The 'Saarlooswolfhond' (Dutch Saarloos Wolfdog) is a large breed 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 European Wolf. He aimed for an improved version of the German shepherd, and succeeded so far that the Saarlooswolfdog we know is a strong, imposant dog, but they retained their wolflike characteristics; they are cautious, reserved and lack the ferocity to attack; it is not the dog Leendert Saarloos hoped it to be. Till his death in 1969 Leendert Saarloos was in full control over the breeding of "his" European wolfdog.

It was not until 1975 that the Dutch Kennel Club recognized the breed. To honor it's creator they changed the name to "Saarlooswolfdog". (in 1981 the breed was FCI acknowledged). In the past some Saarlooswolfdogs were trained as guide dogs for the blind and rescue dogs.




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