Wolf mix dogs.... are they dangerous, or is it okay to own one if you are careful?

Question

I am an experienced dog owner but I admit that I don't have experience with wolves. I do have experience with timid dogs that can snap under circumstances though. I don;t think this dog I'm looking at sounds like that type of dog though. He sounds very friendly. This is the dog I'm looking at:
http://southbend.ebayclassifieds.com/dogs-puppies/plymouth/sheperd-and-timber-wolf-mix/?ad=2205808

What is your opinion/experience with wolf hybrids? Would you recommend I look for a different dog or do you think he would be an okay dog to own?

I only have one other dog, a husky that is extremely laid back. I don't think they would fight unless he is overly aggressive.

Answer 1

Kudos for looking at shelter animals and checking out petfinder!



Wolf-hybrids are wolf mix and no matter how careful or experienced you may be the wild instinct is there under the surface. Any animal (humans included) have buried instincts that come to the surface in stressful situations, but in a situation with a hybrid those instincts are much, much closer.



I am not certain about the size of hybrids but I know wolves can become very large when they mature, which could spell disaster.



PLEASE utilize the resources available at the AKC web site and at www.dogbreedinfo.com prior to setting your mind to a certain dog. Huskies have a very, very high energy requirement. They are working dogs and were bred to run tirelessly in the snow. Without adequate release for the energy (which always needs to be on a leash or you won't ever see them again) they become destructive. Huskies are also very vocal and are on the top of the list as escape artists. They require special care in hot climates as they don't tolerate the heat well and have very, very high grooming requirements. They are VERY high maintenance dogs and I recommend Huskies to fewer people than I recommend bull breed mixes and GSDs.

Answer 2

I agree with a previous poster that the dog is most likely husky or malamute mix and not a wolf-hybrid. If that could be confirmed, this might be a lovely pet & companion for your current husky.



As for your questions about wolf hybrids. I had a relative who had one and it was a wonderful (although HUGE) dog that acclimated to living with people just like a dog.

I DO NOT recommend a wolf-hybrid - I realize I can probably not talk anyone out of it, but if I can, I will do my best: dogs should stay dogs and wolves should stay wild and we really shouldn't be mixing the two.

Wolves are wild animals, they are not domesticated, and far too often the hybrids cannot be properly cared for by an average dog owner (even a very diligent & experienced dog owner). Many (not all) hybrids do not acclimate to living indoors like a dog, which means they require outdoor enclosures and LOTS of space. This doesn't mean that some people are not successful at having wolf-hybrids.



And as an aside, most homeowners insurance companies won't cover you if you have wolf-hybrids. So be careful about that.



Read about some of the wolves & wolf-hybrids at this sanctuary:

http://www.wildspiritwolfsanctuary.org/



This is a magazine which can help you gather more information about having a wolfdog & responsibly caring for one:

http://wolfdogsmagazine.org/

Answer 3

I viewed the pix of the dog and structurally, I saw dog. His paws seem to be narrow, dog-like, not wolf-like. However, in the face he resembles the wolf by his coloring and markings. Possible? Maybe way back in his heritage. Probable? Not to me. Could be a mix of several different breeds. You have a very llaid back husky at home, who could be at risk. Blindly buying or adopting a dog can bring terrible results. All info must be shared, and a decision should be made on integrating a new dog based upon your personal observation of the "new" animal.



To answer your Question, PLEASE listen to those of us who know the answer. YES, wolf hybrids are dangerous, as they are wild animals. Instinctively, they will always be a wolf. If you wish to pursue this discussion, I urge you to go directly to the heart of the matter; WOLF HYBRID RESCUE LEAGUES.



They will be thrilled to share information, education, and tell the truth to you. So many end up PTS, (put to sleep due to owner surrender, or go to a Rescue for rehabilitation (to a point) and many live out their lives behind chain link fences.



BAD IDEA all the way 'round..... There are millions of regular, real, 100% dogs that need a home as we speak. I have a thought. For the dog in question, have the owners submit a Vet assessment that he is a wolf hybrid. If indeed, pass him up, but suggest to the people that he go to a Rescue League for Hybrids.



If there is no wolf in him, find out WHY he is offered for FREE over the INTERNET! (Makes me angry)...Certainly a home visit to the prospective adopter is out of the question, so that leaves the dog with an "iffy" new home. I think he is a GORGEOUS animal, whatever his heritage.



Remember, buyer beware. In this case, you should definitely look this "gift wolf" in the mouth!!

