Saarlooswolfhond vs Perro de Presa Mallorquin - Breed Comparison

Dutch breeder Leendert Saarloos began to breed German Shepherds to a European wolf. His goal was to bring out a dog that was more hard working.

The Dutch Kennel Club recognized this dog breed in 1975, and to give honor to the breeder, they gave the name to the dog - Saarloos Wolfdog. The dog was also recognized by the Federation Cynologique Internationale.

Today the Saarloos is regarded as a pet and companion. It was in 2015 that a study found that this dog showed more genetic association with the gray wolf.

Known by several other names such as Majorca Mastiff, Perro Dogo, Ca de Bou and Mallorquin Bulldog among others, the Perro de Presa Mallorquin was almost extinct after World War II.

The British brought their own dogs with them into the Balearics, crossing them with native mastiffs. They were used for fighting, explaining why this dog also got the name Ca de Bou as it means Bull Dog.

It is believed that the dogs were crossed with the Perro de Pastor Mallorquin, Alano Espanol and the Bulldog.

The Saarloos Wolfdog is a large dog standing at between 60–75cm male and female and weighing between 30 and 45kg. He is athletic and muscular with a short, dense coat. Colors are wolf-grey, white and red. The Saarloos has wolf-like expressions so the ears are erect, the muzzle pointed and the tail long and plumed. They eyes are a yellow color. The face is bright and alert, showing how intelligent he is.

Temperament

The Saarloos Wolfhound is full of energy so will be looking toward his owner to come up with good exercise for him.

A walk will always be welcome, but for such a lively dog, he’ll want something more energetic such as a hike, swimming, being allowed to run off his leash in the park and lots of vigorous ball- and rope games.

He is an independent dog and for this reason you’ll want him trained and socialized to make him obedient. He is loyal and loving but some of his wolf-like characteristics might mean that he isn’t a good choice for the first-time dog owner. If the first time dog owner is firm, consistent, strong and kind, then everything will be alright.

The Perro de Presa Mallorquin is a strong medium-to-large sized deep chested dog standing at between 52 and 58cm in height and weighing between 30 and 39kg, both male and female.

This is a molosser-type dog with a strong, powerful build and large head. The skin around the face is thick and loose. The coat of the dog is short and rough and the color is fawn to light brown and reddish tan shade He can also be brindle too or black with tan markings.

The jaw is strong, the ears short and floppy though they have always been traditionally cropped. When left they can be folded backward. The tail is long, set low and reaches to the hock.

Temperament:

This is an intelligent dog who is going to require training and socialization if you want to manage it properly. Training and socializing a dog can be very helpful and help a dog like this to be more obedient and well behaved.

As a puppy growing up with kids who have been taught to treat animals kindly and with respect, the Perro de Presa Mallorquin can get on well with children. However, if you’re bringing an older dog into your home, the very nature of the dog may mean it not getting on with children.

This dog is quiet by nature and will be loving and loyal towards his owner, being protective towards him. He is strong-willed and will do best with a strong, firm, kind, patient dog owner who is consistent.

He is active and will fit into life in the suburbs or the countryside as opposed to life on a tiny property in the city.

The Saarloos Wolfhound is a beautiful wolf-like dog that is full of life and energy. When you bring him into your life, you’re going to to have a wonderful addition to your family.

He is an independent dog that is strong-willed so it pays to have him trained and socialized, and then he becomes a balanced, well mannered dog that is loving and loyal with his beloved human family.

Your Perro de Presa Mallorquin is a loving dog, albeit it a bit stubborn. The key to having a dog with a sound temperament is to have him trained and socialized as this will do him the world of good and make him obedient and more balanced.

Irresponsible dog owners like to tie dogs like this up and leave them in the yard day after day to guard the home. They’re to blame when the dog becomes bored, frustrated and destructive.

Brought up correctly and given the right amount of love and care, the Perro de Presa Mallorquin is a brave, confident, quiet dog that can become a loyal and loving pet and companion.

A well bred Saarloos Wolfhound is regarded as very healthy, and with good care they can reach up to 12, 13, 14 or 15 years of age.

Hip Dysplasia:

This is a common canine disease which comes about when a dog’s hip joints don’t develop properly. For a dog diagnosed with hip dyslasia it can be painful lying down and getting around.

Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition, but diet also plays a part as well as environmental factors. All dogs breeds are susceptible to hip dysplasia. Try and avoid your dog putting on too much weight as then it puts excessive strain on the joints. There are different treatment options to make it more comfortable for your pet.

To avoid some of the common dog illnesses there are, you want to give your pet the best care possible. Of course there are always some dog illnesses that plague a dog and where he will require veterinary intervention. Hip dysplasia is one and larger dogs are more prone to getting this joint disease which can be very debilitating for your dog.

Other health issues can include osteosarcoma and lymphoma which are types of cancer Eye problems such as ectropion or entropion of the eyelids is where you'll find the eyelids turning either outwards or inwards. Also be aware of cataracts of the eyes as well as Cherry eye.

Exercise:

He’s an active dog so he will need a good dose of exercise to keep that muscular, lean look.

Grooming:

You will need to brush the dense double coat twice a week to ensure the removal of loose hairs and to keep the coat shiny and glossy. Trim his nails and check inside his mouth as he can’t tell you when he has a rotten tooth which can cause a lot of pain.

Diet:

Feed puppies 4x a day.

Puppies 6 months on can have 2 meals a day.

Always feed your dog premium-quality dry food. Twice a week you can add home-made food to the dry kibble as a tasty treat. Add boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots. This food can all be chopped up and a portion added to the kibble. The rest can be frozen and then a portion warmed up for another meal.

Try and add some raw meat to his food occasionally as this helps to keep skin problems at bay.

Ensure there is always a bowl of fresh, cool water within his reach.

Your pet needs a warm, dry, comfortable place to sleep to call his own.

If your dog spends a lot of time outdoors, make sure there is both shade and sun.

Spaying and Neutering – beneficial if you don’t want puppies.

Vaccinations for puppies and adults to stave off deadly canine diseases.

Exercise:

Your Perro de Presa Mallorquin is going to need a walk every day if you want him to be physically and mentally sound. He loves to sniff around and see the world beyond his garden.

Grooming:

This is a low maintenance breed, requiring a brush twice a week just to maintain the coat in its heathy state and to remove loose hairs.

Diet:

This purebred dog will need an adequate diet to keep him in tip top shape. He likes his food and because he is big and energetic, will require commercially manufactured dog food that is high in good quality protein. In fact always check the packaging that protein sources are among the top ingredients listed.

Growing puppies will require 4 helpings of food a day which can later become 2 meals a day.Try to include some home-made food for him. It doesn’t have to be complicated, in fact dogs want simplicity and consistency with their food so that they don’t get upset stomachs.

Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and cooked vegetables such as sweet potato, carrots and spinach chopped up and added into the kibble occasionally can be a wonderful tasty treat for your pet. It is also a good idea to try and give him some raw meat from time to time as well.

Avoid all spicy, unusual foods for your pet – he doesn’t want any surprises when it comes to his food. Ensure he always has a bowl of fresh, cool water available.