Appearence The
Saarloos
Multi kamp. Ylang Ylang de Louba-Tar
Standard
FCI N° 311/ 22.01.1999/ GB
SAARLOOSWOLFDOG
(Origin The Netherlands)
Temperament
A lively dog, bursting with energy, with evidence
of a proud independent character. He obeyes only of his free will; he is not submissive.
Towards his master he is devoted and reliable to a high degree. Towards strangers he is reserved
and somewhat suspicious. His reserve and wolf-like wish to flee in unknown situations, are
typical for the Saarloos and should be retained as typical qualities of the breed. When
strangers approach the Saarloos, they should have some understanding for the behaviour of this
dog, for his reserve and wish to flee, qualities which he carries as his inheritance. A
forced, undesired approach by a stranger can lead to an inclination, for instance through lack
of freedom in a dog kept on a lead, can make his behaviour appear nervous.
General appearance
The Saarloos is a strongly built dog whose outer appearance (body build, movement and
coat) are reminiscent of a wolf. His construction is balanced and he has quite long limbs
without giving the appearance of being long-legged. The different secondary sexual
characteristics are pronounced in dogs and bitches.
Height varies in the Saarloos male dogs: 65
to 75 cm and bitches 60 to 70 cm, slight deviantions upwards are permissible.
Head
The
head should give a wolf-like impression and its size should be in harmonious relation to the
body. Seen from above and from the side, the head is wedge-shaped. The line from the muzzle to
the well developed zygomatic arch is very characteristics. Toghether with the correct shape and
position of the eye, this line gives the desired wolf-like appearance.
Eyes
Preferably yellow, almond shaped. Set slightly oblique, not protruding and not round, with well
fitting lids. The expression is alert, reserved but not anxious . The eye is a very typical
characteristic of the breed which emphasizes the desired wolf-like appearance.
Ears
Medium size, fleshy, triangular with rounded tip.
The ear is set on at the level of the eyes. The ears are very mobile and express the emotions
and the feeling of the Saarloos.
Neck
Dry
and well muscled, merging with the back in a very flowing line. Just as flowing is the line from
the throat to the chest. The neck can, especially with a winter coat, be adorned by a beautiful
collar (ruff). The skin of the throat is minimal and not conspicuous. It is typical of the
Saarlooswolfdog that at a relaxed trot, head and neck form an almost horizontal line.
Tail
Broad and profusely coated at set on reaching at
least to the hocks. Appears slightly low set, which is often accentuated by a slight depression
at the set on. The tail is carried lightly curved in sabre shape or almost straight. It may be
varried slightly higher in excitement or when the dog is trotting.
Forequarters
Legs are straight and well muscled. Bone is oval in cross-section and not too coarse. Legs
rather show a certain grace in relation to the body.
Hindquarters
Normal
position of pelvis. Due to low tail set on, which is often accentuated by a slight depression,
the pelvis, however often appears to be placed more obliquely. The angulation of the
hindquarters is in balance with the angulation of the forequarters. The light movement, typical
of the breed, is very dependant on the correct angulation of stifle and hock. The slightest
deviation prevents this typical movement.
Feet
The feet are well developed and well arched. This,
toghther with the strong carpal joints and the lightly sloping pasterns, are responsible for
good flexible, springy movement.
Hair
The summer coat differs greatly from the winter
coat. In winter the undercoat predominates mostly, which togerther with the guard hair of the
topcoat forms a profuse coat, covering the whole body and forming a distinct collar (ruff) round
the neck. With the summer coat, the guard hair of the topcoat predominates. Temperature changes
in autumn and winter can have a great influence on the undercoat; but the disposition to this
should always be present. It is essential that the belly, the inside of the upper thighs and the
scrotum are covered by hair.
NB: Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.