The Wolf-Dog Hybrid Craze—Do They Make Good Pets?

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by Jo Singer, via Petside

If you don’t know what you’re doing a wolf-dog hybrid may not be for you.

When it comes to owning dogs, choosing the right breed for you and your family that would make a good pet is paramount. In many areas, wolf-dog hybrids are considered to be good pets. In the years I spent in personal growth workshops in the high Mojave Desert in Southern California, I often took silent, solitary walks through the desert area surrounding the conference center, accompanied only by the two magnificent wolf-dog hybrids that lived at the ranch.

Photo courtesy of http://forums.skadi.net/. Read more at http://www.madmikesamerica.com

In my time there, wolf-dogs became my constant companions and guides, leading me to incredibly scenic areas, where the heady aroma of juniper pines was hypnotic, and the view of the purple mountains shrouded in the early morning mist and clouds was truly amazing.

When I accidentally ran across an online article the other day about these dogs, I was flooded with memories of those serene and joy-filled days and started reminiscing about those dogs who played such an essential part in my spiritual journey. It became a sign for me to take a journey into the world of hybrid wolf-dogs.

According to the article, many myths exist about wolf-dog hybrids. Some say they are unable to be trained and vicious while some claim they are as tame as a golden retriever. Some feel they live longer than other “dogs” and are less prone to disease.

In reality, a wolf in captivity has the same life expectancy as a large dog, from 12-14 years. Both dogs and wolves are susceptible to the same infectious diseases. Additionally, the efficacy of a standard dog vaccine given to wolves and hybrids may be questionable. As far as making excellent guard dogs, by nature wolves are shy animals, so generally are not effective in this capacity. If any aggressive tendencies are observed in hybrids, those may be fear-induced, which can make them hard to handle and unpredictable.

So while they are extremely attractive canines (and made excellent guides for me during my time in the desert), do wolf dog-hybrids make good pets for an average dog owner? While many folks say they make excellent pets for those who are familiar with their special needs, but in general, my answer is “absolutely not.” Since these canines are a cross between a wolf and a dog, they need special handling and training by a person dedicated to these animals.

With patience and consistency, even a dog that is hard to train can learn. But the wolf-dog temperament tends toward dominance, and will constantly test his or her “master.”  In order to avoid constant battles, the owner must establish an “alpha” status to “dominate” the hybrid.

Other important things to consider before making the decision to own a wolf-dog hybrid are: since the wolf-dog-hybrid is still part wild, it cannot ever be a predictable “docile” family pet. They have special needs, both mental and physical. What are their nutritional requirements? Do the laws in your state permit hybrid ownership?

Are you willing to be dedicated to the hybrid’s welfare?  Too many people adopt these canines on a whim and end up surrendering them to the local Humane Society, where they are routinely euthanized since it is very difficult to place them with a new owner because they have already established deep bonds with their former caretaker.

But if a wolf-like canine is a dog to which you are attracted, instead consider a Husky or a Malamute which resemble them closely [as do sable German shepherds].

What are your thoughts about wolf-dog hybrids as pets? Find a unique name for your wolf-dog and share it in the comments.

This article was originally published on July 29, 2011, and is edited from an article by Petside.

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Professor Mike

Professor Mike is a left-leaning, dog loving, political junkie. He has written dozens of articles for Substack, Medium, Simily, and Tribel. Professor Mike has been published at Smerconish.com, among others. He is a strong proponent of the environment, and a passionate protector of animals. In addition he is a fierce anti-Trumper. Take a moment and share his work.
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Bill Formby
3 years ago

Oh no. Neil is around still around. He is one of our European correpondents. Bill answering for Mike.

3 years ago

A lovely article indeed this is. I’ve always wanted a hybrid but too many folks say they don’t make good pets. Not here though Thanks for this Mike, it was very interesting. Oh by the way and completely off subject what happened to Norman/Neil? He left the flock did he?

Diana
10 years ago

My Roxy is a 2 1/2 year old shepherd/timber wolf. I bought her in Virginia when she was four months old. Her mother is shepherd and timber wolf and her father full timber wolf. She has always been easy to walk on a leash, as if she instinctively knows she could hurt me, if she pulls me. She’s especially careful walking next to me up and down steps. Other dogs I’ve had labs, retrievers and full shepherds always start out pulling or running up and down steps nearly knocking me down. She was easy to house train and doesn’t steal food off the counter or get in the garbage. She greets company cheerfully, as she’s always been subjected to a lot of friends coming in and out. She is very sweet and playful. I thank God for her.

