In 1935, Dutch breeder Leendert Saarloos (1884-1969) started cross-breeding a German Shepherd Dog male to a female European Wolf (Canis Lupus Lupus).

Although he was passionate about the German Shepherd, he found most dogs to be too domesticated and wanted to breed in more natural properties in order to get better working dogs.

The Saarloos wolfdog is a fairly large dog, up to 76 cm (30") at the shoulder and weighing up to 40 kg (88 lbs). 

It is an athletic dog in build, with medium bone, and a strong and muscular body. They move lightly on their feet and have an elegant march. Its coat is short and dense, providing good protection from the weather.
There are 3 colours: wolf-grey, red and white. Because the wolf-grey genes are dominant, this is the most common colour. Genes for white colour are recessive, making this uncommon although this colour is accepted. The Saarloos has wolf-like expressions, as well as a wolf-like head.