How to Identify a Saarloos Wolfdog

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Last Updated: September 15, 2021

The Saarloos Wolfdog is a wolf hybrid breed of dog initially resulting from mixing a German Shepherd with a wolf.^{[1]
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Research source} Because they are part wolf, Saarloos Wolfdogs have noticeably wolf-like traits and behaviors, though they do share traits with other breeds of dog. This wikiHow will help you identify a Saarloos Wolfdog by recognizing the breed's unique traits.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Examining the Structure

Male Saarloos Wolfdogs have a height of about 65–75 centimetres (26–30 in), while females stand at about 60–70 centimetres (24–28 in) in height. It is possible for one to be slightly taller.^{[2]
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The head of a Saarloos Wolfdog is broad and flat. It is typically wedge-shaped with a slight stop where it meets the muzzle.^{[3]
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A Saarloos Wolfdog's eyes are almond-shaped and yellow in color. They have well-fitting lids and are set slightly oblique. The eyes give the dog an alert but reserved expression and add to the dog's wolf-like appearance.^{[4]
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Saarloos Wolfdogs have medium-sized, triangular ears that are pricked erect. The ears are firm with fur inside and are rounded at the tips. They are set at the dog's eye level and are used to express many of the dog's emotions.^{[5]
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The muzzle of a Saarloos Wolfdog is slightly wedge-shaped and tapers. The nose is well-pigmented, with black-tipped dogs having black noses and brown-tipped dogs having liver-colored noses. The lips are tight-fitting, and the jaws are well-developed, with the teeth meeting in a strong or very close-fitting scissors bite.^{[6]
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Saarloos Wolfdogs have hare feet, making the paws appear longer. The paws are arched and well-muscled with pads that are strongly developed. They may turn slightly outward when the dog is standing.^{[7]
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A Saarloos Wolfdog's tail is broad and profusely covered in fur. It is slightly low-set and reaches at least the dog's hocks. The tail is normally carried with a slight curve or almost straight, though it may be carried slightly higher if the dog is excited.^{[8]
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The Saarloos Wolfdog is a balanced and strongly built dog that resembles a wolf in appearance. Saarloos Wolfdogs have a well-muscled neck, a moderately broad chest, well-sprung ribs, a straight back, and well-muscled, parallel legs. They walk with a light-footed and energy-conserving trot.^{[9]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Checking the Coat

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Recognize a seasonal coat. Depending on the season, a Saarloos Wolfdog may be sporting either a summer or winter coat. Both coats are noticeably different than the other.^{[10]
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- In warmer seasons, the dog has a summer coat, where the topcoat predominates over the undercoat.^{[11]
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- In colder seasons, the dog has a winter coat, where the undercoat mainly predominates over the topcoat, giving the dog a profuse coat that covers the whole body and a distinct ruff around the neck.^{[12]
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Saarloos Wolfdogs may have one of two coat patterns. The coat may be either light to dark shaded black-tipped game color (also called "wolf grey") or light to dark shaded brown-tipped game color.^{[13]
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A Saarloos Wolfdog may have cream or white markings. These markings that resemble those of a wolf may appear on the underside of the body, the inner side of the limbs, the backside of the legs, on the breeches, and under the tail. One may also have darker shades on the outsides of the limbs and an expressive mask.^{[14]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Recognizing Temperament

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Watch for affection. With proper socialization, a Saarloos Wolfdog may show many signs of affection. They enjoy the company of people and form strong bonds with them.^{[15]
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- If left alone for too long, they are prone to feeling lonely and having separation anxiety.^{[17]
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Did you know? One behavioral trait that Saarloos Wolfdogs share with wolves is their desire to be in a pack. Because of this, they do best in households with at least one other animal or person present at most times.^{[16]
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Perhaps surprisingly, Saarloos Wolfdogs are a fairly gentle breed. Their gentleness can allow them to be good therapy or guide dogs.^{[18]
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Saarloos Wolfdogs are overall very intelligent and quick to learn if properly trained. Their strong-willed personalities combined with their smarts make them respond best to a firm trainer.^{[19]
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Though Saarloos Wolfdogs typically bond with their families, they may be suspicious toward strangers. They are fairly reserved around unfamiliar people and may try to avoid them.^{[20]
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Saarloos Wolfdogs have a fair amount of energy that requires a large play space. Their energy levels make them enthusiastic and pleasant to be around while still being moderately calm.^{[21]
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Tips

Consider DNA testing if you wish to identify the breed of your own dog. A DNA test will confirm if your dog is a wolf hybrid, such as a Saarloos Wolfdog.

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