Wolf hybrids are a fascinating breed, and their unique characteristics make them stand out from other dogs. They often have a thick, double coat that's similar to a wolf's.
Their ears are usually triangular and pointed, just like a wolf's. Their eyes are often yellow or amber, and can be quite piercing.
Wolf hybrids come in a variety of sizes, ranging from 80 to 150 pounds.
Wolf Hybrid Breeds
The Saarloos Wolfdog is a cross between a German Shepherd and a wolf. They respond well to training, but need someone who can give them firm boundaries.
These intelligent dogs can be a great companion, but it's essential to remember that they have a strong instinctual side. Pet Guide notes that they generally aren't aggressive, but they do require a lot of attention and exercise.
With the right owner, a Saarloos Wolfdog can form a strong bond, as the owner of Charlie, a wolf/dog hybrid, notes: "I have earned Charlie's trust, loyalty and dependence."
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Siberian Husky Mix
The Siberian Husky mix, also known as the Husky Wolf mix, is a crossbreed between a Siberian Husky and a wolf. They're considered quite shy, but have a strong prey drive and pack drive.
This breed requires a lot of exercise, both mentally and physically, to be healthy and happy. They're extremely intelligent, so they need to be kept busy.
They can make loyal and loving pets if trained and socialized properly from an early age. However, they may not be the best fit for families with young children due to their strong pack mentality and potential for dominance.
They also shouldn't be kept with cats or other small animals, as they may view them as prey. With proper care and attention, the Husky Wolf mix can thrive and become a wonderful companion.
Expand your knowledge: Drawings of Siberian Huskies
Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute is a great breed for those who want a loyal companion. They are playful, loving, and sweet, making them a wonderful addition to any family.
However, they can be skittish and stubborn at times, which may require patient and consistent training. Their loud bark can also be a challenge for some owners.
If you're considering bringing an Alaskan Malamute into your home, be aware that they have an intense prey drive and may not be suitable for households with small children and pets.
Saarloos Dog
The Saarloos Dog is a unique breed that's a cross between a German Shepherd and a wolf. They're intelligent dogs that respond well to training, but they do need someone who can give them firm boundaries.
Their calm demeanor might surprise you, as they generally aren't aggressive despite their tough appearance.
Tamaskan
The Tamaskan breed is a great choice for families, but keep in mind that they prefer not to be left alone for long periods of time.
Their thick coat and straight, bushy tail make them look very wolf-like.
They tend to make good family dogs, but it's essential to spend lots of time with your pup to keep them happy and well-adjusted.
Czechoslovakian
Czechoslovakian wolfdogs are large and intelligent, requiring plenty of space to run and explore. They need lots of room to roam.
Their dominant and independent personalities make them a great fit for outdoor enthusiasts. If you're an avid camper, hiker, or biker, a Czechoslovakian wolfdog can make a fantastic adventure buddy.
Pomsky
The Pomsky is a unique breed that's sure to capture your heart. These adorable Pomeranian-Husky mixes generally weigh less than 30 pounds.
They can have a wolf-like face, making them look like a mini wolf. In addition to their cute appearance, Pomskies tend to be highly intelligent.
Their playful nature makes them a joy to be around, and their loving personalities make them great companions.
Are Dogs Legal?
Dogs are legal in many states, but wolfdog ownership is regulated at the county level in some states, making local laws the determining factor.
You can own a wolfdog in 28 states, including Alaska, Arizona, and Texas, but even in these states, many require a permit or registration, vaccinations, veterinary certificates, and specific confinement.
Recommended read: Half Wolf Puppies
In some states, wolfdogs are considered "dangerous animals" and require a special permit, similar to what's needed to keep a lion.
Wolfdog ownership is not allowed in 12 states, including Connecticut, Hawaii, and Wyoming, where they are considered exotic animals.
In Michigan, wolfdogs can be "grandfathered" in, meaning that existing owners can keep them, but new owners may not be able to get one.
Mislabeled and Other Hybrids
About 70 percent of the so-called "wolfdogs" out there are not wolfdogs at all. They're actually mixed-breed dogs that have been mislabeled.
These animals are often created by crossing breeds like Malamutes, Shepherds, and other dogs until they get an animal who looks like a wolf. This is done by individuals who are looking to make a profit.
The majority of "wolfdogs" being kept as pets are actually all dog, and are being surrendered to shelters and wolfdog sanctuaries.
Mislabeled Mixed Breeds
Many "wolfdogs" being kept as pets are actually just mixed breeds of dogs, with little to no actual wolf content. Experts agree that the vast majority of wolfdog breeders are selling "high content wolf dogs" with little or no wolf content.
Individuals are taking Malamutes, Shepherds, and other dogs and cross-breeding them to get an animal that looks like a wolf. They're often sold as wolfdogs, despite having no actual wolf ancestry.
The majority of so-called "wolfdogs" are not wolfdogs at all, according to Ken Collings, former president of Wolfdog Rescue Resources, Inc. This means that many people who think they're buying a wolfdog are actually buying a dog that's just been bred to look like a wolf.
