Birth Name: Millar
Alias: Mil
Gender: Male
Breed: Saarlooswolfhond
Years: Two
Owner: None
Status: Pound
Build: Muscular, slender, broad
Weight: 85 lbs
Height: 25½ inches
Group: Herding
Descriptive: Medium length, rare coat of ebony colouration covered brawny torso, exceptions made for beige facial and stomach, not to forget whipcord's tip. Random ashen marking blotted muzzle, shades varying before a white strip split it from the damp black narse. Large, erect ears which pricked from dome were similar to the German Shepherd's. Around his broad, powerful neck was a loose leather collar; It's end hung from the metallic clip as it was too long, bending a bit. Shiny copper plates dangled from the rounded silver, on them was the needed information. Well-muscled shoulders gave way to long, slender legs with a bit of feathering. Paws were abnormally large compared to the average dog, yet being a Saarlooswolfhond it was almost regular, the fact they pointed slightly outward gave yet another hint of the breed.
Training: None.
Temperament: Slightly shy around unknown furres, and can become aggressive when frightened or irritated. Millar would be in need of a patient owner with lots of time on their hands to spend with him, earn his trust and loyalty and to train him. Hardly anxious to learn, his obedience isn't great and he would be a lot of work. When his trust is earned, he will act more kindly of their presence, therefore be more willing.
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years.
Exercise: This breed needs a lot of daily exercise and adequate space.
Grooming: The weather resistant coat of the Saarlooswolfhond should be combed and brushed regularly. Bathe only when necessary as it removes the natural oils in the skin.
Saarlooswolfhond Temperament: This dog is only for the lover of the old canine ways, as it retains in a limited state some of the wolf-like and /or ancient canine ways - including an intense pack instinct, tendency towards shyness, and a need to roam or at least have adequate space. They are exceptionally strong-willed and do not take well to obedience or schutzhund work. They are still pack-oriented and need a strong leader and a social atmosphere. Not recommended as a child companion. They are not suitable for kennel life. Seclusion intensifies anti-social behavior, and the dogs panic if locked in an enclosure. Owners must establish the dominant alpha position, be willing to spend a great deal of time with them, and train with patience. The breed is quiet, seldom barking, alerting homeowners in other ways. They do well in packs, with a leader emerging and keeping order. Problems can occur, however, if a dog who does not understand the established order is introduced to the pack. The club's publication notes that most owners of the breed have at least two to provide the necessary "pack."
Possible Health Problems: The Saarlooswolfhond Association is very strict in its requirements against hip dysplasia, spondylosis of the spine and other health and temperament problems. Casual breeding is discouraged.
Origin: In 1921 a Dutch breeder, Leendert Saarloos, began a lifelong experiment to improve trainability in the German Shepherd Dog by introducing zoo-kept wolf blood. The first dog-to-wolf cross was unsuccessful. He thought that the germs which were so debilitating and even fatal to dogs would not affect the wolf, but his theory was immediately proven wrong when the zoo animal died from a virus. Fortunately for his program, the zoo provided another wolf, and his plan began to unfold. Through continued attempts and diligent selection, near success was achieved. Some of his dogs were used as guides for the blind and some attempted to do police work but were not successful. Although trainability was not improved, this breed was recognized in 1975, six years after Leendert Saarloos's death. This rare Dutch breed is easier to train, more amenable to urban life, and more responsive than the Czech Wolfdog. This is probably due, in part, to its longer history of selective breeding, but also because the pack-oriented Canadian Timber Wolf, rather than the lone-hunting Carpathian Wolf, has been included in its genetic background. The Saarlooswolfhond can be used as a small game hunter. It is rarely seen outside the Netherlands. The Saarlooswolfhond club is almost completely unavailable outside of Holland. This is because the the club wants to better control the breeds breeding and limits the breed to a single 500 mile radius.