems |
The Saarlooswolfhond Association is
very strict in its requirements against hip dysplasia, spondylosis of the spine and other
health and temperament problems. Casual breeding is discouraged. |
Living
Conditions |
The Saarlooswolfhond is not
recommended for apartment life. They will do best with acreage. Well-suited for cold
climates and can live outdoors. |
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Exercise |
This breed needs a lot of daily
exercise and adequate space. They need to be taken on a daily, long, brisk
walk or jog. |
Life
Expectancy |
About 10-12 years. |
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Grooming |
The weather resistant coat of the
Saarlooswolfhond should be combed and brushed regularly. Bathe only when necessary as it
removes the natural oils in the skin. |
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Origin |
In 1921 a Dutch breeder, Leendert
Saarloos, began a lifelong experiment to improve trainability in the German Shepherd Dog
by introducing zoo-kept wolf blood. The first dog-to-wolf cross was unsuccessful. He
thought that the germs which were so debilitating and even fatal to dogs would not affect
the wolf, but his theory was immediately proven wrong when the zoo animal died from a
virus. Fortunately for his program, the zoo provided another wolf, and his plan began to
unfold. Through continued attempts and diligent selection, near success was achieved. Some
of his dogs were used as guides for the blind and some attempted to do police work but
were not successful. Although trainability was not improved, this breed was recognized in
1975, six years after Leendert Saarloos's death. This rare Dutch breed is easier to train,
more amenable to urban life, and more responsive than the Czech Wolfdog. This is probably
due, in part, to its longer history of selective breeding, but also because the pack-oriented Canadian Timber Wolf, rather than the lone-hunting Carpathian Wolf, has been
included in its genetic background. The Saarlooswolfhond can be used as a small game
hunter. It is rarely seen outside the Netherlands. The Saarlooswolfhond club is almost completely unavailable outside of Holland. This is because the the club wants to better control the breeds breeding and limits the breed to a single 500 mile
radius. |
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Group |
Herding |
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Recognition |
CKC, FCI, NKC, APRI,
ACR, DRA |
CKC = Continental Kennel Club
FCI = Fédération
Cynologique Internationale
NKC = National
Kennel Club
APRI = American Pet Registry
Inc.
ACR = American Canine Registry
DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.
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