Saarlooswolfhond

Saarlooswolfhond

The Saarlooswolfhond (Dutch for "Saarloos Wolfdog") is a breed of large dogs with relatively wolflike appearance and behavior, such as strong pack instincts.

History

In 1921, Dutch breeder Leendert Saarloos started crossbreeding a German Shepherd Dog male to a female Eurasian Wolf (Canis lupus lupus). He aimed for an improved version of the German Shepherd, and succeeded so far that the Saarlooswolfdog we know is a strong imposing dog, but they kept their wolflike characteristics; they are cautious, reserved and lack the ferocity to attack; it is not the dog that Leendert Saarloos hoped to get. Until he died in 1969 Leendert Saarloos was in full control over the breeding of "his" European wolfdog. The Dutch Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1975. To honor its creator they changed the name to "Saarlooswolfdog". In 1981 the breed was recignized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI). In the past some Saarlooswolfdogs were trained as guide dogs for the blind and rescue dogs.

See also

• Czechoslovakian Wolfdog
• Tamaskan Dog
• Utonagan

External links

• Dutch Association of Saarlooswolfhonden
• German Association of Saarlooswolfhonden