Saarloos Wolfdog

From Pet Encyclopedia

Saarloos Wolfdog

Origin of Breed

Netherlands

Breed Nick Names

Saarloos Wolfhound

[edit] Introduction

Recently introduced into the UK, the Saarloos Wolfdog is currently not recognised by the UK Kennel Club - but may be at a future date. The breed was recognised by the Dutch Kennel Club in 1975 and internationally by the FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale) in 1981.

[edit] Origin and History

The Saarloos Wolfdog breed was started in Holland in the 1920’s, by Leendert Saarloos and was created by crossing a female European Wolf, “Fleur”, with a GSD male, “Gerard van Fransenum”. Three litters produced a total of 28 puppies from which 3 were selected, with the assistance of a geneticist, for breeding back into GSD bloodlines. In 1963 a wolf was mated with the descendants the wolfcross offspring and later amalgamated with the original 1920’s bloodlines culminating in the modern Saarloos Wolfdog breed. The breed was recognised by the Dutch Kennel Club in 1975 and internationally by the FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale) in 1981.

[edit] Appearance

GENERAL APPEARANCE : The Saarloos is a strongly built dog whose outer appearance (body build, movement and coat) are reminiscent of a wolf. His construction is balanced and he has quite long limbs without giving the appearance of being long-legged. The different secondary sexual characteristics are pronounced in dogs and bitches.

IMPORTANT PROPORTIONS : The Saarloos is longer than its height. The upper jaw and skull have a relation in length of 1 to 1 to each other.

[edit] Temperament

BEHAVIOUR /TEMPERAMENT : A lively dog, bursting with energy, with evidence of a proud independent character. He obeys only of his own free will; he is not submissive. Towards his master he is devoted and reliable to a high degree. Towards strangers he is reserved and somewhat suspicious. His reserve and wolf-like wish to flee in unknown situations, are typical for the Saarloos Wolfdog and should be retained as typical qualities of the breed. When strangers approach the Saarloos, they should have some understanding for the behaviour of this dog, for his reserve and wish to flee, qualities which he carries as his inheritance. A forced, undesired approach by a stranger can lead to an overwhelming desire to flee. The suppression of this inclination, for instance through lack of freedom in a dog kept on a lead, can make his behaviour appear nervous.

[edit] Health

Excellent health, very active and athletic. No hip displacia. Pituitary Dwarfism (hypopituitarism) is fairly common as in GSD, and is a recessive gene.[1]

[edit] External Links

http://www.cry-wolf.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=29&Itemid=62

[edit] References

FCI-Standard N° 311 / 22. 01.1999

SAARLOOS