Wolf/Wolf Hybrids and BSL?

Question

I've been surprised recently to see wolf hybrids listed as targeted in breed-specific legislation. I guess I never thought of wolf-hybrids as a "breed." That's fine, since APBT mixes are also targeted sometimes and that's not a breed. But wolf hybrids are not even dogs.

Only one half of them is even domesticated. Wouldn't laws for wolf-hybrids fall under exotic animals?

Those of you who are against BSL, are you also against specific laws for wolves and/or wolf hybrids?

Answer 1

I am against BSL, having a breed that is one of the more frequent targets of this sort of thing. Unfortunately, there are a lot of breeds, mostly those on BSL lists, that are not really suited for inexperienced owners, or because of their size and power, attract a certain group who want "bad" dogs. And, there are no procedures for qualiftying owners, or requiring training, or doing background checks, and maybe we really don't want things to be that intrusive. However, I think laws could be crafted that hold owners more responsible for their animals, both in terms of allowing or causing them to become a public danger, or simply abuse and neglect.

As for pure wolves, most states have laws against owning any wild animal, unless one has a license as a rehabilitator or other special situation. As for hybrids, I know that those that have them claim they are great, wonderful pets. Still they as closer to wild than the domestic dog, so should maybe be owned by only the most experienced and capable. How you guarantee that, I don't know.

Answer 2

cashewlicious said "(the term Wolf hybrid is actually incorrect since wolves and dogs are the same species)"

That's utter BS -- Wolves and dogs are in the same genus (Canis), but they *are two separate species* (lupus and familiaris). The term "hybrid" is VERY correct...where it's a lie is when two breeds of dogs are mixed and called a "hybrid" (i.e. all of the designer junk out there).

As for people owning hybrids, I think it's ego, and I don't see the point. I have people show me their GSD x Siberian mixes, or their Malamute mixes all of the time and tell me they're "wolf hybrids" -- as I've said before in this forum, it's easy to call any big, hairy dog with pointy ears a "wolf hybrid", if you think it makes you cool. Which is really what it comes down to. IMO, anyone who truly respects the wolf would be content to watch them in the wild, and not insist on dragging them into their yard.

That said, I don't think any "true" wolf hybrid living in city limits is going to be high content enough to be considered an exotic/wild animal. Plus...it's so hard to prove, anyway. Anyone can say their dog is "75% wolf" to their friends, but when animal control shows up at their door, the same dog is "a Malamute mix".

JMO

Answer 3

Breed specific legislation, like picking your nose in public, is an embarrassment to the intelligence of our nation.
No data suggests one breed is more dangerous than another and the fact this data does not exist should be enough to stop the creation of breed specific laws in their tracks. However, not to my surprise the lack of hard data and facts does not seem to matter to a hysterical public nor to an ignorant governing body that only cares about the majority vote to keep them in office.
It dose not matter that wolf hybrids are not a breed they are pets. BSL is cause a tool used by groups like PETA and HSUS to stamp out pets. These to groups are at the front of a out right attack on our rights to own pets. They go after the BAD pets frist saying they are dnagerous and we need to be protected.

Answer 4

Wolf-dogs (the term Wolf hybrid is actually incorrect since wolves and dogs are the same species) are domesticated dogs bred and raised by humans. You do need special permission to bring one of these dogs into your home because they can be unreliable dogs to have around many people-but they would not fall under exotic pets because technically, they are not wild animals. I personally think these laws about dog ownership are uncalled for. APBT and mixes can be lovely dogs. The mixes are being targeted because of supposed inheritance of undesirable traits. Yeah right! As for the wolf hybrids, I would really hope for a world where wolves can live in the wild--and the only way I could really accept this new breeding program is if it is to preserve the actual wolf. I hope I answered your question.

Answer 5

Wolf Hybrids SHOULD NOT fall under exotic animals, they ARE like dogs, they are NOT dangerous.
I have owned over 11 wolf hybrids in my short life. They are great dogs. What some may say about them being evil, crazy, untrainable, and so on, is just untrue. Its just an excuse that was made up by bad dog owners who have bought one, and had know idea about training and what not, and just blamed it all on the dog. If they had bought something like a Labrador or Golden Retriever, they would have most likely have had the same result in how bad their dog turned out.
Wolf Hybrids are wonderful, friendly, loyal and loving dogs, that people are scared of just because of made up myths and rumors.
I would trust my wolf hybrids with children of any age, they won't hurt anyone.

My Wolf Hybrids are half German Shepherd, and the puppy in my avatar is one of them.

Owning and breeding Wolf Hybrids SHOULD NOT be outlawed either. Only people who have no idea how a Wolf Hybrid really is would say that. People who say stuff like that are exactly like the people who say all Pit Bulls eat children. Its not true and they are only saying that out of fear and ignorance.

When I sell any of my Wolf Hybrid puppies to people living in the city, I tell them to only inform relatives, and close friends that its a Wolf Hybrid because of BSL and other people fear and ignorance of the breed. I tell them to just call it a Malamute, Husky or Shepherd mix to others who may try to "rat" on them to animal control about owning a Wolf Hybrid.

Answer 6

My mother has 2 Wolf-Hybrids and while they're beautiful, they are totally unpredictable. One minute they'll be playing fetch like any other dog and the next minute, they're ready to take your hand off.

I agree, they should fall under "Exotic" animal rules. They guy she bought them from has a "Wolf Compound" on his property (25 acres in a rural area of Northern Nevada) and does have an Exotic Animal permit. He's also got several "house" wolves that have been hand raised as pups and domesticated that he uses to "breed" with Huskies, which of course, he sells for a pretty price.

I can't understand why he's able to legally sell these hybrids - They are wild animals at heart, NOT family pets!

Answer 7

I think there's nothing wrong with people owning Wolf-Hybrids, as long as they are qualified to do so. Wolf Hybrids are NOT FAMILY PETS. They are unpredictable, and dangerous especially towards children, and people who do not know how to properly handle them. Most animals that are being sold as "Wolf-hybrid" actually are no more related to a wolf than a chihuaha is.

Answer 8

My trainer has a wolf hybrid, only because no one else could handle him and he was about to be put down - and she will be the first to say that wolves and wolf mixes should NEVER be pets - they are wild animals and cannot be fully domesticated, it is cruel and dangerous.

I think breed specific legislation is a band aid for a serious wound - animal abuse through training some breeds to fight or for aggressive defense - no breed should be outlawed, people who pervert dogs like this should be outlawed.

Answer 9

I hadnt heard that. Thats just crazy.

Wolf Hybrids should fall under the same exotic animal laws that wolves should fall under (but frequently dont).

BSL is a misguided attempt to make up for bad owners. It is only concerned with protecting the people, not protecting the animals in any way. A much better idea would be to restrict dog ownership to those who can prove that they are willing to put in the work and treat the animal properly. Punish the people for their crimes, not the pets.

Answer 10

Breeding AND owning these animals (wolf Hybrids) should be outlawed. I just don't understand it.

Why some people think they have to walk on the wild side. Shrug.... and who suffers? The animals of course.

I'm totally against BSL. I think it's idiotic and a short term fix for a bigger problem. We need to neuter and jail the owners, not punish the dogs.