Saarloos Wolfdog
About the Saarloos Wolfdog
Temperament
Physical Characteristics
| Size Category | Large (50-100 lbs) |
|---|---|
| Height | 24-30" |
| Weight | 70-100 lbs |
| Coat Type | Double |
| Coat Length | Medium |
| Colors | |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Very High (90+ min/day)
90 minutes per day recommended
Grooming
Moderate - Weekly
Mental Stimulation
★★★★★Needs plenty of mental challenges
Drooling
★★★★★Living Conditions
Cost of Ownership
| Purchase Price | $2,000-$4,000 |
|---|---|
| Annual Cost | $1,800/year |
Costs vary based on location, breeder, and individual needs. Annual costs include food, veterinary care, grooming, and supplies.
Health Considerations
Like all breeds, Saarloos Wolfdogs may be prone to certain health conditions:
Regular veterinary check-ups and proper care can help prevent or manage many health issues.
Best For
- Active Owners
May Not Be Ideal For
- Families with Small Children
- Apartment Living
- First-Time Owners
Guides for your Saarloos Wolfdog
The story behind the Saarloos Wolfdog
The Saarloos Wolfdog originated in the Netherlands, where breeder Leendert Saarloos began crossing a German Shepherd Dog with a female European wolf in the 1930s, hoping to restore what he saw as lost natural hardiness in working dogs. The experiment produced dogs too reserved and independent for the police and service roles he envisioned, but the line continued as a distinct breed, with descendants bred selectively over decades. The Dutch Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1975, shortly after Saarloos's death, naming it in his honor, and FCI recognition followed. The Saarloos has remained uncommon, kept mainly in Europe by dedicated enthusiasts as a companion for experienced homes rather than a working dog.
Originally bred for: Working dog breeding experiment, Guide dog work, Companion. You can trace how working roles shaped today’s breeds across our dog guides.
Feeding a Saarloos Wolfdog
Reserved and athletic, this wolfdog does best with a calm, predictable routine and a feeding spot away from household traffic. A high-quality, meat-rich diet suits the type, with portions adjusted seasonally as appetite often falls in warm months.
Watch for: No formal breed allergy pattern exists. Owners frequently describe selective appetites, stress-linked digestive upset and pronounced seasonal swings in how much is eaten. Given the unusual type, plan diet changes with an experienced veterinarian.
Not sure what to put in the bowl? See our picks for the best dog food for large breeds.
Mealtime extras: training treats worth keeping in your pocket, and a slow feeder bowl if your dog inhales dinner. Everything else lives in our dog nutrition and feeding hub.
Living with a Saarloos Wolfdog
Day to day, the basics matter most: how much exercise your dog needs, how often to get out for a walk, and how much sleep is normal.
For play and enrichment, browse chew toys built for strong jaws and interactive toys for rainy days.
Gear that fits the breed makes life easier: a well-sized dog bed, a properly sized crate.
Raising a puppy? Work through crate training and the teething timeline — or see how old your dog is in human years with our dog age calculator.