Rare Breed Monday; Saarloos Wolfdog

Image from dogbreedslist.info

The Saarloos Wolfdog is a Dutch breed of dog known for being a faithful and reliable companion and house dog. This is a young breed, established in the 1930s through breeding German Shepherds with wolves, and the first generation had about 1/4 wolf. Since then, the breed has kept an outer appearance reminiscent of a wolf.

They are lively, energetic, and independent, but also extremely reliable and devoted to their family. They are also known to be suspicious towards strangers and prone to flee any unwanted contact. These dogs require a fair amount of exercise, and are happier in the countryside or in a house with a big yard than in the city.

Saarloos Wolfdogs are large - males often weigh around 90 lbs - and they live to be around twelve years old. They do shed, especially in spring and fall when changing between summer and winter coats. They are known to be good with children, and are generally friendly with other dogs.