Wolf dogs

Last Updated on March 6, 2024 by Aftab Tariq

Wolf dogs are all the rage nowadays, popping up in classic stories like White Fang, popular TV shows like Game of Thrones, and even on social media. These creatures are captivating because they’re not just pretty to look at but also hold an air of mystery and intrigue.

However, owning a wolf dog comes with its fair share of controversy. Many people debate whether they make safe pets for families. If you’re thinking about bringing a wolf-dog into your home, it’s essential to understand the facts.

This includes learning about their behaviors and the laws surrounding their ownership. Before welcoming a wolf-dog into your life, stick around to discover all you need to know.

What are wolf dogs?

 

Wolf dogs are a mix of a wolf and a regular dog, like Siberian Huskies, Malamutes, and German Shepherds. Wolves and domesticated dogs can have babies together because they’re similar genetically.

But wolf dogs don’t usually happen naturally because wolves can be aggressive and protective of their territory.

While it’s true that all dogs have a bit of wolf in their family history, a dog is only considered a real wolf dog if it has a pure wolf ancestor within the last five generations.

Wolf dog hybrid

A wolf-dog hybrid, or simply a hybrid, is what we call the baby when a wolf and a domestic dog have babies together. People sometimes mix the terms “wolf-dog hybrid” and “wolfdog,” but they differ. Wolfdogs aren’t always hybrids; sometimes, it just means a pet dog with some wolf ancestors in its family tree.

Wolf dog breeds

1.      Siberian husky

The Siberian husky is great for families, including kids and other dogs. Like wolves, they’re fun-loving and curious and can be naughty with a strong instinct to chase. It’s important to give them lots of exercise, groom them regularly, and provide space to move around. Since they love running, ensure your fence is strong and secure.

2.      Saarloos wolfdog

The Saarloos Wolfdog is a unique breed with wolves’ and dogs traits. It can be gentle like a German shepherd but also have instincts like a wolf. It’s important to know that owning a Saarloos Wolfdog is best for experienced adult owners, not for families with young kids. This breed was created by mixing German Shepherds with Eurasian Grey Wolves, so it’s very close to wolves genetically.

3.      Native American Indian dog

The Native American Indian Dog is originally from the United States. One thing you’ll quickly see about them is how fit and powerful they look. These dogs have a history of working alongside people, assisting in search-and-rescue missions and hunting.

They’re wonderful pets for families with children, but it’s important to realize they need lots of exercise. Giving them enough activity could prevent them from behaving badly.

Wolf dog size

Wolf dogs are usually around 70 to 100 pounds in weight. Sometimes, people might say they’ve seen ones much bigger than that, but those are rare and uncommon. In the wild, wolves weighing over 140 pounds are unusual and don’t happen often.

Facts about Wolf dogs

1.      Wolf dogs raise some debate

There’s a lot of talk about wolf dogs, just like some other dogs people think are risky. Some folks say they’re friendly, loving, and can be trained easily. But others argue they’re too wild, aggressive, and hard to predict.

Each wolf dog is different, and knowing how much they’ll act like a wolf is tough. This variety in behavior can be challenging for owners who aren’t ready for a pet with unpredictable traits and special needs.

Sadly, many of these dogs end up in cages or put down because their owners weren’t prepared to care for them properly.

2.      Not every state allows wolf dogs

Wolf dogs are often categorized based on their filial number, which indicates how many generations they are removed from a pure wolf. For instance, F1 refers to the first-generation offspring of a wolf and a domestic dog or another wolf-dog, while F2 refers to the second generation.

Since DNA testing is not commonly available, determining whether a dog is a true wolf dog or looks like one can be challenging for potential owners. This ambiguity makes it difficult for states to create laws regarding the ownership of wolf dogs.

Some states have outright banned them as pets, while others permit ownership with certain restrictions. If you’re considering getting a wolf-dog, research whether owning one in your state is legal.

3.      Wolf dogs and rabies vaccination

Wolf dogs cannot get vaccinated for rabies. This means if a wolf-dog bites someone or another pet, there’s a risk they could have rabies.

Owners are advised to vaccinate their wolf dogs, but legally, they’re not considered vaccinated because they’re not included in the vaccine’s approved use. If a wolf dog bites someone or another pet, they might have to be euthanized to test for rabies.