Mike Matthews
10 years ago

Hi I totally agree that male or female can be the Alfa male / female. I would love to own one as I have bin raised around all breeds an temperament. I love wolves I always have and will and would do anything in my power to own one as my companion . Ever animal can be hard to train and t become Alfa its all in how you do I and keeping at it. If anyone eve has a problem and can’t keep one please contact me as I would love to make one par of my family. He or she would have lots of exercise and tones of love and a happy long life my email I at the top and my phone number is 1-705-955-9004 if anyone needs to find a great large spaced home go a hybrid wolf.

10 years ago

I have a female wolf/dog. she’s grey wolf and black lab. She’s very loyal…very smart…and is the best animal I’ve ever had. I’m the alpha to her. She follows me everywhere…lol. And even curls up with me to sleep. I have a metal plate in my leg…she knows something is different…and she helps me..when hiking. I thought this was really interesting. She will help me up hills. and wait for me to get down before she does. She constantly will look at my face and eyes to try to figure out my moods or subtle commands. I’ve had herding dogs before…been around horses and such growing up. But she has proved herself over and over again. I had to license her with the state. And when I go to the vet…I have to make sure the room is clear…and then put her in a holding room. With no other animals around. Sometimes with animals…I don’t know how she will react. But my vet is amazing. The other vet I went to….I just about bit her head off for the way she treated me…and her. She also will follow my daughter around and is very protective of her. I call them double trouble. They have pretty much have grown up together. My hybrid was a gift from a man that I helped with his wedding. After the fact( after I feel in love and had her for a while) he showed me pictures of the parents together. She is work…but the best kind.

Suzanne Ross
11 years ago

I find the comment of not having a female be an alpha absurd. I have had 3 hybrids. My first was a beautiful wolf husky mix which was registered. She was a gift from a customer who had found the pup on his property and knew how much I loved shepards. Nikita was my best friend and the joy of my life. It was nikki who alerted me to a cancer tumor that was so deep in my breast it could not be felt, she saved my life. When she died I was hysterical.
A few months later the county shelter let me know they had another female (wolf/shepard mix)a few years old and were going to put down. I went out and got her. She looked pitiful and was terrified. But with good food and lots of love she blossomed and sleeps next to my bed.
5 days ago as I was driving home I saw a small dog running in traffic. I was able to catch the scrawney and infested wolf/shepard pup. I have fed her and bathed and treated her and am falling in love with this sassy little girl. But my health is not good and she needs a loving home. My heart breaks that people are so terrified of these incredible creatures. By the way I am married and the dogs tolerate my husband but are absolutely obedient to me. If you assert yourself you can be alpha..male or female. Thanks for the blog.

Anonymous
Reply to  Suzanne Ross
11 years ago

You are the exception. I have worked with wolf /dog rescue group and so many people are way in over their head . It has been my experience that most people haven’t a clue what it takes to raise an animal like this. they are wolves first and dogs second. many are surrendered after they mature, because they start acting less like dogs and more like wolves. They are shy by nature. Many escape and with in 48 hours are hit by a car, some shot and others end up being euthanized by shelters. Mission wolf gets over a thousand calls a year from people not knowing what to do with wolf dogs that is turning wild on them. We have a lot of trouble here in texas dealing with over breeding and the problems that comes with that . Many experts that work with these animals will tell you passionately, that this is cruel mixing the two. I hope that your health has improved and all is well with your new wolf/dog.

12 years ago

Yeah, I would think that taking on a hybrid would be pretty sketchy, particularly in city limits. They are a beautiful looking canine, though.

lazersedge
12 years ago

Good post Mike. Too many folks venture into relations with these animals with doing any research or guidance as to what they are taking on. I know a couple of people who have hybrids and they are, at least to me, different from your typical canine. They are not real big on meeting strangers and unless a strong pack mentality has been developed with their master, or “Alpha” as you suggest, can be very unpredictable. They are definitely not like domesticated dogs in that you must maintain a fairly close bond with them to maintain your position in the pack. On the plus side they are beautiful creatures who are dedicated to their pack leader so long as he maintains his position. I say “he” because I have never run across a female who has had much success with the hybrids. I love them but I don’t think I could partner with them myself because of my need to travel and their need for nearly constant contact.

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