Wolf Hybrid

Jkirwan09

Hi there,

Does anyone know any reputable breeders for wolf hybrids in Ireland?

*A wof hybrid is still for the most part a wild animal. I have fully researched the breed and know the time and concerns regarding them. I appreciate advice but please do not post back a reply to this thread telling me how irresponsible it is to own one*

Whispered

Ok so you don't want advice. Well I wont give any - but I can tell you that you wont find a reputable breeder of wolf hybrids. I do however know of one in rescue. And the person who looks after him is an expert on dogs. Yet she wouldn't see it ok to home him, his breeding has him so f'd up. It's sad to hear her explain about him so if she does see fit to offer advice on this thread please do listen.

And if you feel fit to put a wild animal through the confusion and fear a wolf hybrid goes through every day of it's life then you haven't done enough research.

tk123

Jkirwan09 wrote: »

Does anyone know any reputable breeders for wolf hybrids in Ireland?

No because no repulatable breeder would breed them.
TBH any I've seen are crosses of white GSD/Sibe/Samoyed/Husky crosses. I saw some on donedeal a while ago and honestly they could have taken pics of my retriever because the pups were identical.

Can I ask why you want one - not to tell you off or anything just wondering why - temprament/looks etc?

Whispered

tk123 wrote: »

Can I ask why you want one - not to tell you off or anything just wondering why - temprament/looks etc?

Some "wolf" hybrids are stunning looking but I really doubt they are actual wolf hybrids unless very very far back. More likely what you described. OP would you consider a wolfy looking dog? Because if you would I'm sure people would be able to point you in the right direction

Jkirwan09

tk123: Both for temperment and looks. I'm an engeretic person with plenty of time, patience and I would consider myself a calm assertive sort. Truth is these are beautiful animals, I like the looks, the challange they present, how intelligent they are and how active they are.
I have looked into other breeds such as the huskys but they are not the breeds for me. In all the breeds maybe setters are the only breed with the will to able to keep up with my lifestyle but they don't have the level of intelligance nor the physical endurrance I am looking for in a companion (notice I didn't say pet. I wouldn't ever expect a hybrid to be a pet)


Whispered: I said I would take advice but what you posted in your first reply was not 'advice' - Instead you posted exactly what I asked people not to. I will not argue your point with you - you're entitled to your optinion and so am I.
I did consider other breeds... see comment above.

Jkirwan09

Whispered: Thank you for editing the post - I would gladly listen to someone who owns one of the breed - without the intention to badger them to breed the animal.

Raminahobbin

I know you're not looking for advice OP, and I don't know any breeders. However, EGAR have a wolf hybrid at the shelter (not for rehoming). Surely you might like to meet one or talk to someone who has one?

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150090211280889.267358.169411475888

Sorry, whispered mentioned it first!! Didn't see that

borderlinemeath

Jkirwan09 wrote: »

tk123: Both for temperment and looks. I'm an engeretic person with plenty of time, patience and I would consider myself a calm assertive sort. Truth is these are beautiful animals, I like the looks, the challange they present, how intelligent they are and how active they are.
I have looked into other breeds such as the huskys but they are not the breeds for me. In all the breeds maybe setters are the only breed with the will to able to keep up with my lifestyle but they don't have the level of intelligance nor the physical endurrance I am looking for in a companion (notice I didn't say pet. I wouldn't ever expect a hybrid to be a pet)


Whispered: I said I would take advice but what you posted in your first reply was not 'advice' - Instead you posted exactly what I asked people not to. I will not argue your point with you - you're entitled to your optinion and so am I.
I did consider other breeds... see comment above.

Setters are extremely intelligent, don't believe any reviews from owners saying that they are "daft" or "hyper" and hard to train. There are no unitelligent setters, only owners that don't know how to train them properly.

As for physical endurance, setters can literally run all day long, they are hunting dogs and well used to any terrain and endurance. Ours can run for a few hours and still want to play when we get home.

And finally you mention companion. You won't get that in a wolf hybrid unless you are committed to skilled training from a very young age. A rescue wolf hybrid will be at best unpredictable and at worst dangerous.

And setters make excellent companions, they are just fantastic for interaction with humans and other dogs although their hunting instincts tend to bring out the worst with cats and other small furries.

* Edit - I'm not trying to "advise" you away from what you want, merely trying to encourage you to look further into setters as a valid alternative.

