Dogs: Do Wolf-Dog Hybrids Make Good Pets?
Published July 20, 2011
Flickr User jeff-o-matic
In some parts of the country, a Wolf Dog Hybrid is considered to make a great pet.
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.
My Own Experience with Wolf Dog Hybrids
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.
In my time there, these wolf dogs became my constant companions and guides, leading me to incredibly scenic areas, where the heady aroma of juniper pines were hypnotic, and the view of the purple mountains shrouded in the early morning mist and clouds was truly amazing.
When I accidently 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.
Facts, Similarities Between Regular Dogs and Wolf Dog Hybrids
According to the article I read, 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.
With regular dogs and wolf dog hybrids, there are a few similarities:
- 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.
Wolf Dog Hybrids As Guard Dogs
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 wolf dog hybrids, those may be fear induced, which can make them hard to handle and unpredictable.
Do Wolf Dog Hybrids Make Good Pets?
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 "alpha" status to “dominate” the hybrid.
Things to Consider Before Owning a Wolf Dog 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.
For those interested in learning more about these beautiful and unique canines, you can visit various websites.
What are your thoughts about wolf dog hybrids as pets? Share in a comment.
Shortly after retiring as a social worker and psychotherapist, I discovered my "writer's voice"…
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Comments (65)
While I have had many friends who swear by their wolf hybrids, my own experience was disturbing. I was visiting a friend years ago who had an 18 month old wolf-hybrid, who I met for the first time on that visit. My friend went into the kitchen to make some tea, leaving me alone in her living room with her animal. He was impassive and unreadable. His eyes betrayed nothing, unlike a dog's eyes. I had the distinct feeling I was sitting there with a wild animal, and I did not want to turn my back on him. It was quite chilling.
As Iditarod's Littlest Musher, I routinely work with pet dog owners of all breeds and mixes to teach them how to connect and communicate with their dogs through using simple games to bond with them (www.BeTheLeadDog.com). In that way pet owners can experience the same depth of relationship and intimate bonding as I have with my sled dogs. But even after all these years I feel that he wasn't enough of a dog, and I would not have been able to connect with that animal in that way.
I lived with a artic wolf/white german shepard hybred. She was a wonderful pet and had a goreous coat somewhat like a wolf. She was super smart and learned a lot of traing by observing how our other dog behaved. She was shy around strangers but never was aggresive and she would warm up to our visiters once she realized they were not a theat. Both my husband and I cried for a long time after our hybred passed away at 10 years of age from Cushing disease.
my aunt had a husky/wolf mix when we were younger, he was mostly an outside dog, due to his size, and the amount of fur he would shed whenever he came inside, but he was the sweetest, most loving dog i have ever met. he was also patient with the kids. he was always with us when we were out exploring the woods or property, and never had any sot of behavioral problems. he lived to be about 14 before he passed away of natural causes.
I have a wolf dog hybird (malmute) and he is very smart and loving dog. I got him as a pup and he learned tricks very fast by watching my other dogs, siberian huskies. he has turn out to be the best dog ever. He does have seperation problems as i can't go anywhere with out him or he will go right through the window and chase me down. he loves to ride in the car. he does have some bad habits, he is a great bird hunter, i live with lots of crete myrtle trees and he will hunt and catch birds in mid flight and eat them. so if you have the time to work with them and show them attention everyday, give them a job to do, they are fine as a pet. that's my experience with my dog.
There is much to expect from this hybrid wolf dog. They tend to be more skittish in temperament. They can be easily spooked by fast motion or loud noises. They can learn to love their people, but at the same time can be extremely aggressive towards strangers. They need consistent and firm training and lots of room to roam. There are also probiotics for such pets available in stores, which can provide immunity and digestive support for dogs.
Sherwin - http://www.hipetusa.com
Do hybrids make good pets? The quick answer would be yes and no. If your not willing to put the time (tons of time) and effort into what it really takes to be a partner to one of these fantistic creatures, then just walk away. THey are not a dog, and you can not treat them as one and expect them to respond as one. You need to know how they think and why they respond the way they do. Wolves do not make good guard dogs, they will avoid conflict at any cost, but don't corner them because they are not predictable. Do I think ownership of the fantastic animal should be regulated, absolatey. But only to protect them from us. I spent 14 years with my trusted best friend. At the age of 3 we had a few wars him and I, you know, those teenage years. But once we astablished who the alphia was I could not have found a better companion. He taught me more than any book, school or teacher ever could have and he will forever be in my heart and soul.
There are a ton of news articles about Edye Marin Wolf Hybrid Breeder and her wolf dog pups for sale at http://www.edyeswolfhybrids.com/news-articles-about-our-wolf-hybrid-pupp... also new eBook “I Love Wolves” A Collection of Your Amazing Stories at http://www.wolfhybridpuppies.com/i-love-wolves-project-love-in-any-langu...