Answer 4

I do have experience with wolf/dog mixes and I would NOT recommend one. I did a huge amount of volunteer work at a Zoo which was really more like a "confiscated illegally owned wild animal refuge". We had a HUGE amount of "wolf dogs" pass through the gates. Most actually ended up being euthanized due to extreme aggression. They couldn't be kept with other animals and would pace the walls of any sized enclosure. They were generally unhappy, unsocial animals.



There are other things to consider as well. Many standard dog vaccines like rabies do not work on them. They are illegal in many areas as well. They also tend to be "moody". One day they are fine and one day they growl, bark, and snap at anyone who comes near. It would be an animal who could never be trusted, especially around other animals or children.



As some of the other people answering said, the dog in the picture could very well have NO wolf in him at all....



Your choice. I can only share with you what I know.



ADD: to the person who was upset at why she was getting TD's~ Ummm...if this dog was carefully bred by breeders who selected only the calmest pups to then be bred on over several generations....then how they heck did one of these specially bred dogs end up in a rescue/shelter at such a young age?



Besides...25 generations out and mixing dogs in....it is no longer a "wolf hybrid" it is a dog.



ETA: Saw your additional details. I think you are making a wise choice. While he may not actually be a wolf/dog hybrid...I wouldn't want to risk it. Good luck with the Husky. You already have one so you know what to expect. Petfinder is a great way to find adoptable pets. I was unaware that eBay did complimentary listings for petfinder. Thats cool.

Answer 5

The real question is WHY are these folks not wanting him any longer? IS he to rough, a poor listener, untrainable..what? I had a 1/4 wolf mix and he was an awesome dog, but had a few aggression issues with my female over the years, and he was neutered. He was fine with kids, and any other dog that didnt get excited. HE was 100 lbs and strong..I would opt out on this one since any bad training he has had, may make a big differance on how he reacts with you and your other dog.

Answer 6

I think that is a shepherd/husky mix.



Most "wolf hybrids" are just shepherd/husky mixes.



Yeah I think you are better off rescuing from people who don't try to make up lies to attract people into adopting their dogs...you know what I mean?



Plus, if it actually is a wolf hybrid, wolves are so unpredictable...even the most "tame" ones...they will ALWAYS have their wild instincts, and that is always dangerous.



Good luck, I hope you find the right dog soon!!!

Answer 7

They are beautiful creatures, but...



I have a friend who owns a wolf-dog hybrid. It is actually 50%, which is a very high percentage.



I told her she got very lucky with her dog, who looks like a wolf but acts like a dog. She said every other pup in that litter had to be put down because they were too aggressive!!! When she told me that I decided I would never own one. I could not support something like that.

Answer 8

I have to agree with most other answers here.

He does not look like a wolf hybrid to me. It is fairly common for people to claim the dogs are wolf mixes, particularly with Northern breed mixes.



As for wolf hybrids, they are NOT dogs. The fact that you even consider that it may be like one is enough for me to believe that you aren't ready to own one. I am not trying to be rude, but we have to be realistic here. Wolves are wild animals, dogs are domesticated animals. Mixing a wild animal with a domesticated one does not make it domesticated. True wolf hybrids have above average needs.

Here are some guidelines to owning high content wolf hybrids -

http://www.wolfpark.org/wolfdogs/guidelines.html



The person mentions requiring a fenced in backyard but are you aware of this

:They should be housed in large enclosure which is made from 8 ft. or higher 11 guage chain link + overhang and skirting with a minimum of 1600 sq. ft. of floor space. The animals should be fed a proper meat diet, including bones, skin, and/or fur. "

Answer 9

First and foremost if you have to ask the answer is NO. Second ask yourself this; if the dog is that great WHY are they getting rid of him?



-Notice they make no mention of how he is with ANIMALS.

-To own a pure wolf in your state they MUST have a Class 3 permit. For the purpose of breeding and selling that same person MUST also hold a USDA permit.

-Assuming this is a REAL hybrid any GOOD breeder is not going to sell to anyone and NOT to someone who is going to dump the dog on any one willing to take it 9 months later.



My opinion? Less than 2% of the dog owning population is fit to own a wolf dog. And I think you need to look elsewhere for a good old plain dog.



Beau: Where the hell are you getting your info?



"A wolf hybrid has been bred over generations and generations making their offspring calmer, smaller and more suitable to be pets." We are not talking about dog breeds like the Tamaskan which has pretty much NO wolf blood in them but all the looks. WE are talking about LEGIT wolfdogs which are 1st 2nd MAYBE 3rd generation. There is a world of difference between the two which is why you are getting TDs



"They will still have the wolf instinct just like most other dog breeds." Dogs have DOG instincts. Wolf instinct is to AVOID humans like the damn plague. WOLF instinct is NOTHING like dog instinct.