Jkirwan09

I would love to meet one and somebody who owns one. I hear people talk alot about how it is wrong to own or breed hybrids - maybe its just my ignorance speaking but I don't see how a 2nd or even a 3rd gen hybrid is an act against nature. By that reasoning, all dog breeds are to be tagged with the same prejudice and we wouldn't cross breed dogs at all! ...and so there would never have been any.
I will admit that those early hybrids were kept in an entirely different environment and those were 'wilder' times perhaps but were our ancestors wrong to breed them at all? Surely if one is properly cateering to the animal/breed and not the typical basic needs then can it still be deemed irresponsible?

Whisper: got that debate after all :rolleyes:

Jkirwan09

Borderlinemeath: Perhaps they can't possibly have the endurrance of a wolf (which in the wild will travel for 50 miles or more a day for food).
I was under the impression that setters were pouncers and expunged their energy quite quickly when running or hunting - but myself having never owned one I might be wrong.

ppink

Jkirwan09 wrote: »

. By that reasoning, all dog breeds are to be tagged with the same prejudice and we wouldn't cross breed dogs at all! ...and so there would never have been any.

Is the point not that if you cross breed dogs you are crossing domesticated animals, that are domesticated for yonks but crossbreeding a wolf is very close to a wild animal?

Did you watch that Martin Clunes show A Man and his dogs?....its on youtube. Interesting stuff on the wolf and then on the wild african dogs in it.

Have you someone lined up to mind this animal if you are away or sick? that is one thing i would think about as even with my dogs i sometimes had difficulty getting someone who was comfortable and able for them...and mine are domesticated, or well they are supposed to be:p

Shanao

Jkirwan09 wrote: »

I would love to meet one and somebody who owns one. I hear people talk alot about how it is wrong to own or breed hybrids - maybe its just my ignorance speaking but I don't see how a 2nd or even a 3rd gen hybrid is an act against nature. By that reasoning, all dog breeds are to be tagged with the same prejudice and we wouldn't cross breed dogs at all! ...and so there would never have been any.
I will admit that those early hybrids were kept in an entirely different environment and those were 'wilder' times perhaps but were our ancestors wrong to breed them at all? Surely if one is properly cateering to the animal/breed and not the typical basic needs then can it still be deemed irresponsible?

Whisper: got that debate after all :rolleyes:

Fifth generations onwards are seen as the safest, though some still show too much dog aggression to be kept as pets/companions. Second and third gens are actually every bit as wild as their first gen parents. Its the same for the bengal cats.
In regards to a responsible/reputable breeder though, you wont find one as responsible breeders of hybrids dont exist. Domestication took thousands of years, and only came about because the dogs' ancestors were scavengers living off our scraps, aka willing to live bsides us. The same cannot be said about the wolves of today. We simply cannot cater for their needs, most of them cannot abide being indoors and most cannot be near other dogs etc, which would make walking it near on impossible.
In this country, most wolf hybrids are samoyed/white shepherd crosses and the others are the 'tough men' breeding them who like to be able to say they own a wolf.

fatmammycat

From what EGAR says about hybrids, you don't get a better dog, you just get a confused animal who has no idea of his position in life.
If I wanted an intelligent companion designed to go all day long, I'd get a collie.

Shanao

fatmammycat wrote: »

From what EGAR says about hybrids, you don't get a better dog, you just get a confused animal who has no idea of his position in life.
If I wanted an intelligent companion designed to go all day long, I'd get a collie.

+1 on the border collie. They can go for days without stopping, spent fifteen years with one by my side and could never tire her out.

borderlinemeath

Jkirwan09 wrote: »

Borderlinemeath: Perhaps they can't possibly have the endurrance of a wolf (which in the wild will travel for 50 miles or more a day for food).
I was under the impression that setters were pouncers and expunged their energy quite quickly when running or hunting - but myself having never owned one I might be wrong.

The field setters have fantastic endurance, they can replenish their energy resources with a quick rest or a dip to cool down and then they're off again. In a hunting capacity they can go out for a full days hunting and be ready again the next day.

Irish setters are also used for dog sledding which is endurance in itself.
http://countryhounds.wordpress.com/2011/03/22/mushing-with-irish-setters/

**Vai**

Why not get a malamute/shepherd cross? Would have all the qualities and intelligence of a hybrid but isnt gonna cost you an arm and a leg to import one.

