Saarlooswolfdog
What is a saarlooswolfdog?
The Saarlooswolfdog is a powerful, balanced dog in appearance, physique and gait reminiscent of a wolf. The character of the wolf: an attentive, gentle dog, very affectionate towards his pack, reserved with strangers and unfamiliar circumstances.
Origin
The Saarlooswolfdog is named after its "creator" Leendert Saarloos (1884-1969). Leendert Saarloos wanted to improve his favourite pure-bred dog, the German Shepherd, with the aim of an ideal house dog and working dog. So he decided the German Shepherd cross with a wolf. A strange thought, because example experiments were unsuccessful: the results of these crosses were in fact shy and did not meet the goal that Leendert Saarloos pursued. After several years of experimentation Leendert Saarloos came to that same conclusion. He the idea came to him that the dogs because of their natural caution might be suitable as guide dogs for the blind. After the founding of a guide dog school, the Saarlooswolfdogs were used as guide dogs on a limited scale. Today we don't see the Saarlooswolfdog work in this way. We can't classify the breed as a working dog any more. The Saarlooswolfdog is a real family dog and a true companion, with a reliable and affectionate nature. The purpose of Leendert Saarloos to create a special working dog wasn't achieved. However, he has been able to create a breed of dog that is close to nature and that still has many natural qualities which has disappeared in most other breeds.
Recognition
Leendert Saarloos wanted his 'breed' to be recognized.
In 1942 he tried to get his so called 'European wolfdog' accredited by the Dutch Kennel Club (Raad van Beheer op Kynologisch Gebied). It did not work. Only in 1975, Leendert Saarloos was already deceased, his breed got the long-awaited (Dutch) recognition. The breed was named Saarlooswolfdog. In 1977 followed the official recognition by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI).
Character
It's not just the appearance of the Saarlooswolfdog looks like a wolf, also inwardly.
The Saarlooswolfdog is a observant, cautious dog, very affectionate towards his pack, reserved when it comes to strangers and unfamiliar circumstances. The natural instinct to flee will dominate over the instinct to attack in the Saarlooswolfdog. Therefore this dog unsuitable as a guard and defence dog. The Saarlooswolfdog is not a dog suitable for everyone! His strong will, which requires consistency, requires a lot of patience and love to teach him good behaviour and obedience. He will never slavishly obedient. He makes his own considerations. Due to his independent nature, which is slightly wayward, he is generally not a dog who scores high in obedience training. The Saarlooswolfdog prefers being with his pack, his family. To children, the Saarlooswolfdog a reliable comrade, who like no other will feel their moods and then responds. Through his remarkable personality, this dog is more than just the dog of the family: he real is a family member.
Appearance
The Saarlooswolfdog is a powerful, harmoniously built dog. His appearance, build, gait and hair reminiscent of a wolf. The Saarlooswolfdog is most common in the colours 'wolf-gray' and 'forest-brown'. The colours cream-white and white do rarely occur. The height varies in males of 25.6-29.5 inches and bitches from 23.6-27.6 inches
The Saarlooswolfdog: a dog for you?
The best home for the Saarlooswolfdog is with people who have enough time for him. The Saarlooswolfdog expects a lot of attention as a typical pack-animal. Due to the strong bond to the pack, the Saarlooswolfdog always wants to be with his people. It goes without saying that this dog is completely unsuitable as dog kennel. The Saarlooswolfdog is a dog for people who can and wants to enjoy his qualities that are so close to nature. When you know how to respect and accept his reserved, gallant and social personality, the Saarlooswolfdog will reward you abundantly with an exceptional relationship. Living together with a Saarlooswolfdog is a wonderful and unique experience.
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