Page 42 - (DK) The Dog Encyclopedia
P. 42

CATALOG OF BREEDS  |  WORKING DOGS


                                                                                                                  Wedge-shaped,
           Saarloos Wolfdog                                                                                         wolflike head


                  HEIGHT 24–30in (60–75cm)      Cream
                  WEIGHT 77–88lb  (35–40kg)     Bos (brown)
                  LIFE SPAN  Over 10 years

          The Saarloos Wolfdog is the result of selective crossbreeding to
          produce a German Shepherd-type dog with natural traits closer    Triangular ears with
          to those of its wolf ancestors. Although it was suggested that    rounded tips
          this new breed could be useful as a guide dog,
          the Saarloos Wolfdog                                                                                                   Almond-
          has proved better                                                                                                      shaped
                                                                                                                                 eyes
          suited to life as a
          pet and companion.
          However, it needs
          sensitive handling.                                                                                               Wolf-gray




                                                                                           Body longer than
                                                                                                leg length

                                                                                                                           Long,
                                                                                                                           arched feet
                  Heavy-coated,
                  broad tail







           Czechoslovakian                                                 King Shepherd


           Wolfdog                                                                HEIGHT 25–29in (64–74cm)      Black       Black dogs may
                                                                                                                            have red, gold, or
                                                                                  WEIGHT 90–145lb (41–66kg)
                                                                                                                Sable with
                                                                                  LIFE SPAN  10–11 years        black markings cream markings.
                 HEIGHT  24–26in (60–65cm)
                 WEIGHT  44–57lb (20–26kg)
                 LIFE SPAN  12–16 years                                   Developed in the US and recognized since the late 1990s, this
                                                                          large and handsome dog clearly shows the German Shepherd
          Created through breeding programs that initially crossed        Dog (see p.42) in its breeding history. King Shepherds love to
          German Shepherd Dogs with wolves, the Czechoslovakian           work as herders or guard dogs, but have a placid and tolerant
          Wolfdog has inherited many of the traits of its wild ancestors.   nature that allows them to fit in well with a family. There are
          This breed is quick, fearless, resilient, and wary of            two coat types: smooth and rough.
          strangers. It is also faithful and obedient with
                                                                                                             Ruff of longer hair
          familiar handlers, qualities that make                                                  Black saddle   around neck
                                                                                                     with tan
          it an excellent house dog.
                                                                          Predominately
                                                                           black muzzle
                      Yellowish gray
            Distinctive lighter
                area on face



                                                                Straight
                                                                coat
                                                                                                         Plumed tail
                                            Dark nails                                                                            White
                                                                                                              Weather-resistant,   marking
                                                                                                                   thick coat     on chest
                                                                            ROUGH-COATED


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