Toulouse

What about a Northern Inuit? Think there's a couple of people over on Irishdogs.ie with them. Highly intelligent and look the part.

Whispered

Jkirwan09 wrote: »

Whispered: Thank you for editing the post - I would gladly listen to someone who owns one of the breed - without the intention to badger them to breed the animal.

I didn't edit anything out - I just added how important I think it is that you speak to someone who owns one of the breeds. Please PM EGAR - or maybe if she reads this thread she'll comment. Ideally she'd allow you to meet him (maybe you could volunteer for her for a day?) I've quoted an old post of hers before. It's from 4 years ago I think and Chieftain is still with her.

Originally Posted by EGAR
There is a sucker born every minute! Lots of peeps make money by selling wolf hybrids which turn out to be Husky crosses etc pp. The actual HYBRID is very rare and requires a wildlife licence .

And if you are thinking about getting one then read on...


Meet Chieftain:



Chief arrived here with his parents, the dad a Timberwolf and the mom a Canadian Shepherd. Some sick individuel tried to make money with them. Ahh, one thinks, why ever not? If you cross a wolf with a dog you don't get a better dog, you get a creature that does not know where it belongs to. Chieftain is extremely vocal, he howls at night (well, hello neighbour!!), he just likes to chat. He also cannot bear a roof over his head, it freaks him out, so good bye indoor wolfie AND he has big problems with other dogs... Hm, still interested? Well, read on: one needs a wildlife licence to keep such an animal, if you don't and are being found out, you face fines/jail and have your animal impounded.

Chieftain has a sister as well, she was raised in loving enviroment of peeps who have massive dog experience - and guess what? She was on her way to me as well as living with a Hybrid isn't all that easy...

Why on Earth anyone would want a hybrid is beyond my understanding unless it's for one reason only: LOOK what I've got on the lead.

And that just makes me .

I've left the picture out, but he's stunning looking for sure. But the thought of having such an unhappy animal would put me off.

To see a picture click on this link http://www.egar.org/, the click on "sponsor a dog" there is a bit more info on him at the top of the page.

(Hope you don't mind me quoting such an old post EGAR)

**Vai**

He doesnt even look like a wolf. Im not calling you or EGAR liars but the OP could get a white GSD and have the same dog, without all the issues.

Whispered

**Vai** wrote: »

He doesnt even look like a wolf. Im not calling you or EGAR liars but the OP could get a white GSD and have the same dog, without all the issues.

Exactly. I think that by getting a hybrid people are letting themselves in for a shock, and putting the animal into a terrible position. It's very sad. I know I'm humanising it, but for some reason it seems so much sadder to me than a dog who is aggressive, or has issues due to its past. It's deeper than that or something. Again I know it's humanising things, but I would see it in the same way as trying to tame a bear as a pet, or keep a fox as a pet. If you care about nature and respect nature then surely it should be left where it is, it just seems very wrong to me.

Bessiemae

Jkirwan09 wrote: »

Hi there,

Does anyone know any reputable breeders for wolf hybrids in Ireland?

*A wof hybrid is still for the most part a wild animal. I have fully researched the breed and know the time and concerns regarding them. I appreciate advice but please do not post back a reply to this thread telling me how irresponsible it is to own one*

Like others have said, you won't find a reputable breeder of wolf hybrids because breeding them is not a reputable thing to do.
I won't tell you it's irresponsible to own one I will tell you that it is cruel, egotistical and foolish though. You acknowledge yourself that it is for the most part still a wild animal, and yet you still cannot see how wrong it is. It has nothing to so with the danger they pose or whether you can control them, hell you could get one and it may be the best behaved most loyal 'companion' :rolleyes: ever. That doesn't lessen the fact that by owning one you show a complete lack of respect for the very animal you will share your life with. I mean of course a regular dog could not meet the needs of your life, you are just so different to everyone else that you must have a wolf.
Wild animals should remain just that, we do them a great disservice by forcing a life of domesticity on them. (And arguing re the orginal domestication of the dog won't hold water because things were very different back then).

tk123

Just another thing to consider. A pup should only have 5 mins of exercise per month of age so you want be able to do much exercise with it for a couple of years.

suziwalsh

I did't want to give my opinon on a wolf hybird. But I would recommend that you find someone who cares for one before even considering going down this route. I have worked with wolves in the past, they are certainly not dogs or even close to being domesticated animals.

