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Congrats on your new pupster and what other name for a male Saint than Beethoven :>)

VERY interesting I had no idea that there was actually recognised breedings of this cross!

In 1921, Dutch breeder Leendert Saarloos started crossbreeding a German Shepherd Dog male to a female Eurasian Wolf (Canis lupus lupus). He aimed for an improved version of the German Shepherd Dog which was immune to distemper, and succeeded insofar that the Saarlooswolfdo g we know is a strong imposing dog, but they kept their wolflike characteristic s; they are cautious, reserved and lack the ferocity to attack; it is not the dog that Leendert Saarloos hoped to get. His theory was also proven wrong, as nearly all the first generation hybrids succumbed to distemper. Until he died in 1969 Leendert Saarloos was in full control over the breeding of his "European wolfdog". The Dutch Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1975. To honor its creator they changed the name to "Saarlooswolfdo g". In 1981 the breed was recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI). In the past, some Saarlooswolfdo gs were trained as guide dogs for the blind and rescue dogs. They are very rare and purebreds can cost up to $2,000.


[edit] Size/Appearance
The Saarloos is a fairly large dog, up to 30 inches at the shoulder and weighing up to 100 lbs. The muzzle is wide, and the ears pointed and held erect. It is an athletic dog in build, with medium bone, and a strong and muscular body. Their coat is short and dense, providing superb protection from the weather. Usually the colour of the wolf's coat, however it can vary between Black, Tan, Red, White, Silver, or Blue. The Saarloos has wolf-like expressions, as well as a wolf-like head.





[edit] Ownership
The Saarlooswolfho und is a breed for experienced dog owners, due to its size and strength. It is a bold and daring dog, this is not a dog for first time owners. It needs a lot of exercise, as it doesn't tire easily. Apartment life is not appropriate for this breed. The Saarloos does best in country or suburban surroundings. Owners must establish the dominant alpha position, because the animal needs a strong alpha leader, as well as a social atmosphere. Most owners have at least two to provide the necessary pack, because the animals are still pack-oriented. The breed is very intelligent. Isolation intensifies anti-social behavior, and the dogs panic if locked in an enclosed space. Owners must train their animal with a great deal of patience because the breed doesn’t take well to obedience and is extremely strong-willed. They have a tendency to become especially attached to one person, and are extremely loyal to their master. The breed rarely barks, alerting the owner in various, other ways. It is recommended not to have a Saarlooswolfho und around children or other animals,

This is not uncommon for Pyrs  I have to teach all mine to get in and out of the cars unassisted.  Don't know- guess its genetic :>)

So sorry for your loss

It can happen in a purebred but is rare- particularly if absent on both hind legs.  It does cause you to suspect that the dog may not be actually purebred- somewhere in the background some other breed may have snuck in and got some illicit nookie!  If that's him in your avatar he is a pretty boy though

I allow and even encourage people to pet my dogs especially when they are youngsters It is critically important that the guard breeds in particular be thoroughly socialised to proper behavior in public.  Lucy's behavior sounds like a fear reaction and fear provokes most dog bites.  I also don't allow my dogs to act in a threatening manner- they can certainly alert me to a person in the yard but once alerted they need to settle.  Behavior like this is a warning and growling definitely is - so many dogs get abandoned to shelters or euthanized in the long run - often for unsafe behavior.  With her being fearful and aggressive at the same time it is very easy for the next step to be a bite. 

For those of us who live with Pyrs the first post wasn't at all negative - just telling it like it is.  Gotta love the breed!  But if you ever have one you will never be without a Pyr in your life- they are addicting!