What is a wolf Dog?
For those who don’t know what a wolf dog is, the unique mix and hybrid of a wolf and a domesticated dog is called a wolf dog. They are fascinating animals that combine the traits of both their wild and domestic ancestors. Meaning, they are the result of breeding a domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris) with a wolf (Canis lupus).
This crossbreeding can produce an animal with a mix of traits from both species. These traits can include physical characteristics, such as size and coat color, as well as behavioral traits, like how they interact with humans and other animals. Siberian huskies, Malamutes, and German shepherds are the most commonly crossed domesticated dog breeds. Both wolves and domesticated dogs are interfertile, meaning they are genetically similar enough to interbreed.
This article will explore what wolf dogs are, their history, behavior, care needs, and the challenges and joys of having one as a pet.
History of Wolf Dogs
The idea of crossing dogs with wolves is not new. People have been fascinated by wolves for centuries, and attempts to domesticate and breed them with dogs date back many years. But this interbreeding rarely occurs in nature because wolves are highly territorial animals and are very aggressive. It’s true that all dogs have some wolf in their ancestry. But an animal can be considered a true wolf dog if they have a near-wolf ancestor in the last five generations.
Native American cultures often told stories of wolf-dog hybrids. The first wolf dogs were hybrids between wild wolves and Pomeranians. In modern times, intentional breeding of wolf dogs became more common in the 20th century. Some people were drawn to the idea of owning an animal that had the look and spirit of a wolf but the companionship of a dog.
Physical Characteristics
Wolf dogs can vary greatly in appearance, depending on the breed of the domestic dog parent and the wolf. Here are some common traits:
Wolf dogs are usually larger than most domestic dogs. They can weigh between 50 to 100 pounds or more. Their average lifespan is 16 years, and they can reach a shoulder height of 26-34 inches depending on breeds. Their coats can be dense and thick, often resembling that of a wolf. The color can vary from pure white to black, with many shades of gray and brown in between. They have special eyes, you know, they’re like a very light brown, and they have this wilderness, this wild feeling in them. So when they lock their gaze on you, it’s kind of like they’re scanning you. You feel like, “Okay, maybe I’ll back off a little bit.” But he’s not, you know, he scares people there sometimes. They often have a lean and muscular build, with long legs and a bushy tail.
Although many breeds of domesticated dogs share several physical and behavioral traits, wolf dog pups can be different from any of their brothers and sisters. Why? Some pups can inherit more characteristics from the domesticated dog, while others can inherit more characteristics of the wild wolf. Three types of wolf dogs are famous: Kunming wolfdogs, Sarloos wolfdogs, and Czechoslovakian wolfdogs.
Behavior and Temperament
The behavior of wolf dogs can be unpredictable because they inherit traits from both wolves and dogs. Here are some common behavioral traits:
Social Nature: Wolves are pack animals, and wolf dogs often inherit this trait. They can be very social and form strong bonds with their human family.
Intelligence: Wolf dogs are very intelligent and can learn quickly. However, their intelligence can also make them challenging to train.
Energy Levels: They are typically very energetic and require a lot of exercise. Without enough physical activity, they can become bored and destructive.
Independence: Wolf dogs can be more independent than domestic dogs. They may not always seek out human companionship in the same way a dog might.
Care Needs and Requirements
Owning a wolf dog comes with unique care needs. Here are some important considerations:
Diet: Wolf dogs often require a diet that is higher in protein compared to regular dog food because The food that you feed to a regualar dog won’t fit for a wolf dog. They need 2-4 pounds of raw meat daily. Feeding them the regular dog food wouldn’t provide the nutrient he needs.
Exercise: These animals need a lot of exercise. They enjoy running, playing, and exploring. A large, secure yard is essential.
Training: Training a wolf dog requires patience and consistency. Positive reinforcement works best. It’s important to start training and socialization early.
Health Care: Regular visits to the vet are important. Wolf dogs can be prone to certain health issues, so finding a vet with experience in treating hybrids can be beneficial.
