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Wolfdogs: Adopt or Buy which can you live with?
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Wolfdog or dog? Can you tell?
This article is not written to encourage the breeding, purchase or sale of Wolf dogs. The simple fact is there are literally thousands of Wolf dogs at rescues and foster homes in desperate need of forever homes.
You might be asking yourself what is a “Wolf dog” or as some people call them “Wolf hybrids”? This is an animal created by breeding a Wolf to a Dog. In many cases, it might be a pure 100% wolf bred to various breeds of dogs. The most common dog breeds are Husky’s, Malamutes and German Shepherds. The content of this pairing would be 50% Wolf and 50% Dog, which would now be defined as medium content wolf dog.
Here is where it all gets tricky and controversial. A high content Wolf dogs would be a cross between a 100% Wolf and a 50% to 75% (or higher) Wolf dog. Now we are talking about dog behavior verses Wolf behavior. The higher the Wolf content the more “Wolfy” the behavior, instinct and genetics, which all now come into play. That is not to say if you have a low to medium content hybrid you won’t have some “Wolfy” behavior. However, it is more likely with the higher content
Now what does all this mean? Most people have no idea what the natural behavior of a Wolf is nor do they understand what comes with a Wolf dog. Wolf behavior is very different from a dog because Wolves have a higher intellect and think with reasoning skills. Unfortunately, we have breed this out of the domestic dogs. Wolves bond to their owners in a way that separation anxiety can be overwhelming. It has been said that at times when a wolf looses it’s mate it can die of depression. Wolf dogs DO NOT make good protection dogs, surprised? Wolves will back away from confrontation unless there is no other option or to protect their young and only then will they fight! Wolf dogs love to dig, mark their territory and training is really on their terms. A Wolf dog has a high prey drive, but that does not mean it will go after your children or small dogs. They do know the difference is children and food! Last, but not least, they will bring new meaning to chew toy, which you will understand when your sofa is shredded! Sound impossible? No, not really, we just have to understand what we are getting ourselves into before we bring one home; a Wolf dog is NOT a dog.
Purchasing a puppy has the advantage of being able to raise it and bond from the beginning. You can meet the breeder and pick your parents then await your newborn baby’s birth. You will have nothing to overcome as far as bad behavior. It will only be the behavior created by your own interaction with him, which could be interesting if you don’t do your homework.
Adopting will save a life. There are thousands of Wolf dogs at rescues and foster homes in need of forever homes. If Animal Control picks up a hybrid it is either taken to a rescue or to a shelter. The shelters will more times than not put them down. They end up this way because people purchase their puppy and later find out that it was not exactly what they thought it was. Some breeders will tell you "it’s just like having a dog, it just has a Wolfy look", not true. A dog is a dog and a Wolf dog is NOT a dog.
Having raised and trained both German Shepherds and Wolf dogs I can tell you the difference is amazing. German Shepherds are loyal, devoted and will protect their human family until he just cannot stand up. They are one of the most remarkable dog breeds anyone could ever have. However, my Wolf dog brought new meaning to companionship. The emotional relationship from human to Wolf dog is unparalleled. Like all exotic animals, unless you are willing to research and completely understand how the intellect of a Wolf dog works, don’t bring one home.
Recommended reading: “Living with Wolfdogs” and “Wolfdogs A-Z” both by Nicole Wilde. These books give a true outline of the good and bad regarding living with your new Wolf dog.
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