These mislabeled mixed breeds can be very expensive, with prices reaching up to $2,500 per animal. Despite their high cost, they often require extensive training and socialization to keep as pets.
Other Hybrids
Let's talk about some other wolf-dog hybrids that aren't as well-known.
The Pitbull Wolf hybrid is one to watch around small pets and children.
Some other hybrids to consider are the Mastiff Wolf hybrid and the Australian Shepherd Wolf mix, both of which require careful supervision.
See what others are reading: Black Wolf Dog Hybrid
The Chow Chow Wolf mix and the Doberman Wolf mix are also worth mentioning, as they too can be a handful around small pets and children.
The Golden Retriever Wolf hybrid is another example of a wolf-dog hybrid that needs careful handling.
Here are some of the wolf-dog hybrids we've mentioned:
- Pitbull Wolf hybrid
- Mastiff Wolf hybrid
- Australian Shepherd Wolf mix
- Chow Chow Wolf mix
- Doberman Wolf mix
- Golden Retriever Wolf hybrid
Behavior and Characteristics
Wolfdogs are natural diggers and may destroy your lawn and furniture in the process. They can dig several feet down to escape from an enclosure.
Their tendency to roam is hard-wired, and they can cover up to 30 miles a day in the wild. This means they'll likely try to escape from any enclosure they're in.
Wolfdogs are extremely curious creatures, constantly exploring their environment. They'll investigate every inch of their territory, including what's inside everything, including cabinets, appliances, and furniture.
What Defines a Dog?
A wolfdog's identity is unclear, as there's no breed registry or "papers" to prove its pedigree.
Most experts define a wolfdog as an animal with a pure wolf in its family, no more than four or five generations back.
Genetic testing is theoretically possible, but it's often reserved for wildlife management and law-enforcement agencies, making it unavailable to most individuals.
Phenotyping, or having an expert evaluate an animal's physical and behavioral characteristics, is the most accessible way to identify a wolfdog.
May Have a Propensity
Wolfdogs may have a propensity toward den-building and digging. They can be quite destructive, destroying lawns and furniture in the process.
Their digging can be particularly problematic, as they can dig several feet down to escape from an enclosure. This can be a costly issue, with the starting cost of creating a safe and secure wolf dog hybrid enclosure being as low as $3000.
Space is also a concern for wolfdogs, with minimum confinement size requirements varying by area. However, one acre is recommended for wolf hybrids, which is a significant amount of space to provide.
Wolfdogs may also have the drive to roam, covering up to 30 miles a day in the wild. This natural instinct can make them prone to escaping from enclosures.
High-Level Curiosity
Wolfdogs have a high-level curiosity that drives them to constantly explore their environment.
Their curiosity can lead them to investigate every inch of their territory, whether it's 50 or 1,000 square miles.
In a domestic setting, this curiosity can manifest as a desire to know what's inside everything, including cabinets, appliances, and furniture.
Wolfdogs will often use their teeth and claws to explore their surroundings, as seen in the example of a wolfdog shredding a barbecue.
Their curiosity is not limited to physical objects, as they may also investigate the source of sounds and images, such as a TV on the wall.
This level of curiosity can be intense and may lead to destructive behavior, such as shredding walls or sofas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are wolf hybrids illegal?
Wolf hybrids are not entirely illegal, but California regulates them based on wolf DNA content, making it a complex issue. The amount of pure wolf DNA in a wolfdog determines its level of demand as a pet.
What is the best wolf hybrid?
The Alaskan Malamute Wolf hybrid is a popular choice, known for its playful, loving, and sweet nature, making it a great companion. If you're looking for a loyal and affectionate wolf hybrid, the Alaskan Malamute Wolf hybrid is definitely worth considering.
How to tell if a dog is a wolf hybrid?
To determine if a dog is a wolf hybrid, genetic tests can be used to detect the presence of wild wolf DNA in the dog's lineage over the past three generations. These tests examine 3-4 genetic markers to provide an indication of wolf ancestry.
Do wolf hybrid dogs make good pets?
Wolf hybrid dogs can make great companions for some owners, but their wild instincts and potential for trouble or danger make them a high-maintenance and potentially hazardous pet for others. Whether a wolf hybrid dog makes a good pet depends on the owner's experience and ability to provide proper care and attention.
What is the lifespan of a wolf hybrid dog?
Wolf hybrids typically live between 12 to 14 years, but their lifespan can be significantly shorter if they don't receive proper care and attention.
Sources
- Is your "Wolf-Dog" really a Wolf Dog? How to tell (windstoneeditions.com)
- Do Wolf Dogs Make Good Pets? (thewildest.com)
- A post shared by The Akita Page (@theakitapage) (instagram.com)
- A post shared by Duke (@_duke.the.wolador_) (instagram.com)
- wolf-dog hybrids (petkeen.com)
- descended from wolves (animalcorner.org)
- share some of the same DNA (wildlifewaystation.org)
- Czechoslovakian wolfdogs tend to have dominant and independent personalities (akc.org)
- Pomeranian-Husky mixes can have a wolf-like face, but generally weigh less than 30 pounds (petguide.com)
- Wolf Dog Breed Hybrid Information and Pictures (dogbreedinfo.com)
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