Is the New Guinea Singing Dog or the Saarloos Wolfdog better for families with children?

The New Guinea Singing Dog tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialization.

Which sheds more, the New Guinea Singing Dog or the Saarloos Wolfdog?

The Saarloos Wolfdog sheds more than the New Guinea Singing Dog. If shedding is a concern, the New Guinea Singing Dog is the lower-maintenance choice.

Which is easier to train, the New Guinea Singing Dog or the Saarloos Wolfdog?

Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.

Is New Guinea Singing Dog or Saarloos Wolfdog bigger?

Saarloos Wolfdog is the larger breed; New Guinea Singing Dog is smaller and more compact.

Which barks more, New Guinea Singing Dog or Saarloos Wolfdog?

New Guinea Singing Dog tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Saarloos Wolfdog is the quieter choice.

Which is better for apartment living, New Guinea Singing Dog or Saarloos Wolfdog?

For apartment or apartment living, New Guinea Singing Dog and Saarloos Wolfdog are an even match — either can work well.

New Guinea Singing Dog vs Saarloos Wolfdog: Sheds Less?

New Guinea Singing Dog vs Saarloos Wolfdog: full comparison

Trait	New Guinea Singing Dog	Saarloos Wolfdog
Size	Medium	Large
Energy level	High	High
Trainability	Low	Low
Friendliness	Low	Very Low
Good with children	Low	Very Low
Grooming needs	Low	Medium
Shedding	Medium	High
Barking	Low	Very Low
Protectiveness	High	Medium
Adaptability	Very Low	Very Low
Typical lifespan	15 years	12 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Key differences at a glance

The Saarloos Wolfdog is a larger dog than the New Guinea Singing Dog, which affects space, food and exercise needs.

Size and living space

The New Guinea Singing Dog is a moderately built dog that is comfortable in most homes, though a bit of space and a yard are welcome. By comparison, the Saarloos Wolfdog is a large and powerful breed that does best in a larger home with room to stretch out, ideally with access to a yard. If space, transport or budget are tight, the smaller of the two is the more practical choice.

Exercise and energy needs

The New Guinea Singing Dog needs real exercise every single day to stay balanced. The Saarloos Wolfdog needs real exercise every single day to stay balanced. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The New Guinea Singing Dog needs minimal coat care, just a weekly once-over and sheds moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. The Saarloos Wolfdog needs consistent brushing to keep the coat healthy and leaves a noticeable amount of hair on furniture and clothing. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The New Guinea Singing Dog learns steadily provided you stay consistent, keeps fairly quiet, barking occasionally and can share a home with children given careful, supervised introductions. The Saarloos Wolfdog learns steadily provided you stay consistent, stays notably quiet indoors and fits best in a home with older kids, or none at all. On guarding instinct, New Guinea Singing Dog is naturally alert and defends its people, whereas Saarloos Wolfdog announces visitors but stops short of guarding.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, New Guinea Singing Dog and Saarloos Wolfdog are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, New Guinea Singing Dog has the edge, being the more naturally child-friendly and sociable of the two.
For first-time dog owners, Saarloos Wolfdog has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, Saarloos Wolfdog has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, New Guinea Singing Dog has the edge, as it sheds less dander around the home.

Which should you choose?

Choose the New Guinea Singing Dog if you want a longer-lived breed, you want the more child-friendly companion, or you want a more outgoing, sociable dog.

Choose the Saarloos Wolfdog if you prefer a quieter dog or you want a bigger, more substantial dog.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the New Guinea Singing Dog or the Saarloos Wolfdog better for families with children?: The New Guinea Singing Dog tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialization.
Which sheds more, the New Guinea Singing Dog or the Saarloos Wolfdog?: The Saarloos Wolfdog sheds more than the New Guinea Singing Dog. If shedding is a concern, the New Guinea Singing Dog is the lower-maintenance choice.
Which is easier to train, the New Guinea Singing Dog or the Saarloos Wolfdog?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is New Guinea Singing Dog or Saarloos Wolfdog bigger?: Saarloos Wolfdog is the larger breed; New Guinea Singing Dog is smaller and more compact.
Which barks more, New Guinea Singing Dog or Saarloos Wolfdog?: New Guinea Singing Dog tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Saarloos Wolfdog is the quieter choice.
Which is better for apartment living, New Guinea Singing Dog or Saarloos Wolfdog?: For apartment or apartment living, New Guinea Singing Dog and Saarloos Wolfdog are an even match — either can work well.

New Guinea Singing Dog vs Saarloos Wolfdog