Saarloos Wolfdog
Also called Saarlooswolfhond, Dutch Wolfdog, Saarlooswolfhund
From The Netherlands, created by Leendert Saarloos from German Shepherd Dog and wolf crosses.12
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
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
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
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
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
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Saarloos Wolfdog. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- 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
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 Furry Diary 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 Furry Diary plan
How often should I bathe a Saarloos Wolfdog?
Furry Diary'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 Furry Diary 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 Furry Diary 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 Furry Diary plan
How much exercise does a Saarloos Wolfdog need?
This high-energy breed needs long daily walks and room to move. Furry Diary's plan includes daily walks and play, and a secure garden is ideal for extra activity.1 Furry Diary 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 Furry Diary 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 Furry Diary 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 Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- FCI standard no. 311 fci.beused for history, coat, colours, size, temperament
- Wikipedia: Saarloos wolfdog en.wikipedia.orgused for history dates, weight, genetics facts, AKC FSS
- FCI nomenclature: Saarlooswolfhond (311) fci.beused for recognition
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.