Wolf Dogs as Pets

The wolf dog, also known as wolf hybrid or wolf dog hybrid, is a hybrid canine resulting in the mating of a dog with a wolf. Wolfdog ownership should be done with great care, they are still considered wild animals and their instinctual behaviors can takeover at times.

The physical appearance and characteristics of a wolfdog are not predictable. The physical appearance of one of these dogs also depends on what breed of dog crossed with a wolf. Breeds that are used most often are Alaskan Malamutes, German Shepherds and Siberian Huskies.

The temperament and behavior of a wolfdog is unable to be predicted with any certainty. They usually exhibit a variety of different behavioral traits. They are said to be very curious and generally more destructive than dogs. Proper care, socialization and training needs to be done at an early age with this type of dog. Training and punishment can be especially challenging with this type of dog because it is less eager to please.

It is important to remember that wolfdogs are still wild animals and can be very dangerous. According to the CDC and the Humane Society of the United States, the wolfdog ranks sixth in the number of fatal dog attacks. Laws vary from state to state but most states hold the dog owners liable for any injuries or deaths that may occur after a dog attack. In Texas an owner of a dog that causes death or serious bodily injury may be charged with a second or third degree felony.

A wolfdog will need a lot of space and exercise. If they are to be kept in a kennel make sure they get plenty of exercise. If your wolfdog is going to be kept outdoors make sure that the pen is large enough, usually 30×30. A wolfdog can grow to be very large so you will need to prepare accordingly.

The diet of a wolfdog should be a regular healthy diet. This will increase the lifespan of your pet. Human grade dry dog food is best mixed with cooked meat and fresh vegetables for vitamins and minerals. A wolfdog should not be fed raw meat. Serving a wolf dog raw meat can cause natural instincts in a wolf dog to kick in and may lead to ripping and tearing flesh.

The crossbreeding of a wolf and a dog can occur in the wild. However, there are many U.S. based breeders.

As with any other exotic pet, the legality of wolfdogs in your area should be verified before considering adoption. They are still considered an exotic pet so it may be more difficult to find a veterinarian. Make sure that you find one that is willing to treat your new pet before you adopt one. Wolfdogs are generally healthier than most breeds of dog because they are affected by fewer inherited diseases.

2 COMMENTS

  1. Dear Chelsea -and anyone else out there,__I live in an area of the Alps (Europe) where there are wild wolves. I have a 6 month old dog whose mother is a cattle dog and whose father is a wolf. She looks like a female carbon copy of the photo above taken by Wilczaka Saarloosa. So far, so good. She has been a model puppy, differing from the mother only in as much as taking much longer to house train (my dogs have their own basculating door and can stay indoors or outdoors as they please).__Well, to get to the point – what should I give her to eat? So far I have given her the dried dog food I generally give my other dogs, with a tin of dog food now and again, as a treat, or "real" meat when someone gives me a piece of venison or wild boar (the area is practically "infested" with deer and boar, and everyone here except me hunts).__Is this diet OK? Should I be giving her more meat? Cooked or raw? Bones?__Thanks for any suggestions you have, and about any other aspects apart from food.__Thanks__Anne Topley

  2. I had rescued a wolf/malamute when she was 9 months old. She was an awesome dog!! Very protective of my children & home and got along well with my 4 cats. She was with us for almost 15 years before she passed away. I would have another of her.

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