Wolf Hybrids, thoughts?

Question

I am a trained Biologist with no children. I was thinking of adopting a wolf/german shepard hybrid. I can train, exercise, and cognitively give the bog what it needs, still, is it a good idea?

Answer 1

Strictly my opinion here. I would never have a wolf hybrid of any kind. Even though they may be generations removed from pure wolf blood the genetic traits are still there. Wolf genetics combined with the aggressive nature of a German Shepard may not be good at all. I am not a veteranarian or a expert just voicing my opinion.

If you want a dog with a wolfish look try a Husky, it doesn't have to be one of those $500 dollar dogs. Try looking on one of the husky rescue site you can find on the net in a Yahoo search. I personally spent many years in Alaska growing up with a lot of sled dogs and I think they are some of the sweetest and best dogs ever.

Hope this helps you.

Answer 2

I'm also a trained biologist/medical technologist, and have had nothing but bad experiences with wolf hybrids. As well-trained as they all were, I bear a lot of scars (physical and mental) of these experiences. Several were trained as guard dogs, and some were housepets that had just obedience training. A wolf hybrid is still a wolf, and they retain that instinct. I'm not against owning one...people just really need to be sure they understand the animal, understand it's potential to revert to the wolf behavior. If someone is willing and able to understand their behavior and take the necessary precautions and be responsible for any problems that arise, they should be able to have one. Having a wolf or wolf hybrid because it's "cool", that's just a disaster waiting to happen. Requiring a game license is not a bad idea either. Preferably, I would like to see them not be crossed with domesticated dogs, and remain in the wild, or in licensed, sanctioned zoos and wildlife centers.

Answer 3

Well, just because it may be a wolf mix, doesn't mean it can't be a loving and great companion.... I say if you want a wolf mix, go for it! There was a story on Animal Planet about a wolf dog who saved TWO boys from drowning. And even after 10 minutes had passed and the family couldn't see the other boy, the wolf dog still went searching in the water, found him, and brought him out.... They both survived. So, despite whether it's a wolf dog, a poodle, or a mastiff, all dogs can be raised in a good way and can become the best friends you could ask for. ^_^ Good luck with your decision. =)

Answer 4

I have done quite a bit of research on this paticular subject, I was wanting a wolf hybrid myself. I actually found a wolf that I could have bought and decided against it because they are not like dogs. You can train them, but they still have the wolf instinct like hunting, killing, fighting, they think completely different than us, they think in terms of a pack, and if you cant show them they're place in "the pack" than you are going to have problems, plus you are going to have to think about where you go form now on and how the wolf would react to people and other dogs. I love wolves myself and am part of certain rescue programs where I live, but I wouldn't recomend it. I decided to go for an Alaskan malamute and love her to death, have worked out great. They have no wolf in them despite what people may tell you, but they sure remind you of one from time to time. Contact me if you need anything or have any questions. Have a great day!

Answer 5

I have German Shepard and everyone thinks it is a wolf mix. The man I got here from has many wolfs that he breads and does so with German Shepards also. She has many features of a wolf. I do not have any problems with this dog. I think with care and proper training you would do fine to adopt one.

Answer 6

Stay away from here!!!

http://www.majesticview1.com/index.html

There are hybrid rescues. They are going to be more supportive and help you with your hybrid. You also want to check your laws where you live. They are banned in many locations.

I have a friend with two and they are his babies!!

However I also know of two that had to be PTS due to aggressive issues. It wasn't something predictable that set them off. In rescue we are used to this and we try to find what it is and work with it. It took almost a year with one of Majestic views NAIDs to realize we could not help. We did contact the breeder and she stated to PTS. Several of us attempted to work with him instead. Most of the adults could handle it but the children were a concern. He was simply unadoptable and it hurt that the breeder didn't even care.

If you plan on having children you may want to consider a more stable breed or be prepared to keep your hybrid away from the children.

Answer 7

Just remember they have the wolf instinct in them. What makes them dangerouse to you, is you will be his alfa dog, and wolves live for any opertunity to assume that position. Survival of the fittest, they can't help it. If you fall, injure yourself or become very ill, the wolf hybrid my find that oppertunity is too good to resist and assume your position (in the wild they kill off their old alfa leaders). Just a tid bit to consider.

Answer 8

I love wolves, my favorite wild creature, but that's the thing. Wild. Hybrids are really bad ideas, you're creating a powerful creature with no fear of man. Wolves are naturally afraid of us, which is what keeps them alive, but hybrids don't have that fear, but they do have plenty of aggression. Wolves are not pets, they are not solitary creatures. Wolves need to be with other wolves. Also, if you did this, what are you gonna do when it starts to reach adulthood and has to fight you for alpha status? It will happen, it's nature, especially in the world of wolves. Doesn't matter if you want to fight or not, it's what they have to do.

Answer 9

Hope you have checked with the local and state laws, because they are illegal in many states. Then also check with local vets, because some will NOT treat them.
It is pretty lofty thinking of you to feel that you can give a wild animal what it needs. What wolves need is to not be bred with domestic dogs and have to become pets.

Answer 10

Wolves are wild animals, and even if you get one crossed with a domestic dog, it can still be unpredictible. Wolf hybrids are also known to kill livestock and sometimes children. So please before you think about getting one, make sure youu can handle it and are educated on this.