There is much confusion on the difference between a wolfdog and a wolf hybrid, much has to do with zoning codes.
A wolfdog is a wolfdog or dog bred to another wolfdog or dog, which are the same canine species, a wolf hybrid is a cross between a pure wolf (usually bred in captivity) and a dog or a wolfdog.
This type of match is an F1 which means 1 generation removed from a pure wolf. Most wolfdogs are a higher number of Fgen, meaning 2, 3, 4, 5 etc. times removed from a pure wolf.
Do Wolfdogs or Wolf Hybrids Make Good Pets?
To be completely honest, they are not a pet/companion for everyone, they are not watch-dogs, so if you are looking at them for security, they will not protect you. Wolves, in general, are more afraid of humans than humans are of wolves. There is no such thing as a big bad wolf.
Like any dog, you should not leave them unattended around small children, their life span is generally 12-15 years, which means you will have a toddler type of mentality for the span of their life. Their diet is different, as the higher percentage of wolf they are the more they need a well-balanced raw diet.
They are as smart as smart can be, which sometimes can work against you.
In the wild, there are less than a dozen documented cases where a wolf attacked a human in the United States; wolfdogs statically are not dangerous animals. There are several other breeds of dogs that top the most dangerous type of canine breed. Like any canine, a dog in pain with an underlining health issue or the product of inbreeding can cause the animal to be aggressive.
Like any animal a dangerous situation more times than not, is caused by human failure.
The biggest problem we see in rescues are backyard breeders who sell to people not qualified to have this breed of canine, people with no northern breed experience, people without proper containments.
Wolfdogs require containment. 8’ fencing ( minimum ) with 36” lien ins or a fully covered roof, dig guards on the ground, as wolfdogs are escape artists and can scale a 9’ fence like it’s nothing and are master excavators when it comes to digging.
Having lived with wolfdogs for nearly 20 years, they are life-changing, you will not be going on long vacations anymore because leaving them behind is exceedingly difficult but with proper training and socialization, you can have the greatest bond you may ever have with an animal. I proudly was owned by Ambassador Sage who was one of the most accomplished Ambassador wolfdogs ever, she did educational work at schools, libraries, venues like Comicon, girl scouts, discovery centers, hospice work, assisted living, modeling, music videos and movies. So, they can be trained, but this is a lifelong commitment.
I do not encourage anyone to run out and obtain a wolfdog, if you are interested in this breed, I recommend you volunteer at a sanctuary, join wolfdog Facebook groups, and get the opportunity to hang out with them in real life and really learn about them, also really search for a good breeder who will require all that I have written about.
For more information, please contact us at: www.guardiansofthewolves.org and follow us on Facebook at Ambassador Sage and Guardians of the Wolves.
An incredibly special thanks to the Keller Law Firm for allowing me to write this article.
Lori Wynn
CEO
Guardians of the Wolves
