The Characteristics of a Wolf Dog

Wolves and dogs share a genetic heritage; the modern dog is a domesticated form of the wolf. This shared heritage does not mean that everyone feels comfortable with a wolfdog, or an animal that is a combination of dog and wolf. Some people are against owning dogs with "wolf blood" in them and do not find them suitable pets. Since different types of wolves and dogs can be bred together, there is no one breed standard for wolfdogs. Certain characteristics, including appearance, behavior and temperament, can vastly differ among wolfdogs.

  1. Variety and Appearance

    • Wolves are commonly bred with Siberian Huskies, German Shepherds and Alaskan Malamutes to create wolfdogs. Often, it is a male dog that mates with a female wolf to produce a wolfdog. The pairing is typically not a wild versus domestic pairing; both the dog and the wolf are offsprings of animals bred in captivity. The term "wolfdog" also refers to the offspring of two wolfdogs, the offspring of a wolfdog and a wolf or the offspring of a dog and a wolfdog. Female wolfdogs weigh 60 to 85 lbs. on average, while male wolfdogs weigh around 80 to 90 lbs. Although wolfdogs typically differ in physical appearance and behavior, many wolfdogs have a bushy tail, an elongated snout, slanted eyes and a tall, lanky build.

    Cohabitation

    • Wolfdogs are not suited for apartment living. Since they need space to run around, a house with a large, secure outdoor pen is more preferable. Wolfdogs left alone in tiny apartment spaces can destroy furniture. Before purchasing a wolfdog, potential owners must take into consideration pets that they already own. A wolfdog introduced into a home with birds, cats or rabbits can injure or kill these small pets. Unneutered male wolfdogs living together will likely fight one another, while two unspayed female wolfdogs will fight. You will have less conflict if you put a neutered male and a spayed female together. Wolfdogs are not entirely compatible with kids, since they have been known to attack young children. A child's movement or crying can trigger the predatory instinct in wolfdogs.

    Temperament

    • Wolfdogs have personality traits of the specific dog breed that makes up part of their genetic makeup. They also display wolf traits and can be family or pack-oriented, intelligent, playful, timid, energetic, loving or aloof animals. Wolfdogs are social creatures and it can be difficult for them to be alone for long periods of time. The level of aggression differs among wolfdogs. Wolves that are mixed with aggressive dog breeds, such as rottweilers and pit bulls, tend to be more aggressive in nature.

    Genetics and Legal Issues

    • Most breeders of wolfdogs breed the animals to sell to the public. The percentage of wolf in the wolfdog's genetic makeup often determines the animal's selling price, and having more wolf blood can make the animal more appealing or "exotic" to a buyer. Breeders of wolfdogs may exaggerate the genetic wolf content of a wolfdog to try and sell the animal. Depending on where you live, you may need a permit to own a wolfdog, or it may be illegal to own one. Since laws regarding hybrid animals can vary from county to county, contacting your local Department of Animal Control can help you learn more about hybrid animal laws in your area.