"if he seems to be calm and friendly then why not." Oh I don't know the fact they are giving him away for FREE and the fact they say nothing of how he is with other animals.



"He could be like 5% wolf and ALL dogs have wolf genetics in them!!" 5% might as well be ZERO percent and NO ONE breeds that far out. I should know i have talked to more than a few breeders both good and bad.





Looks aside because he does NOT look like anything more than a Shep/Mal mix. If this animal IS a wolfdog then the animal is NOT suitable for anyone who has to ask someone else if its a good idea or not. Anyone who is actually capable of owning such animals responsibly has no need to ask the GP for their opinion and RESPONSIBLE wolfdog owners do not give them away for free. They go back to their breeder, are pts, sold to another responsible and experienced owner OR sent to one of already overburdened sanctuaries.

Answer 10

Honestly "Cody" looks like any number of Husky or Malamute Shepherd crosses I have seen.



I think there is a strong chance these folks have labeled him a Wolf mix because either they got duped into thinking that from some unscrupulous person- or they are advertising him as such to make him seem more special and get him placed.



Personally I think its a marketing ploy-but it sure got your attention.



Wolf Hybrids are not suitable as pets. Plain and simple.



Years ago I had a friend who went to Alaska and purchased a wolf dog mix. The dog was always sketchy. It never acted like a regular dog.



Why not get yourself a nice purebred dog, with the qualities you desire, from a reputable breeder.



ADD: That is just great that you have the kind of money that you can risk getting a dog from a rescue or pound. Since Siberians are prone to Hip dysplasia (current cost to replace both hips is $7500) that is something that is a high probability when you get this breed from anyone but a reputable breeder.



As everyone knows it is very rare for a dog from a reputable breeder to ever have their dog wind up at th epound.



I always encourage those with a lot of extra cash to get a dog from the pound or rescue, as those people can easily afford all the health issues the dogs will eventually have.



Those that don't have that kind of disposable income and those that know they deserve a healthy well bred dog need to stick with reputable breeders.

Answer 11

I don't like wolf mixes. I have no idea why people insist on breeding them--wolves are wild animals and deserve to remain as such.



This dog needs a home, however, and if you feel you can provide a good one and can legally do so, you may as well try. I don't think you would breed him --and I know that's not your question-- but I'd advise against it; and you should always be aware that you are allowing a wild animal to live in your house. Be careful and treat it as such--timid, fearful dogs are hard to handle, but they're still domesticated.

Answer 12

Wolf hybrids belong in wolf sanctuaries being taken care of by qualified people. When you breed a dog to a wolf, you don't make a domesticated half wolf dog. You make a dog that is going backwards.



They are very dangerous, and shouldn't be owned in a family setting.





You should look for another dog... Wolf hybrids are just serious accidents waiting to happen.

Answer 13

**Good night! All you TDers need to lighten up...IT WAS A JOKE!!**



Don't get him...he only has 3 legs!...(sorry..j/k due to the first photo..) People have apparently lost their senses of humor.



I was in a state that really jumped in on the "wolf mix" dogs back in the 70/80's. It's a mistake...and IF the dog is a high percentage wolf you will encoutner quite a few "bizarre" problems housing him with domestic pets.



If he's indeed a high mix (which is actually rare) your dog handling skills will be tested. I saw "wolf hybrid" owner after owner regret taking them on. Many were euthanized due to behavioral problems .



Also...you might want to check with your homeowners insurance before you even think about this. #1. They may cancel you if you really decide to adopt him. Tooo much liability falls to them.



Just my thoughts.



ADDED:

A person who is joking is n-o-t upset about anything... :) I was very amused by the first photo.



Also...those paws don't look like ANY wolf hybrid paws I've ever seen.

Answer 14

Nope...



You're 19 yrs old...how experienced can you be?



And you already have one dog



I wouldnt....plus in some cities you need a special license to own wolf hybrids.

You're looking at an adult hybrid being sold on ebay....really smart! What do you think they will advertise him as? aggressive and uncontrollable? Of course they will put that he is the best dog ever...duh

Answer 15

I've always wanted a wolf mix dog. I heard they can be more dangerous because of their wild instincts, but are less likely to attack than a wild wolf is as long as you don't provoke anything. I say if you treat them like any other dog and are a good dog owner they should act like any other dog and be fine.