Saarloos wolfhond

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN Netherlands
MOST SUITED AS Family pet.

SIZE The shoulder height is 65 - 75cm (251/2 - 291/2in) for dogs and 60 - 70cm (231/2 - 271/2in) for bitches.

COAT
The coat is smooth and to be found in wolf grey, forest brown, cream, and white. The most usual colours are wolf grey and forest brown.

CARE REQUIRED
The coat is easily looked after. The type of comb available for German Shepherds is ideal for their grooming. Comb regularly and keep the inside of the ears clean.

CHARACTER
This intelligent, careful, and alert dog has a good scenting nose, and affectionate.

TRAINING
Early mixing with other dogs, animals and people is necessary - before the tenth week - if this breed is to grow up as a well-balanced dog. Let it be acquainted with all manner of situations in a positive way.
They learn commands easily but this is not a breed from which to expect absolute obedience.

SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR
These are really sociable dogs and they present no problem with other dogs or with children. If the early contacts have been well handled, the Saarloos Wolfhound will behave perfectly. They tend to be cautious about both strangers and new situations.

EXERCISE
The breed has a fairly average need for exercise. If the occasion arises in which you are forced to miss a walk one day, it will accept it without fuss.

GENERAL
Saarloos Wolfhounds are healthy dogs. For a dog of its size it can live to be quite old - thirteen or fourteen years old is not uncommon. The breed is little known outside its native country and is a comparatively recent arrival, having been bred by crossing German Shepherds with Wolves.

The Czech Wolfhound is an apart breed that also came into existence in a similar way. Both dogs have similar characters, although it is considered that the Czech breed is rather tougher and more independent in character.