Saarloos Wolfdog at a glance
- Height
- 60–75 cm
Typical for the breed, not a promise about any one dog. Not assessed yet: Size, Typical adult weight, Exercise, Grooming, Shedding, Barking, Home, Garden, Time alone, Owner experience, Children, Other dogs, Cats and small pets, Typical lifespan.
Is the Saarloos Wolfdog right for you?
Like every breed, the Saarloos Wolfdog is not the right fit for every home. Based on the breed’s typical traits:
May suit you if…
Consider another breed if…
- You want a dog that picks up training quickly.
- You would like a calm, laid-back dog.
How would the Saarloos Wolfdog fit your lifestyle?
Choose a few details for a general, non-guaranteed view.
About the Saarloos Wolfdog
The Saarloos Wolfdog is a strongly built dog whose body, movement and coat are reminiscent of a wolf. It has quite long legs without looking leggy, a wedge-shaped head, yellow almond-shaped eyes and pricked ears. It is a lively, independent dog that is typically devoted to its owner.
Key characteristics
General breed tendencies, not a prediction for an individual dog.
- Size
Not assessed yet
Our sources do not say enough yet.
- Exercise
Not assessed yet
Our sources do not say enough yet.
- Energy level
Very lively
Very lively and usually keen to be busy.
- Grooming
Not assessed yet
Our sources do not say enough yet.
- Shedding
Not assessed yet
Our sources do not say enough yet.
- Trainability
Independent
Can be independent-minded; patient training helps.
- Good with children
Not assessed yet
Our sources do not say enough yet.
- Good with other dogs
Not assessed yet
Our sources do not say enough yet.
- Good with cats
Not assessed yet
Our sources do not say enough yet.
- Suits first-time owners
Not assessed yet
Our sources do not say enough yet.
- Barking / vocality
Not assessed yet
Our sources do not say enough yet.
- Time alone
Not assessed yet
Our sources do not say enough yet.
The breed was created in the Netherlands by Leendert Saarloos, a nature lover and German Shepherd Dog enthusiast who felt dogs had become too humanised. In 1932 he crossed a German Shepherd Dog with a female wolf of Siberian origin, then bred back to the father, producing dogs that were a quarter wolf.
Some early dogs worked as guide dogs for the blind, but as the proportion of wolf blood increased, the breed proved unsuited to working or guide work. It was recognised in 1975 and named in honour of its founder. It was not bred for any particular job; instead it is described as a faithful and reliable companion and house dog.
Saarloos Wolfdog temperament
Saarloos Wolfdogs are typically lively and full of energy, with a proud, independent character. They are known to follow their own will first.
With their owner they are usually devoted and highly reliable. With strangers they can be reserved and often do not seek contact, and a wolf-like tendency to avoid unfamiliar situations is considered typical of the breed.
Size and appearance
This is a tall dog. Males typically stand 65–75 cm at the withers and females 60–70 cm.
The coat changes a great deal with the seasons. In winter a thick undercoat forms a profuse coat with a distinct ruff around the neck; in summer the outer guard hairs dominate. Colours range from light to dark wolf-grey and from light to dark brown, with pale cream to white markings on the underside and legs.
How much exercise does a Saarloos Wolfdog need?
The Saarloos Wolfdog is an untiring trotter that can easily cover long distances at its own pace, with a light-footed, energy-saving movement.
Training a Saarloos Wolfdog
Because these dogs are independent and tend to obey their own will first, training is unlikely to be straightforward, and the breed's typical reserve with strangers and wariness of new situations is worth bearing in mind from the start.
What health checks should you ask about?
Responsible breeders and rescues are happy to talk about health, and any pressure to decide quickly is a reason to walk away. Before taking a Saarloos Wolfdog home, it is reasonable to ask about:
- Health testing of the parents. Ask which health tests the parents have had for conditions known in the breed, and to see the results.
- Veterinary and vaccination records. Puppies should have had a first vaccination and a vet check, with records you can take home.
- Microchip information. In England, Scotland and Wales puppies must be microchipped and registered by eight weeks old. Ask who the chip is registered to and how the transfer works.
- Registration paperwork. Registration papers, where they apply, record pedigree. They do not by themselves prove health or how a puppy was raised.
How much does a Saarloos Wolfdog cost to own?
There are two costs: bringing a Saarloos Wolfdog home, and looking after one well. Puppy prices depend on the breeder, health testing and demand; the adverts below show what sellers are asking today.
Ongoing costs are the ones new owners most often underestimate: food, insurance (which usually rises with age), routine vet care, vaccinations and parasite treatment, dental care, grooming, training, bedding and equipment, and boarding or a sitter for holidays. Budget for the whole of the dog’s life, not just the first year.
Buying a Saarloos Wolfdog
If you have decided the Saarloos Wolfdog suits your life, take the same care choosing where your dog comes from. Meet the puppy in person, see it with its mother, and look at how the litter is raised.
- Check who you are dealing with: every Mypetzilla advert shows the seller type and what we have checked.
- Ask about health testing, vaccinations and the microchip before you commit.
- Take your time. Do not be rushed by deposits or "last one left" stories.
- Meet in person before paying anything, and keep conversations on Mypetzilla.
Adopting a Saarloos Wolfdog
Saarloos Wolfdogs do come up for adoption, through rescue organisations, breed rescues and private rehoming, often because an owner’s circumstances have changed rather than any fault of the dog. An adult dog arrives as a known quantity: its size, coat and character are already on show.
Rescues will usually talk you through the dog’s history, any medical care, and the home it needs, including children, other animals and time alone. Be honest about your circumstances: a good rescue would rather place a dog once, well.
Saarloos Wolfdogs looking for homes
Live from Mypetzilla, updated as pets are listed.
There are no Saarloos Wolfdog adverts at the moment.
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Saarloos Wolfdog FAQs
Is the Saarloos Wolfdog easy to train?
Can be independent-minded; patient training helps. Kind, reward-based training works best.
How big does the Saarloos Wolfdog get?
Adults typically stand 60–75 cm at the shoulder.