GENERAL APPEARANCE OF THE BREED:

The Saarloos Wolfhond 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 more pronounced in dogs and bitches.

BEHAVIOUR:

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 owner 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 Wolfhond and should be retained as typical qualities of the breed. When strangers approach the Saarloos Wolfhond, they should have some understanding for the behaviour of this dog as 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. However, when trust and respect are applied. these are wonderful, loving, family animals who crave nothing more than their owners affection. Deeply loyal and trustworthy, the Saarloos Wolfhond is a natural companion dog.

TEMPERAMENT:

The Saarloos Wolfhond is a dog with special behaviour. It is important to appreiciate this dog not just for its good looks but also to appreciate this dog for its temperament before thinking of adding one to your family. Here are some main characteristics that are important to know.

The Saarloos Wolfhond can be reserved towards strangers;

This behaviour has been retained as typical quality of the breed. A forced or undesired approach by a stranger can lead to an overwhelming desire to flee. This characteristic can be frustrating for strangers, friends or family. If you do not like this behaviour, you should consider choosing another breed. Indeed, even if some saarloos wolfhonds are not reserved towards strangers, you cannot be sure of a puppies temperament before it grows up and becomes an adult. Therefore you should not expect your outgoing puppy to always remain this way with new people and always be prepared for every situation. Early and continued socialisation are vital. Breeders registered with the Saarloos Wolfhond Breed Club UK work hard with positive training methods to socialise all puppies from an early age.

Pack Instincts;

The Saarloos Wolfhond really needs another dog companion. Although his or her "human" make party of his pack, he (she) cannot replace a dog buddy (it will preferably be similar in size for a real playmate, to not become a punching bag). In addition, the majority of Saarloos fear of loneliness and can suffer seperation anxitety so the presence of a dog companion is often essential, especially during your absence.

Prey Drive;

This characteristic depends on the dog. But even if at first glance, the predatory instinct of your Saarloos is not marked, you must always be on guard to avoid a disaster. If accustomed since puppyhood to small animals, it is possible for the Saarloos Wolfhond to obtain a good relationship with small animals (cats, ferrets, rodents, rabbits) or with a little dog. However, accidents can quickly and easily happen. Examples are unfortunately not unusual. Even if your Saarloos is good with your small animals, it will most likely not be the case if the neighbor's cat is on its territory. For children, there is no particular risk. However, commons sense dicates you should never leave a child in infancy or young child alone with a dog, regardless of the breed.

Toilet Training;

Usually, you will need a lot of patience to educate a Saarloos Wolfhond in this regard. You will have to lengthily repeat exercises and maintain this throughout his life. To gain good toileting etiquette, it is not uncommon that the Saarloos Wolfhond be 8-10 months old before this is successfully achieved.

Finally, from a general point of view, the Saarloos Wolfhond is a dog for company, but never a guard dog. However, it can also be a great companion in your sporting activities such as CaniX, Scootering or Agility and all are practiced by various owners of Saarloos Wolfhonds.

The key to success is positive reinforcment training and a commitment to socialisation. Above all be patient. "Patience" seems to be the keyword when deciding to buy a Saarloos Wolfhond.

HEALTH:

Generally speaking Saarloos Wolfhond are a very hardy breed, however certain breed specific genetic diseases have been identified and no two parents dogs carrying these genetic diseases should be paired.

Known genetic faults;

Degenerative Myelopthy

Hip Dysplasia

Elbow Dysplasia

Progressive Retinal Atrophy

Hereditary Cataracts

Pituitary Dwarfism

Ethical breeders of Saarloos Wolfhond will ensure that no two carriers of genetic faults are paired together and therefore all offspring will be unaffected by these genetic faults.