| Wolves and Wolf Hybrids as Pets |
 |
| Copyright Monty Sloan |
|
| For permission to use or for more information about wolf photographs please write Monty Sloan / Wolf Park |
| There are many reasons why people want to have wolves or wolfdogs for pets. They want to look 'macho.' They want to feel at one with nature. They love wolves and want to share their homes with one. However, wolves and wolf hybrids do NOT make good pets. They are not for the casual canine owner. If you think you want to bring a wolf or wolf hybrid into your home, I have something to tell you: DO YOUR HOMEWORK!!!!!! *Wolves and wolfdogs are NOT for the casual canine owner. They require a lot of work, dedication, love, and space. They are not dogs. They are WILD ANIMALS. Wolf hybrids came to be when people decided they wanted an animal that looked like a wolf and acted like a dog. THIS IS NOT THE CASE. Most wolf hybrids act like WOLVES. The higher the wolf percentage in the dog, the more wolflike it will be. It is difficult to tell how much wolf is in a wolf hybrid. If one parent was a wolf and the other a dog, then it's 50% wolf. If that 50% animal mates with a dog (or a wolf for that matter) it is extremely difficult to determine the percentage of the pups. *Wolves and hybrids are NOT house animals. Wolves and hybrids do not 'potty train' easily. It can be done but may be very difficult. Wolves in the wild mark their territory constantly and will likely do so in your house. They're also destructive inside. They might rip apart your couch or gnaw holes in walls. They need a large area of your backyard to live in. (DO NOT CHAIN YOUR WOLF OUTSIDE!!) This area needs to be fenced in with barbed wire on the top of the pen and fence underneath the ground to prevent the animal from digging out. *You must let your animal know that YOU ARE ALPHA!! Your animal will test you throughout their life (wolves are always trying to become alphas) and you must constantly let them know that YOU ARE BOSS!! If your wolf or hybrid thinks they are alpha, they will be very difficult to handle/control. *Hybrids and wolves need to be socialized to people from birth. If they are not, they will become fearful and may become aggressive. (Contrary to popular belief, wolves and wolfdogs DO NOT turn on their owners at 2 years of age. Their behavior may change at that time, but the only way they'll turn on you is if you abuse them.) You must also keep in mind that wolves are pack animals. They do not like to be left alone. If you cannot be around all day (work), they will need a friend (preferrably of the opposite sex) to keep them company. Another wolf, hybrid, or a dog will work. *Wolves and wolfdogs can be trained, but it is much more difficult than with a dog. (They do NOT have the desire to please you). In fact, you MUST do some training or your animal will be unapproachable (and that makes it hard to bring them to the vet). *In many states, you need a permit to own a wolf or a wolf hybrid. In some states, they are not allowed at all. Also, many vets will not treat wolves or hybrids. It also hasn't been proven that the rabies vaccination works on wolves and wolfdogs. *Wolves and wolfdogs do NOT make good guard animals. Wolves will bark ONCE to let you know there is something amiss. Then, they expect YOU to deal with it because you are alpha. *Howling can be a problem. Wolves and wolfdogs love to howl. Neighbors, however, may not like to hear that lovely cry at 2 a.m. Check with neighbors first. *Also, keep in mind that most pet wolves and wolf hybrids are sent to the pound and are euthanized. Sometimes it is because the owner is cruel and the animal must be taken away. Sometimes it is because people still fear the wolf and it may be taken away from you. (This also happens with Husky or Malamute mixes because there is no way to tell if a dog is part wolf). Sometimes the animal is taken away because it bites someone. Remember, wolves get blamed when hybrids bite someone. You're risking the lives of wild wolves too, not just your hybrid. *If you are still interested in owning a wolf or wolfdog, please be cautious. Many 'wolf hybrid' breeders out there are selling pseudo-hybrids. They're selling Malamute or Husky mixes, claiming they're wolf mixes. These animals are dangerous because the person who owns them thinks that wolf hybrids are just like dogs. When their 'hybrid' dies and they get another one that's REALLY a wolf hybrid, they are unprepared and have no idea how to handle the animal. *You also have to watch out for breeders that sell 'wolves.' All young dogs and wolves look pretty much the same. If you put a German shepherd pup, a Husky pup, and a wolf pup next to each other, it'd be very hard to tell which is which. *Also, when considering a hybrid, the most common mixes are German shepherd/wolf, Husky/wolf, and Malamute/wolf. Stay away from wolves bred with more aggressive breeds like the Pit Bull and Chow Chow. *In all seriousness, DO YOUR HOMEWORK!! Just like you should when getting any kind of pet. There are exceptions to these 'rules.' But I want you to be informed of what you could be up against by owning a hybrid so you'll think long and hard about it before you decide to get one. They can be great pets--but BE CAREFUL and do your HOMEWORK. Below are some links to help you out in your decision: |
| These are just a few to get you started. Start searching in search engines on the 'net, look in libraries, talk with other hybrid/wolf owners. Find out if a hybrid or wolf is right for you BEFORE you get one. ^..^ |
| The wolf is the symbol of power and beauty. They are the WILD. They make you feel one with nature. |
| Which is it? |
| Test your knowledge. Choose which is which below. |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
| Not so easy, is it? |
| ***I will no longer answer emails about owning wolves and/or wolf hybrids. I am NOT an expert on them and I don't agree with keeping them as pets. If you need information about hybrids, use the links above and contact people who actually have owned/lived with/or studied wolf hybrids. I will not answer any more hybrid-emails as of 10/17/03. Thank you.*** |