I have know two people with so called hybrid wolves. One I was not confident it wasn't a scam so won't comment. The other was a female raised in family home with a dog since 6 weeks old. At 9 months old she attacked her owner who was standing upright cleaning windows at the time causing 18stiches around her skull. I am aware that any dog is liable to cause this kind of damage but in the end the hybrid was PTS. It was not a suitable environment for a semi wild animal.

There are enough dog breeds out there without the possible need to throw a wolf in with the mix. Even trying to care for the nutritional needs or medical needs of an animal like this can be difficult. There are over 493 dog breeds.....surely there is one to suit everyone? The responsiblity of owning a hybrid for me would be too much if something went wrong. As far as I am concerned there are no responsible breeders out there let alone of hybrid wolves. If you are really insistent on exploring this route I would look at the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog rather than a wolf hybrid.

Just to note....it is hard to predict the temperament of any breed let alone a mix or hybrid dog.

kylith

A Husky, Malamute or cross could be just the thing for the OP. They're bred to haul loads and can go all day, every day; cetainly they're able to go longer, further and faster than any human could. They should also be sufficiently 'wolfy' looking to turn heads.

From what I've heard they're also difficult enough to train to satisfy anyone's desire for a challenge in that department.

Discodog

This is really very simple. Wolves have evolved to live as a self supporting pack which is highly socialised & each member has it's specific function. So they have no ability to interact or understand humans. They see humans as a potential threat.

Dogs evolved to live with man rather than with other dogs. They developed an unique language that they use to communicate with us that is totally different to how they converse with other dogs. They see humans as a potential friend.

You are asking about where to buy a wild animal but your "knowledge" is ignoring the fact that you cannot keep a lone Wolf. A hybrid will give you the worse of both worlds not the best.

If you really think that you can tame a Wolf take a look at this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Qjbwui-esQ&feature=related

Oranage2

this has to be a wind up. he wants a smart dog that's super active and the only dog he can think of is a wolf hybrid.

does the op live in the wild and wants to use the dog to hunt or something? what you need in that case is a tiger!

i think you've been watching too much white fang

Shanao

Jkirwan09 wrote: »

Both for temperment and looks. I'm an engeretic person with plenty of time, patience and I would consider myself a calm assertive sort. Truth is these are beautiful animals, I like the looks, the challange they present, how intelligent they are and how active they are.
I have looked into other breeds such as the huskys but they are not the breeds for me. In all the breeds maybe setters are the only breed with the will to able to keep up with my lifestyle but they don't have the level of intelligance nor the physical endurrance I am looking for in a companion (notice I didn't say pet. I wouldn't ever expect a hybrid to be a pet)

Just wondering did you do a lot of research into the siberian huskies? They are intelligent, highly active, have quite similar look and shape to wolves, can be a challenge and have incredible endurance. I dont really see why you would want a wolf hybrid when this breed offers exactly what you are looking for?

boardbrowser

Before you go any further with researching finding a breeder i would suggest that you read a fanatstic book ' wolfdogs a-z' by Nicole wilde.

teacherspet

A person once booked in a german shepard cross to be groomed by me. They arrived with their children and dog, I took one look and knew it was a timberland wolf. Still tried to tell me it was a german shepard cross. By the end of the grooming they admitted it was 3/4 timberland wolf. Mother was full timberland and father was a timber cross. The dog was 9 months old. It mouthed me a few times. These people have 3 young children and live in a housing estate. I often see their 11 year old walking it. If you can call it that.
I tried to explain that as the dog matured it's nature would change. The answer was sure it's mum was lovely, it lives with our granny.
What can you say to that !!!!

caseyann

In the right hands and right environment,these beautiful animals are a wonderful companion.How ever much i love them and would want one for myself and i have all the right abilities and knowledge to have one,but personally i wouldn't take one unless saving it from a bad place as EGAR has.
If you have loads of land security to keep it safe and secure and proper facilities to make its life a good life then perhaps(Only saving it mind from somewhere).If you dont then no way should anyone take one such a powerful animal.Dogs in their own right are a responsibility and an half.
To find them and buy them,is creating a market for these illegal wolf hybrids to be breed,and their lives will start off awful
Go to rescue centers and the likes if anything to locate one if people cant deter you from doing it and really want one.
I recall once a guy in tymon north had wolf pups and they were robbed from him.I dont know what became of them.
Someone said that doesnt look like a wolf stand beside it and you will see the difference between that and a dog

Whispered

caseyann wrote: »

i have all the right abilities and knowledge to have one,

I'd love to hear how you've gained that knowledge and ability. Have you owned one, or worked with them, studied wolves?

