Longevity
Life expectancy
Its life expectancy is generally between 10 and 12 years, which is consistent for a large athletic dog. Suitable physical activity, a controlled diet, a stable weight and responsible breeding contribute greatly to preserving its quality of life over time.
Build
A robust breed?
The breed shows good overall hardiness and tolerates outdoor living well when it has a proper shelter and a secure environment. Its robustness must not, however, make one forget its great behavioral sensitivity, which requires calm and predictable management on a daily basis.
Watch points
What to watch for
Vigilance mainly concerns selection of origin, individual sensitivity and sensible medical follow-up. It is preferable to choose a serious breeder, to monitor the locomotor system in this large active dog and to inform the veterinarian of the sensitivity described in the breed to certain medications before any treatment.
Sensitivity to certain medications : The breed is described as being a little more sensitive than average to certain treatments, hence the importance of informing the veterinarian before any medication.
Climate
Cold and heat tolerance
The Saarloos Wolfdog generally tolerates the cold well thanks to its undercoat, especially in the winter season. It is on the other hand less comfortable in high heat and must then have shade, fresh water and activities reduced during the hottest hours.
Weight
Tendency to gain weight
Its silhouette must remain lean and athletic. Excess treats, lack of exercise or a poorly adjusted ration promote weight gain, which can impair its locomotor comfort and its physical performance.
Daily life
Good habits to keep it healthy
- Favor early, gradual and positive socialization.
- Maintain a lean weight to preserve locomotor comfort.
- Inform the veterinarian of possible sensitivity to certain medications.
- Adapt exercise and limit effort to cooler hours in summer.
Vaccination
Saarloos Wolfdog vaccines: vaccination schedule
Which vaccines for a Saarloos Wolfdog? Like all cats, the Saarloos Wolfdog receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: Typhus (panleukopenia) and Coryza. The kitten primary vaccination for Saarloos Wolfdog is given in several injections 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year, even if it lives in an apartment. Depending on its lifestyle (outdoor access, multi-cat household, shows, travel), your veterinarian may complete the protocol with vaccines against Feline leukemia (FeLV), Rabies and Chlamydiosis.
| Vaccine | Primary series | First booster | Then | Who for? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Typhus (panleukopenia)Core Feline panleukopenia (cat parvovirus) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
CoryzaCore Feline herpesvirus and calicivirus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
Feline leukemia (FeLV)Lifestyle-based Feline leukemia virus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Outdoor cats, cats living in a group or in a cattery |
RabiesLifestyle-based Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, cat shows and most boarding kennels |
ChlamydiosisLifestyle-based Chlamydia felis (contagious conjunctivitis) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Cats living in groups, catteries, show cats |
Adult Saarloos Wolfdog vaccine boosters are annual for cat flu and leukemia if it goes outdoors; for panleukopenia, a booster every three years is often sufficient after the first booster. Your veterinarian will adjust the schedule to your cat’s lifestyle.
Which boosters for your Saarloos Wolfdog?
Enter your companion’s age: we list the vaccines to do now and the next boosters.
Adopting well
Adopting a healthy Saarloos Wolfdog
Before breeding, as with monitoring a young dog, an orthopedic check-up and a discussion with a veterinarian familiar with primitive breeds are advisable. Regular check-ups also make it possible to adapt prevention, activity and treatments to its particular profile.
This information is provided for guidance only and does not replace a veterinarian’s advice. If you have any concerns about your pet’s health, consult a professional.