4.      Wolf dogs thrive with ample space.

Wolf dogs require a lot of room to be happy and healthy. They’re best suited for folks who live in rural areas with lots of open space, like forests or countryside. It’s suggested they have a space of about 65×65 square feet, with plenty of trees and things to explore.

5.      The howls of wolf dogs

They do it for many reasons, like talking to other wolf dogs or warning other animals to stay away. Sometimes, they even howl when they hear sirens far away. If you decide to have a wolf-dog as a pet, get ready for lots of wailing.

6.      Unique traits of wolf-dog pups

Wolf dog puppies can be very different from each other, even within the same litter. While most puppies from regular dogs look alike and act similarly, wolf-dog pups can vary greatly. Some may seem more like normal dogs, while others might act more like wild wolves. It’s hard to know how wolf-like your wolf dog will be as she grows up.

7.      Dietary requirements for wolf dogs

Wolf dogs have special dietary needs. Regular dog food won’t cut it for them. They require two to four pounds of raw meat daily for nutrients.

Are wolf dogs dangerous?

Many folks think wolf dogs are risky because they have wild roots. But really, they can be great pals. They’re smart, can be taught tricks, and bond with their owners. Wolf dogs aren’t any more dangerous than regular dogs. They might only be unsafe if they’re bred poorly or sick.

Common issues with wolf dog behavior

·         Furniture destroyed

One common issue with wolf dog behavior is furniture destruction. If you’re not careful, your wolf dog can cause a lot of damage to your house by gnawing on the couch cushions or ripping up the carpet.

·         Protection of resources

It’s known as resource guarding when a wolf-dog gets extremely protective of anything, like food, and won’t let anyone else near it. Biting and other aggressive behaviors can result from this, which makes it extremely dangerous.

·         High prey drive

High prey drive is another behavior issue that wolf dogs frequently face. Since they are descended from wolves, wolf-dogs would have a strong innate desire to pursue smaller creatures. It’s critical to recognize this behavior in your wolf dog and take precautions against it if you own one.

·         Notorious escape artists

Any wolf dog owner will attest to these creatures’ intelligence. Regretfully, they frequently use their cunning to get away. If they are not adequately secured, wolf dogs will find a way out, whether it be by tunneling underground or jumping over fences.

It may surprise you that imprisoned wolf canines have been known to gnaw through walls to escape. And because of their quickness and agility, they could be challenging to capture once they’re out. This may be quite dangerous if your wolf dog runs and ends up in a crowded park or street.

·         Anxiety of separation

Wolf dogs frequently experience anxiety and agitation when left alone by their owners, unlike other dogs that are happy to curl up on the sofa or their beds. Numerous behaviors, such as howling, pacing, destructive chewing, and escape efforts, can indicate this.

You should act immediately if your wolf dog displays any of these characteristics. The behavior will become more ingrained the longer you wait.

·         Continuous pacing

Your wolf dog is probably bored or frustrated if they are constantly pacing back and forth. Once more, it’s critical to intervene swiftly to stop the behavior from becoming ingrained.

Wolfdogs as Pets

Having a wolfdog as a pet is more complicated. Some people think they’re great pets, but others disagree. There needs to be more understanding about them. Some say they can be trained and are friendly, but others believe they’re too unpredictable and risky.

Rules about owning them vary from place to place. In some areas, they’re allowed, but in others, they’re banned. They’re sometimes even listed alongside breeds like Pit Bulls as potentially dangerous.

FAQs

Are wolf dogs legal in the US?

Owning a pure wolf is illegal in the United States because they’re endangered. However, having a wolf-dog that’s mostly dog and a little wolf is legal. But, many states, counties, and cities are making laws against owning any wolf or wolf-dog.

Are wolf dogs aggressive?

Some wolf dogs are calm and not aggressive, but more of them can be dangerous and might attack people or other animals. When you look at dog bite numbers, wolf-dogs are the sixth breed that causes the most fatal bites.

Are wolf dogs allowed in the US?

Since pure wolves are considered an endangered and controlled species, owning one in the United States is prohibited. Although 98%/2% wolf-dog ownership is permitted by federal law, several states, counties, and localities have banned the ownership of any wolves or wolf-dogs.