Discodog

caseyann wrote: »

In the right hands and right environment,these beautiful animals are a wonderful companion.

If you are a Wolf then I agree. Humans can never be a companion for a Wolf unless, as Shaun does in the video, you live as a Wolf.

tired insomniac

No need for that.Consider this a first and only warning.

suziwalsh

I would be very interested in what whispered asked and I dont think its a patronising question. I am genuinely curious having worked with wolves before myself and also work with dogs full time. I don't see it as being an issue of doubt, just of interest.

Whispered

We're speaking to someone about how difficult it is to look after a wolf x - then someone says she has what it takes to look after a wolf hybrid. Don't you think it would be interesting to hear, for instance "I've studied x" or "I've experienced y" so that the OP might see how much research and time was put into gaining that knowledge before feeling confident enough to have one?

Dohnny Jepp

I could be wrong, but when sons of anarchy first came out, u see loads of people get a sudden interest in motorbikes that doesnt last.

Now that A Game of Thrones is the big thing and there are wolf pets in that I'm suspect that this is just a fad. . .

Sorry if I'm wrong its just what it comes across to me.

Discodog

Dohnny Jepp wrote: »

I could be wrong, but when sons of anarchy first came out, u see loads of people get a sudden interest in motorbikes that doesnt last.

Now that A Game of Thrones is the big thing and there are wolf pets in that I'm suspect that this is just a fad. . .

Sorry if I'm wrong its just what it comes across to me.

I think that this does influence people. Certainly with dog breeds films can have a big influence. I sure that ISDW will correct me but it does seem that there are a lot more Husky/Wolf appearance breeds around.

I don't think that this is a new phenomena. I can remember being told that there was a huge surge in Dalmatians after the Disney film. What we need is someone to make a blockbuster about a Pound dog.

Whispered

Didn't half the country stop eating sausages when babe came out?

A pound dog film - surely there are a few already? Problem is people would want a dog like the one that was taken from the pound, not an actual pound dog if you know what I mean, unless very well written. DD get working on a script.

OP not saying you want a wolf due to a film! Just getting a little sidetracked.

Discodog

Maybe bring back these:

borderlinemeath

Discodog wrote: »

I think that this does influence people. Certainly with dog breeds films can have a big influence. I sure that ISDW will correct me but it does seem that there are a lot more Husky/Wolf appearance breeds around.

I don't think that this is a new phenomena. I can remember being told that there was a huge surge in Dalmatians after the Disney film. What we need is someone to make a blockbuster about a Pound dog.

A pound dog that originated in a puppy farm, that was discarded due to ill health. Or overbreeding. And was bred with a runt to make "micro" versions of itself.

Like all the films like legally blonde that incorporated the evils of animal testing into a comedy. It still got the message across.

Sorry for sidetracking!

fataltragedy

Have you looked into the Northern Inuit, Tamaskan & Utonagan breeds? I ask because those dogs are bred to specifically look like the wolf. I believe the Tamaskan has wolf somewhere in their lines, but I could be entirely wrong on that - can check it up though, as I know a girl in the States who owns one!

I also know a girl in the states (Texas) who owns a wolfdog, and who is purchasing a pup at the end of the summer. It seems to me the only "reputable" breeders - if you can attach that word to deliberate breeders of wolf hybrids for pets (which I personally don't really but that's just me:)) so you may need ot look further afield; most sales of them in Ire/Uk are scams.

Discodog

You would have big problems in breeding a hybrid in the UK, as owning a Wolf would require a license & they are not easy to get. Also if it became known that you were using it to produce hybrids then you would face prosecution.

There is also a problem in some of the "wolf like" working breeds are not suitable for the average dog owner.

tired insomniac

sorry for my previous post. i didnt mean offence so sorry if i caused any. i just think it was irrelevant. appologies

caseyann

Hey OP,just have a read of these for your own sake.

I will come back in while to answer whispered


http://exoticpets.about.com/gi/o.htm?zi=1/XJ&zTi=1&sdn=exoticpets&cdn=homegarden&tm=901&f=00&su=p284.9.336.ip_p504.1.336.ip_&tt=2&bt=1&bts=0&zu=http%3A//www.inetdesign.com/wolfdunn/whate/whate1.html

Wolfdog FAQ - Question # 1
Do wolfdogs make good pets ?

