Saarloos Wolfhond — breed guide
A Dutch wolfdog from the 1930s. Bred toward the wolf rather than away from it — the dominant trait is flight, not aggression, which makes it a poor pet and a worse guard dog.
At a glance
- Group
- working
- Size
- Large
- Weight
- 30–45 kg (66–99 lb)
- Life span
- 10–12 years
- Coat
- Dense double coat, wolf-grey to red
Living with a Saarloos Wolfhond
- High energy — needs real exercise every day, not a stroll.
- Light grooming — a brush now and then.
- Heavy shedding, especially in season.
- Can be stubborn.
- Very quiet.
- Better in a home without young children.
- Usually fine with a familiar dog; strange dogs need managing.
- Not a safe bet with cats — this is prey drive rather than a training problem.
- Not well suited to a flat — space, exercise need or voice works against it.
- Better with previous experience behind you.
- Average heat tolerance.
- Built for cold weather.
Temperament
Reserved · Cautious · Loyal · Flighty with strangers
Health to watch
- Hip dysplasia
- Degenerative myelopathy
- Spondylosis
Owner-logged information shared via Leash Life is not veterinary advice; ask your vet about screening for these.
Questions people ask
Is a Saarloos Wolfhond good with kids?
Usually not the first pick for a home with small children. Older, calmer households suit this breed better.
Is a Saarloos Wolfhond good with cats?
Usually not. This is prey drive rather than a training problem — a cat that runs can trigger it in a dog that is otherwise impeccably behaved.
How much exercise does a Saarloos Wolfhond need?
An hour or more of proper exercise every day.
Can a Saarloos Wolfhond handle hot weather?
About average — use normal hot-day sense.
Leash Life keeps a Saarloos Wolfhond's day — walks, meals, meds, weight — in one shared feed for the whole household, and warns on the walk weather this breed can't take. Free to start.