Wolf Hybrid Breed Description

An Owner's Wolf Hybrid Description
If you're thinking about getting a wolf-dog, I can share the positive experience I have had in owning one. I got my Wolf Hybrid as a pup from a reputable breeder and named him Soyala. In the Native American Hopi language, the name means 'time of winter solstice'. Soyala was born late in December; hence his name. Soyala is third generation wolf and malamute hybrid, considered a pure hybrid. He and I are loners and he's become my close friend and companion, and I his.

I wasn't sure what breed of dog I wanted until I had out-of-town visitors stay with me and they brought their wolf hybrid with them. At first, I was taken aback by the fact that this dog was part wolf. I was somewhat intimidated, but as their visit wore on, I became more and more at ease with my strange house guest. And actually, I enjoyed interacting with the dog as much as I enjoyed conversing with his owners. My guests were really the first people I had ever met who had a wolf hybrid, so I took every opportunity to question them about their wolf dog. After they left, I found myself missing my new-found furry friend. That's when I decided to do some research and find out for myself what these peculiar dogs were all about.

Soyala was brought up to be a 'respectful' dog and he recognizes that I am the Alpha member of our small pack and that he is the Omega. That's critical with wolves, hybrid or otherwise. But I don't find him to be all that different from your average, good-natured dog, with the only exception being that he is somewhat more timid than I'd like him to be. But maybe that's because I play the Alpha dog. He is a good dog and well-mannered in all situations.

 

 

Introduction

Wolf "hybrids" are a cross between a Wolf and a domestic dog. However, in 1992, scientists reclassified dogs and Wolves as the same species making the term "hybrid" obsolete. Wolf content, the number of generations removed from a pure Wolf and the type of dog used in each cross must be considered when defining a Wolfdog. Because of random genetics inherited from both the dog and the Wolf, the looks and/or behavior can vary.

History

While many have never met a wolf hybrid, current estimates think there may be nearly half a million of these unique pets in the United States. In short, the term applies to an animal that is equal parts wolf and dog. In the simplest case, one parent is a wolf and the other a dog, the result being a hybrid pup. Then there are breeders who are mating hybrid-to-hybrid, and others mating different generations of hybrids.

Wolf-dog hybrids, as they are known by in the American Veterinary Medical Association, are technically any dog that has a wolf in the immediate five generations of ancestors.

Wolves and man go back centuries, and hybrids would have occurred when the first dog was mated with a friendly wolf, by design or accident.

General Description

There is no accurate way to predict what any particular wolf-dog hybrid will look like. Different breeders work to enhance specific traits, so finding the pup you want will take some research. Some of these hybrids are indistinguishable from dogs, easily mistaken for a Husky or Malamute. Others look identical to wolves in the wild.

Temperament

Dogs and wolves are both pack animals, so in general their behavior is similar. However, the amount of wolf in any specific animal will dictate the finer points of the animal's temperament.

Wolves are intelligent animals that can out-think the average dog; successful training will take that into account and work with it. Most of these hybrids require firm leadership that is equal parts respect and consistency.

Health and Care

Generally speaking, no matter what the individual make-up of a specific wolf-dog hybrid might be, it will be healthier than any individual dog or wolf because of hybrid vigor, the biological advantage of mixing two different species to create a new offspring.

Wolf-dog hybrids may have the dense double coating of some of the Northern Spitz types -- meaning they will blow an undercoat seasonally but have a fairly maintenance-free top coat. Others may have the hair of a different parent breed, requiring an occasional brushing to remove potential matting.

The best guide will be the breeder you purchase your pup from. They will have experience in best practices and are usually happy to share their expertise.

In addition, be sure to check local ordinances before purchasing a wolf-dog hybrid; many cities and towns specifically ban these animals.

Sources

www.Wikipedia.org

Wolf Hybrid Awareness Through Education,

Colors

Usually shaded or grizzled, occasionally solid.

Living Area

Large Yard with plenty of room to exercise.

Recognized By

N/A

Pets4You offers listings of Wolf Hybrid breeders with puppies for sale.