As a pet, I would say NO. As a companion, YES. These critters are,simply put, NOT FOR EVERYONE. Too few people are willing (or able) todevote the time and energy that wolfdogs require to become goodcompanion animals. "Good companions" is the point here. Companionimplies there is a sense of equality in the relationship - friend,compatriot, comrade. Friends are accepted for who they are, andintegrated into your life. You don't ignore your friends, chain them toa tree or abuse them. You cannot do that with wolfdogs either and expectthat they will become your friends.

http://exoticpets.about.com/gi/o.htm?zi=1/XJ&zTi=1&sdn=exoticpets&cdn=homegarden&tm=1096&f=00&su=p284.9.336.ip_p504.1.336.ip_&tt=2&bt=1&bts=0&zu=http%3A//www.inetdesign.com/wolfdunn/wolfdogfaq/

http://exoticpets.about.com/cs/wolfdogs/a/wolfdogs.htm

Discodog

I am getting a security alert on all three of those links.

But I could never take someone seriously who uses the word "critters".

And AFAIK "Wolf Dogs" don't exist except as term for a male ie Dog Wolf.

caseyann

Discodog wrote: »

I am getting a security alert on all three of those links.

But I could never take someone seriously who uses the word "critters".

And AFAIK "Wolf Dogs" don't exist except as term for a male ie Dog Wolf.

You are sorry,thats weird.
Its basic knowledge anyway and telling people to stay away from Wolfdogs.
I will pull some of the info out later.
And while i said i am capable and have the knowledge to take one as a rescue case.I would never be saying i am anyway an expert wolf dog person.I would have to be in my 60's before that can be achieved.(thats after years and years of study and interaction with them) I still would say have to be well into 60's before you can say expert on these types of breeds.Its a learning process for your whole life.
You even see the lion man etc.. confidence but never ever underestimating what they can do.

Oh and the critters comment was from someone who owns one not actual expert.


Good questions for op to ask himself.

Why do I want a wolfdog, as opposed to a similar breed such as a husky or malamute? What would I be gaining, besides the ability to brag that "he's part wolf"?
The novelty of that will wear off, and you'll want to be sure that when it does, there are enough things you love about these animals to take its place.

How much wolf content is best for me?
You might be thinking "the more wolf, the better! I'd get a pure if I could find one!" Think again. If you've never had a dog before, you don't want a wolf. (In fact, you don't even want a wolfDOG, of *any* content.) If you've never lived with a "tough" northern breed (and loved it!) you definitely aren't ready for a high-content wolfdog. You might enjoy SAYING you have a "pet wolf", but trust me, it is the ONLY thing you will enjoy... and the animal will pay the price.

What is your home situation? Do you have young children?
Again, I would not recommend a high content animal.

* How secure is your fencing?
A low content GSD/wolf might be fine with a 6 foot perimeter fence... a husky/wolf or high content probably will not.

What do you plan on doing with your new companion?
A high content-- with a lot of work-- might be great company for someone who spends lots of time at home... but if you are looking for a dog to do high-level obedience, or to greet customers who come into your store or office...you would be better off with just that-- a DOG. Remember also that not all high contents can ride in the car, even if started on it very young; severe carsickness is common in these guys.

How about YOU--your physical strength, and your strength of character? These animals are extremely powerful. If you are a petite gal of 115 pounds, you will be much better able to control a 70# wolf/husky, than a 125# wolf/mal or high content. In addition, your wolfdog will test you repeatedly... and the more wolf in your animal, the more frequently and intensely he is likely to test you. Are you very secure in your alpha-ship?

* Do I know how to tell if the animal is really 94% wolf, like the breeder says?
Have you done your homework? Many breeders don't know what they have, or will misrepresent the content to sell the pups for more money. Can *you* tell an almost-wolf from an almost-dog?


Do I know what I'm getting myself into?
This is the biggie. Depending on the amount of wolf, and the breed(s) of dog, there is a wide variation in behaviour from one wolfdog to the next. Wolfdogs often have a lot of bad points that will, to many people, outweigh their good ones. Not all animals will display all of these bad habits...however, YOUR wolfdog could display any or all of them, so it is important to consider the worst case scenario. If your cute little Wolfie grows up to do all the things listed below, will he still have a place in your family?


