Few days back I purchased a male husky dog about 2 years old from a breeder. The problem is that he looks like a wolf, instead of a dog. I feel the breeder has sold me a fat wolf, instead of husky dog.
I mean he just has too much of a wolfish look in him. His eyes also seem to sparkle way too much, compared to other dogs. I doubt a dog can have such bright eyes. All his physical features resemble a wolf. He seems to be large and muscular too. He also has unlimited energy in him and never gets tired. I read about wolves that they have lots of energy in them too.
His behavior is okay but he doesn't take much interest in anything besides food. I dont' sense any loyalty in him too.
This is the first time i have purchased a dog and so because i'm inexperienced I do not know if my suspicion against the breeder is correct.
could it be that i was given a wolf? Is there a way to find out?
Let me know please.
2007-12-18 07:24:35 · 17 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
Hmmmmm let see! You purchased him a few days back. His behavior is okay but he doesn't take much interest in anything besides food. You dont' sense any loyalty in him.
I doubt he's a wolf. In most states wolves are illegal. Could possibly be a hybred. As for not showing loyalty to you yet he hasn't really had much of a chance to get to know you yet has he!
2007-12-18 07:32:43 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Speaking as someone who gets asked if my Siberian Huskies are "part wolf" all of the time....
Not sure how much research you did on the breed before you bought this dog, but Siberians, especially they grey/white ones, can look quite a lot like wolves.
Siberians were bred to run hundreds of miles with a loaded sled. They are naturally energetic.
Siberians care a lot about food -- it is one of their primary motivators in life. And yes, they may care more about food than they do about you.
"Loyal" is not a word often used to describe a Siberian Husky. They love you, but the world is often way more interesting than you, and if that guy over there has a treat, well, you're suddenly a lot less fun than him.
Without a picture, I still believe you have a Siberian Husky. You need to do some research to find out what you got yourself into. I'll be back with a few websites.
ADD: Check these sites for more info on the breed. I wish your "breeder" had told you about some of these things before you got the dog!
http://www.shca.org/shcahp2a.htm
http://www.k9web.com/dog-faqs/breeds/huskies.html
http://www.siberianrescue.com/seneca.htm
ADD2: Contrary to what "goofy" apparently believes, a well-bred Siberian Husky will NOT "attack people unprovoked"! This is a very affectionate, outgoing breed. They are *not* bred to be protective or aggressive.
2007-12-18 15:41:45 · answer #2 · answered by Loki Wolfchild 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like a husky to me too. They're not a clingy, dependent dog, if that's what you mean by loyal, and if you wanted one of those, you should have gotten a lab or a golden. As Loki said, they were bred to run for hours pulling a sled, and are highly food motivated. They are also great predators, so don't let him near cats or small animals unsupervised, even so, they can be awfully quick.
Siberians are great dogs, but I wouldn't have recommended you get one as your first dog. So you should begin to educate yourself about the breed in every way you can. Contrary to what some people believe, they are quite intelligent, learn quickly, but also bore easily. They are also great problem solvers, all of which makes them a challenge to train in standard obedience. They will not rivet their attention on you, you're just another feature of the landscape, unless of course, you have some food on you. That doesn't mean they won't bond with you and interact with you, it's just that you're not the only thing in life that's interesting.
Note to Goofy: I've owned Siberians for many years, and been around a lot of others. Frankly, you're WAY more likely to suffer an unprovoked attack from a cocker spaniel than a husky. Learn to read their body language, and a husky will let you know exactly what their intent is.
2007-12-18 15:55:57 · answer #3 · answered by drb 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
You may have a wolf hybrid. You may just have an ill-bred Husky who is a poor example of his breed standard, packing a little excess weight through lack of exercise, or a mixed breed dog with some Husky and and some something else in him. Sounds like you bought a dog without having the prior experience or knowledge to know how to recognise a healthy one, from a backyard breeder or irresponsible owner. That's the problem with not doing your research first and not adopting an animal from a reliable source - you dont know what you're getting.
The only way to find out for sure what your dog's breed is, is to carry out DNA testing to establish his genetic make-up.
If you've only just taken on your dog, he's got no reason to place any trust in you or show you any loyalty. Not all dogs display typically loyal behaviour, and some breeds, like Huskies, aren't known for it. Most dogs are interested in food above anything else, until you establish a pack pecking order and learn to control their behaviour by placing their focus on you.
2007-12-18 15:38:34 · answer #4 · answered by La Comtesse DeSpair 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He may be part husky and wolf. That's usually what wolfs are crossed with domestically. The loyalty issue may be there regardless of whether he is a wolf or a dog. When you get an older pet it will take time to establish a bond with him. Pictures may help - but maybe not. I had a 1/2 wolf who didn't look anything like a wolf - but she acted like one. If he howls like a wolf - you'll know. High blood wolfs don't bark like regular dogs. Wolfs can make great companions, although it wasn't what you wanted. On establishing the bond - just spend lots of time with him - playing, giving treats, walks, etc. Good luck!
2007-12-18 15:36:01 · answer #5 · answered by dream_searcher_tx 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The easiest way to find out would be to take it to your local vet. They could probably confirm if he is a wolf or not. But you should have realized when you buy a husky that what you described sounds like a husky. They have a lot of stamina at the cost of a huge appetite. A husky was bred to run at least 30 to 40 miles a day.
2007-12-18 16:01:01 · answer #6 · answered by Belgariad 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's possible that he is part wolf, but Huskies look and act a lot like wolves. He could even be a Husky mix. If he wasn't well socialized when he was younger, he might not be interested in people. You will need to spend time with him and earn his trust and interest. Were you given any registration papers saying her was a purebred Husky?
2007-12-18 16:49:49 · answer #7 · answered by TKS 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your first mistake was buying an adult dog. If you have little experience with dogs, you will have to learn fast.
Second mistake was getting a breed like a Husky. They are somewhat aloof, and will test your dominance. They tend to have bundles of energy, and will require a lot of exercise. They are sled dogs!
I doubt that the breeder would have sold you a wolf hybrid. That would cost you more money. I suggest you either return it, and get a smaller or more docile breed. Or get into an obedience class.
2007-12-18 15:39:08 · answer #8 · answered by Davi A 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Domestic wolves and wolf hybrids bring princely prices from those who wish for a bit of the romance of the great outdoors and Huskies bring much more plebian prices.A fraud going that way seems rather unlikely - like selling a BMW as a VW.
2007-12-18 18:25:22 · answer #9 · answered by ragapple 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
do you have a picture of him that you could show us? That would help alot!
Here's a picture of a real wolf http://fohn.net/wolf-pictures-facts/gray-wolf-gazing.jpg
A way to find out is to bring him to the vet and do blood samples, but that could be fairly costly
Also, I don't think your correct about owning a wolf, for the personalities would be different than that from a dog. But I can't tell for sure without at least a picture
2007-12-18 15:28:37 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