Like many other dogs that are considered dangerous, there are controversies about wolf dogs and whether they are good pets. While some say they are loyal, loving, and totally trainable animals, others claim that they are wild, aggressive, and unpredictable. The truth is there is no typical wolf dog and no way to predict how wolf-like it will be. There are many varieties of wolf dogs, and each of them shows different behavior. There is also no approved rabies vaccine for a wolf dog bite, so if any wolf dog bites a person or any other pet, it can be considered a rabies risk. Wolf dog owners are encouraged to vaccinate their pets but only have two not-so-great options. They can lie to their vet about their dog’s heritage or sign a waiver that acknowledges that their wolf dog’s vaccine doesn’t provide full protection from rabies, and their pet can be put to sleep if he/she bites someone.
Legal and Ethical Considerations and troubles
Owning a wolf dog is not legal everywhere. Laws vary by country, state, and even city. Wolf dogs’ genetics are so difficult to trace. It can be tricky to determine whether or not your dog is a true wolf dog or a domesticated dog who is bred to have a wolf-like appearance. This makes it extremely hard for states to establish legislation for wolf dogs to be kept as pets. It’s important to check local regulations before considering a wolf dog as a pet. In some places, special permits or enclosures are required. In the U.S., 15 states restrict private ownership, while in states such as Alaska, Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and Wyoming, they are completely banned.
Ethically, it’s important to consider whether you can meet the needs of a wolf dog. They require more time, space, and resources than most dogs. They are not suited for every home, and their wild nature can make them challenging pets. It’s very special because it’s not a dog you can see every day, but of course, it has its downsides.
Challenges of Owning a Wolf Dog
Owning a wolf dog is not for everyone. Here are some challenges you might face:
Wolf dogs can be stubborn and independent, making training a challenge if they are more than 70% wolf. Their wild instincts can lead to behaviors like digging, chewing, and escaping. They can also be more prone to aggression if not properly socialized. Meeting their exercise needs can be difficult, especially for people with busy lifestyles.
Also, you need to remember, if your wolf dog loves to lick your teeth, you should allow them. It signals that they recognize you as a member of their pack, just like wolves in the wild. Wolf dogs express their love and appreciation by licking teeth. If you move away when your wolf dog is performing the ritual, they will feel rejected from their pack. Wolf dogs are usually recommended for people who mainly live near woods or wild areas because they need a ton of space to remain happy, healthy, and exercised. The minimum recommended space for a wolf dog is 65 by 65 square feet, with plenty of trees and obstacles for them to climb.
You have to put in a costly, big, and very secure area in your house. Wolf dogs need food that might make you spend more than $6,000 every year. Wolf dog mixes really want to be around others, so it’s super important to have another dog of the same size if possible to keep them happy. Having a wolf dog will seriously cut down on your trips because they can’t stay at pet hotels.
Famous Wolf Dogs in History and Media
Wolf dogs have captured the imagination of many people and have appeared in various stories, movies, and books. Some famous examples include:
White Fang: A classic novel by Jack London about a wild wolf dog’s journey to domestication.
The Journey of Natty Gann: A movie featuring a wolf dog named Jed, who played the role of Natty’s loyal companion.
Game of Thrones: The direwolves in the popular TV series were often portrayed by wolf dogs.
Should You Get a Wolf Dog?
Owning a wolf dog is a seductive desire. There are debates about whether it’s good to have one as a pet or not. Wolf dogs are amazing animals that offer a blend of wild and domestic traits. They require special care, training, and a lot of attention. Owning a wolf dog can be a rewarding experience, but it’s not without its challenges. Not every country allows you to have one. Some wolf dogs can have up to 90% wolf instincts, while others can have up to 90% dog instincts, even though they just look like wolves. If you are considering a wolf dog, make sure you are well-prepared to meet their needs and provide a loving, suitable home.
By understanding their unique characteristics and requirements, you can decide if a wolf dog is the right pet for you. Remember, these beautiful creatures deserve a responsible and informed owner who can offer them the best life possible.
Dog breeds that look like wolf / wolf dog
If you love wolf dogs but can’t get one or find one as a pet, here are some dog breeds that look similar:
Tamaskan – Strikingly beautiful thick coat
Northern Inuit Dog – Intelligent grey coat
German Shepherd – Versatile tan and black coat
Canadian Eskimo Dog – Powerful white coat
Shikoku – Rare Japanese breed, brindle coat
Alaskan Malamute – Loyal grey coat
Utonagan – Gentle silver-grey coat
Siberian Husky/Greenland Husky – Energetic white and grey coat
You can consider these dog breeds as alternatives to owning a wolf dog. Though they are not as strong and big as a wolf dog, they look a lot like a wolf.