They are highly destructive... we're not talking sneakers and the kids' action figures, we're talking upholstery and woodwork.
~Difficult to housebreak. It [may] take longer; and they may never be 100% reliable.
~Many are not good with small animals (including cats), or small kids. [Some] have a strong prey drive, and [should not] be left unattended with either.
~Did you want a watchdog? Forget it. [Most] don't bark, and they will not defend you or your stuff. YOU are the alpha, that's your job. Many are downright afraid of strangers and will run away if they approach.

Did you have a nice yard? (Past tense) It will soon look like a mine field. And keeping them IN that trashed yard is another challenge...they will dig under, jump, climb over, or break through the average "suburban" fence. Getting them a buddy will help-- a lot! --if you are willing to have multiple dogs. Chaining them is absolutely OUT.

~They howl, and it carries for miles. You might think it's beautiful... I do... but will your neighbors think so at 3am?
~Chances are, you'll never have a reliable recall, or a fully obedient dog. Much like cats, they tend to obey you 'when they feel like it'. They CAN be trained, but it takes more work and time and dedication than with a domestic dog.
~Are you willing to provide a better diet than grocery-store kibble? Wolfdogs need a meat-based, high-protein, non-corn/soy, low grains diet, which should be at least supplemented with raw meat and lots of bones.

Can you find a veterinarian who will treat your little bundle of joy? Many will not.

You will never find a breeder who is reputable in Ireland.

Crann na Beatha

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Discodog

caseyann wrote: »

I would have to be in my 60's before that can be achieved.(thats after years and years of study and interaction with them) I still would say have to be well into 60's before you can say expert on these types of breeds.

Watch the youtube videos of Shaun Ellis - he might look old & haggled but he isn't really. There is one episode when he is invited to Yellowstone to advise on preventing Wolves from entering habited areas. One guy who has been studying Wolves comments that Shaun has learnt more in three years that he has learnt in a lifetime. Now he did lose his wife, nearly lost his life & his sanity but he thinks it's worth it - he even has a girlfriend !. The episode where she has to learn to be a Wolf cub nanny is amazing.

The truth is that an awful lot that has been written about regarding Wolves turns out to be hogwash. A proper 50:50 Wolf hybrid won't be a Wolf or a dog. It will be like a chimera that is totally confused. Hopefully the Animal Welfare Bill will make any cross breeding with wild animals illegal.

caseyann

In answer to whispered question before.
I have been very lucky over the years to have interacted with wolves in captivity and in wild areas of Europe.I have studied wolves from a very young age,My interest stemmed from childhood.I have also studied and interacted with hybrids over the years.And have many a friend who have them.

I personally would not advise anyone to get one.

Discodog wrote: »

Watch the youtube videos of Shaun Ellis - he might look old & haggled but he isn't really. There is one episode when he is invited to Yellowstone to advise on preventing Wolves from entering habited areas. One guy who has been studying Wolves comments that Shaun has learnt more in three years that he has learnt in a lifetime. Now he did lose his wife, nearly lost his life & his sanity but he thinks it's worth it - he even has a girlfriend !. The episode where she has to learn to be a Wolf cub nanny is amazing.

The truth is that an awful lot that has been written about regarding Wolves turns out to be hogwash. A proper 50:50 Wolf hybrid won't be a Wolf or a dog. It will be like a chimera that is totally confused. Hopefully the Animal Welfare Bill will make any cross breeding with wild animals illegal.

I think i know of him.I will check it out thanks.

Hopefully it will.But wouldn't you rather people registered and vetted so they can make sure they dont go underground?And then these animals turn up in shelters and destroyed?

But if they have their head set on one to have one,better to give them as much advice and not shout them down,and tell them how wrong they are and point them in right direction?

Discodog

caseyann wrote: »

Hopefully it will.But wouldn't you rather people registered and vetted so they can make sure they dont go underground?And then these animals turn up in shelters and destroyed?

If you have any interest in Wolves I would be surprised if you hadn't heard of Shaun - he is the only person to live with a pack as a Wolf !

I very much doubt if there are many Wolves in private properties in Ireland that the authorities are not aware of. They are not exactly the quietest of animals & a pack needs a serious amount of space.

john t

you can purchase wolf x rothwellier in portlaoise...100euro... i dont have one but know of one...looks lyk akita except sheds constantly..