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 dogs, the Saarloos Wolfdog receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. The puppy primary vaccination for Saarloos Wolfdog is given in several injections 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on its lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may complete the protocol with vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary series | First booster | Then | Who for? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All pets |
RabiesLifestyle-based Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughLifestyle-based Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisLifestyle-based Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseLifestyle-based Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisLifestyle-based Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult Saarloos Wolfdog vaccine boosters are annual for leptospirosis and rabies; for distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often sufficient after the first booster. Your veterinarian will adjust the schedule to your dog’s actual risk.
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.
