Saarloos Wolfdog
Description
Ever wonder what it’s like to own a dog that looks like a wolf but acts like a devoted companion? The Saarloos Wolfdog is a striking breed born in the Netherlands during the 1930s by Leendert Saarloos, who crossed a German Shepherd with a Eurasian Grey Wolf. This mix gave rise to a dog with a dense, medium-length double coat in colors like wolf gray, red, agouti, white, or parti-color. They carry a wild look but are still very much dogs. These dogs are reserved and independent, often bonding deeply with their family while staying cautious around strangers. They’re protective but rarely aggressive, and their vocal nature means you’ll hear plenty of howls and barks. With weights ranging from 66 to 90 pounds, they’re solidly built and need plenty of mental and physical outlets to stay content. Could you handle a dog that’s part wolf, part loyal friend?
Grooming
The Saarloos Wolfdog’s dense double coat needs regular attention to keep it healthy and looking its best. Brushing three times a week is essential, especially during heavy shedding seasons in spring and fall when the undercoat sheds heavily. Using an undercoat rake helps remove dead fur and prevents mats. Bathing every 4 to 6 weeks is ideal, and blow-drying afterward can really help reduce loose hair around your home. - Brush 3× weekly, more in shedding seasons - Use an undercoat rake to remove dead fur - Bathe every 4–6 weeks, blow-dry for best results - Check ears and trim nails regularly Pro tip: Blow-drying after baths not only speeds drying but also loosens dead undercoat, making your next brushing much easier. Saarloos Wolfdogs come in wolf gray, red, agouti, white, and parti-color, so keep an eye out for any staining on lighter coats and clean gently as needed. Keeping up with grooming helps manage their heavy seasonal shedding and keeps their coat wolf-like and healthy.
Learn the Dense routine:
→ Complete Dense Grooming Guide
Walking
How much exercise does a Saarloos Wolfdog really need? Plan on about 100 minutes of walking daily, split into two sessions. These dogs thrive on routine and variety, so mixing a brisk morning walk with a longer, exploratory evening stroll works well. They enjoy sniffing and tracking scents, so giving them time to explore safely is a must. A typical day might look like this: a 30-minute brisk walk in the morning to burn off some energy, followed by a 70-minute hike or off-leash play session in a secure area later. This breed’s strong prey drive means leash control is important, especially near small animals or wildlife. Without enough exercise, they can become bored and vocal. Remember, it’s not just about distance but mental engagement. Adding scent games or training during walks keeps their minds sharp and helps prevent unwanted behaviors. Who wouldn’t want a dog that’s both physically and mentally satisfied?
Boarding
Boarding a Saarloos Wolfdog requires some thoughtful preparation. They need a large crate—at least 48 inches—to accommodate their size comfortably. Because they’re active and vocal, providing two active play sessions daily plus scent or brain games is key to keeping them happy and calm. Avoid small-animal toys to prevent triggering their prey drive, and make sure fencing is secure to keep them safe. Staff should introduce themselves slowly and predictably, as these dogs can be reserved and wary of strangers. A consistent routine helps reduce stress. They enjoy enrichment activities that challenge their intelligence and natural instincts, so puzzle feeders and scent work are great options. These dogs aren’t fans of chaos, so a calm environment with clear boundaries works best. Wouldn’t you want your wolf-like companion to feel safe and engaged while you’re away? With the right setup, boarding can be a positive experience for both dog and caregiver.