Pet Wiki

Saarloos Wolfdog

Also called Saarlooswolfhond, Dutch Wolfdog, Saarlooswolfhund

Lively and self-reliant, it likes to make its own choices but is dependable and very attached to its people.

SizeLarge
Height60 to 75 cm (24 to 30 in)males 65 to 75 cm, females 60 to 70 cm12
CoatShort, dense, seasonal
OriginThe Netherlands, created by Leendert Saarloos from German Shepherd Dog and wolf crosses.12
GroupFCI group 1
Recognised breedShort profile
Deeply loyal to its owners
Energetic and independent
Striking wolf-like looks
12

Personality what they are like

Lively and self-reliant, it likes to make its own choices but is dependable and very attached to its people. It is naturally reserved with strangers and tends to step back from unfamiliar situations, so early and thorough socialisation matters.12

Coat and looks how to spot one

short, dense, seasonal

A tall, muscular dog with long legs and a strongly wolf-like outline and wedge-shaped head. The weatherproof coat changes with the seasons, carrying a thick undercoat in winter and mostly guard hair in summer.12

Colourswolf greyforest brownwhite12

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Saarloos Wolfdog. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • Brushingevery week
  • Bathevery 8 weeks
  • Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
  • Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
  • Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
  • ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
  • Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
  • Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 7every year

Daily activity how busy a day looks

A high-energy breed that needs long daily walks and room to move.1

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Regular brushing, with extra work during the seasonal changes of coat.1

Home where they are happiest

A calm home with a secure garden and an experienced owner suits it best.12

Company who they like around

Needs plenty of socialisation, ideally starting before 12 weeks of age, and close contact with its family.2

The story where it all began

Dutch breeder Leendert Saarloos crossed a German Shepherd Dog with a female Siberian wolf in the 1930s (1932 per the FCI, 1935 per Wikipedia), hoping to bring back natural qualities in working dogs. The Dutch Kennel Club recognised the breed in 1975, and the FCI followed in 1981.12

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    Saarloos first hoped his dogs would become guide dogs for the blind.1

  2. 2

    A 2015 DNA study found it more closely related to grey wolves than any other breed tested.2

  3. 3

    Genomic work in 2019 estimated its wolf ancestry at roughly 18-33%.2

  4. 4

    Its coat is noticeably different in winter and summer.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed is named after its creator, Mr. Leendert Saarloos, who developed it in the 1930s by crossing a German Shepherd Dog with a female wolf. The Dutch Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1975 as 'Saarlooswolfdog', after its creator.2

Name ideas for your new friend

ValkoFenrirLunaZefNoorStormYaraBramSikaWolfDaanFreya

A day in the life told by a Saarloos Wolfdog

I woke to the sound of the back door clicking open, my signal that our morning walk was about to begin. I stretched, my tail wagging slowly as I padded to my human's side. They knelt to scratch my ears, and I leaned in, happy to be with them. We walked through the misty fields, and I kept a respectful distance from the sheep, as I always do. My human trusts me, and I trust them. We passed a stranger, and I stepped closer to my human, giving a low, calm look until the person passed. Back home, I lay by the window, watching the world go by. When my human settled on the couch, I rested my head on their lap. They smiled, and I knew, this is my pack, and I'm exactly where I belong.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI
Standard no. 311, Group 1 (Sheepdogs and Cattledogs), Section 1 Sheepdogs; definitive acceptance 18 November 1981, current standard 3 November 2014.3
Dutch Kennel Club (Raad van Beheer)
Recognised in 1975.1
AKC
Added to the Foundation Stock Service in April 2026 (per Wikipedia).2

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Frozen Yoghurt & Berry Kong Stuffing

A cooling, low-calorie treat that’s perfect for large dogs who love to lick and work for their food. Blueberries provide antioxidants, and plain yoghurt is gentle on the stomach.

You need

  • 120g plain Greek yoghurt (unsweetened, no additives)
  • 50g fresh or frozen blueberries (chopped if large)

How

  1. Mix the yoghurt and blueberries together in a small bowl.
  2. Spoon the mixture into a Kong or similar treat-dispensing toy.
  3. Place the stuffed Kong upright in a cup or on a tray in the freezer.
  4. Freeze for at least 3-4 hours or until solid.
  5. Give to your dog as a supervised treat.

How much: One stuffed Kong per day for a large/giant dog, reducing their dinner portion accordingly.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Simple Apple & Carrot Crunchies

Crunchy, low-calorie treats that help clean teeth and provide vitamins. Apple and carrot are safe for dogs in moderation and are naturally sweet.

You need

  • 1 medium apple (cored, seeds removed)
  • 1 medium carrot

How

  1. Wash the apple and carrot thoroughly.
  2. Core the apple and remove all seeds (seeds contain trace cyanide).
  3. Slice both into thin, bite-sized pieces suitable for your dog’s size.
  4. Serve raw as a crunchy treat, or lightly steam the carrot if your dog prefers softer textures.

How much: Give a few slices per day for a large/giant dog, ensuring treats make up no more than 10% of daily calories.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Saarloos Wolfdog, and at what times?

Feed adult Saarloos Wolfdogs at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. Stick to regular times, and always follow the food label and your vet's advice for amounts.14 Pet Wiki plan

What should a Saarloos Wolfdog eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality dog food suitable for a high-energy breed. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and raw bones. Ask your vet for a complete list.15 Pet Wiki plan

How often should I bathe a Saarloos Wolfdog?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 8 weeks, but you can bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty. Use a gentle dog shampoo and avoid over-bathing to protect the coat's natural oils.16 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Saarloos Wolfdog need brushing?

Brush your Saarloos Wolfdog weekly, and more often during seasonal coat changes to manage shedding. This keeps the weatherproof coat healthy and reduces loose hair.16 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Saarloos Wolfdog's nails, and how often?

Trim nails every 4 weeks, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part), and use proper dog nail clippers.16 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Saarloos Wolfdog need?

This high-energy breed needs long daily walks and room to move. Pet Wiki's plan includes daily walks and play, and a secure garden is ideal for extra activity.1 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Saarloos Wolfdog's teeth and ears?

Brush teeth daily with dog toothpaste, and check ears weekly for moisture or dirt. Gently dry floppy ears to prevent infections, and never push anything into the ear canal.16 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Saarloos Wolfdog live?

Lifespan varies, but with good care, many Saarloos Wolfdogs live around 10 to 12 years. Senior years usually start around age 7, so regular vet checkups are important.1 Pet Wiki plan

Is a Saarloos Wolfdog good with children and other pets?

This breed is naturally reserved with strangers and needs early, thorough socialisation. With proper training and introductions, it can be dependable with its family, but always supervise interactions with children and other pets.12

Can a Saarloos Wolfdog be left alone?

This breed is very attached to its people and needs close contact, so it may struggle with long periods alone. Early socialisation and gradual alone-time training can help, but it's best suited to owners who are home often.12

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

  1. FCI standard no. 311 fci.beused for history, coat, colours, size, temperament
  2. Wikipedia: Saarloos wolfdog en.wikipedia.orgused for history dates, weight, genetics facts, AKC FSS
  3. FCI nomenclature: Saarlooswolfhond (311) fci.beused for recognition
  4. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  5. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  6. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.