There are wolves, dogs, and wolf/dog hybrids – so what’s the difference? There are multiple answers to that simple question; one that has engaged dog lovers, wolf advocates and animal behaviorists for many decades.
The domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris) may have first partnered with humans around 30,000 years ago. Ancient hunter/gatherers apparently adopted the wolf-like predecessors of today’s docile pets to act as watchdogs and hunting companions. The partnership benefited both species; humans were better hunters while the eternal watchfulness of Canis enabled humans to sleep safely through the night.
The partnership has endured to this day. Today’s domesticated dog is very different from its feral ancestors and from modern wolves. Although wolves and dogs share more than 99 percent of their DNA, the remaining one percent accounts for a number of very significant differences. Malamutes, Siberian huskies, German shepherds and other wolf-like dogs are more closely related to wolves than Chihuahuas, but all dogs are more closely related to each other than they are to wolves.
Despite being separated for millennia, dogs and wolves are interfertile. That means that they can breed and produce viable offspring. In other words, wolves can interbreed with any type of dog, and their offspring are capable of producing offspring themselves.
How can you tell if your dog is part wolf?
DNA tests are unreliable, and appearances can be deceptive. An animal that’s a cross between say, a wolf hybrid and a Chesapeake Bay retriever may present as a wolf, a chessie, something in between, or as a crossbreed dog of uncertain origin. There are behavioral differences between dogs and wolves, but few such crosses will manifest all of them. And many animals that present as wolf hybrids are the product of generations of crosses and back-crosses, and DNA tests won’t identify them as part-wolf.
Dogs have long been bred for tameness, for rapid and enduring socialization with humans and for obedience and sensitivity towards their human leaders. And while wolf cubs (not puppies, please!) are playful and cute, when raised in a human home they quickly become aggressive wild animals that have no interest in their human masters.
But are hybrids good guard dogs? Probably not. Wolves are naturally shy and hybrids tend to be either reclusive or unpredictably aggressive. In other words, they might ignore the burglar and bite the postman.
So, how do you raise or care for an animal that is or may be a wolf hybrid?
Carefully and respectfully. Understand that your pet isn’t like other dogs; for example, you may not be able to housebreak him/her. Wolves tend to mark their territory by urination or defecation, and that territory might be the couch or a corner of the dining room. And if you already have a dog or two, it’s not a good idea to adopt a hybrid – there will surely be clashes, and hybrids can overpower most domestic dogs. And while you may give your hybrid attention, affection and respect, don’t expect your feelings to be reciprocated.
According to the International Wolf Center in Ely, Minnesota, “When a wolf reaches sexual maturity (anywhere from 1 to 4 years of age), their role in the pack often changes from that of a pup to an adult expected to contribute to the pack. Status becomes much more important, and the animal may begin testing its packmates to achieve a higher-ranking position in the pack. Testing or challenging of packmates can be transferred onto a human ‘’leader’ when a wolf is kept in captivity, causing the animal to be perceived as stubborn, bold or aggressive.”
The center further adds, “While many individuals do make an effort to become educated about the potential outcome of owning a wolf or hybrid, others unfortunately do not. This results in the animals being kept in an environment where their social and behavioral needs are not met. In these situations, the animals frequently spend their days in small cages or tied to chains, with very poor quality of life. When any animal, wild or domestic, is kept in conditions inadequate to their mental and physical needs, there is a safety risk for humans.”
Darlene Kobobel, founder and CEO of the Wolf and Wildlife Center near Divide, first became interested in wolves and wolf-hybrids in 1993 when she rescued an animal from a local shelter.
“Chinook was two years of age and was going to be euthanized at the local animal shelter because of her “wolf-hybrid” label,” according to the center’s website. “Once Darlene learned of the fate of this beautiful animal, in spite of her childhood fears of wolves, she took Chinook home.”
Approximately 250,000 wolf-dogs are born every year in this country, and few survive more than three years. That’s because many owners surrender their animals to shelters, where they’re promptly euthanized. Hoping to save some of them, Kobobel started a Wolf Hybrid Rescue Center. Overwhelmed by dozens of calls daily from owners across the country who wanted to find a safe haven for their animals, Kobobel came to understand the scope of the problem was far beyond her limited resources.
The center refocused to become the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center, providing a home for threatened and endangered species such as Mexican gray wolves and swift foxes. They don’t accept wolf dogs, but here’s their advice to potential owners:
“We believe wolves should be wolves and dogs should be dogs. However, if your intent is to own a wolf dog, you should take full and total responsibility for that animal.”
They offer the following guidelines and considerations:
1. Do you own your home?
2. Are they permitted in your state/county?
3. Does your homeowners insurance allow that breed?
4. Do you have a vet that will treat him/her?
5. Are you educated about the breed?
6. Do you intend to keep him/her for life?
7. Do you have a fenced in area of at least ½ acre. Is it 6’ to 8’ high and do you have ground wire, double gate, and concrete or similar shelter for a cold tolerant animal?
8. Are you financially prepared?
9. Will he or she have a playmate for when you are not around?
10. Do not buy from a breeder. Rescue, please.
Hybrids are often magnificent animals that, given a suitable environment, can thrive. You’d better have a gentle, forgiving disposition and understand that your hybrid isn’t a dog and may not respond to discipline or have any particular affection for you.
Yet by giving him/her a decent life, you’re doing a good deed, and learning more about wolves and dogs than you can imagine.
Just don’t expect it to be easy.
