Types of Gray Hybrid Wolves

All dogs are domesticated descendants of wolves. Due to generations of breeding, most dogs bear no more than a passing resemblance to their wild relatives, however, since they share the same DNA wolves and domesticated dogs can be bred together. This has led to the creation of a the wolf hybrid, also called the wolf dog. These hybrids are not recognized as purebred dogs. Because of their wild background, these dogs should not be kept as pets.

  1. Husky Wolf Hybrid

    • Because they are wolf-like in appearance Siberian Huskies are often bred with gray wolves to form a hybrid wolf dog. In any hybrid, temperament and behavior can be passed down from both breeds. So, while huskies are gentle, family-friendly dogs, a hybrid can just as easily display the wild characteristics of the gray wolf. A husky-wolf hybrid will be a high energy dog that prefers the cooler temperatures and needs a lot of exercise. Both breeds adhere closely to pack dynamics.

    Malamute Wolf Hybrid

    • The Alaskan malamute is another dog breed that is very wolflike in appearance, and for this reason is crossbred with gray wolves. In fact, the practice has become so common that Alaskan Malamute organizations have taken a stand against such crossbreeding, because they are worried that such crossbreeding can dilute the malamute lineage and damage the reputation of the breed. Malamute wolf hybrids tend to be a bit more like wolves in their behavior than the husky-wolf hybrids, due in part to the more wolflike nature of the malamute.

    German Shepherd Wolf Hybrid

    • Though they look less wolves than huskies or malamutes, the German shepherd does still have many physical characteristics that resemble wolves and has been bred with wolves. These hybrids will often look like a long-haired version of a German shepherd. However, it is also common to breed German shepherds with huskies or malamutes and such mixes will look very similar to a shepherd and gray wolf crossbreed. Though the German shepherd is generally a gentle breed that can make a great family dog, the hybrids do not make desirable pets, as there is the chance they will attack children or other dogs.

    Coyote-wolf Hybrid

    • Unlike other wolf hybrids, the coyote and gray wolf hybrid is not something that was carried out deliberately by people, but has been occurring naturally over time in parks and other natural areas. Genetic testing by researchers has revealed that gray wolves have crossbred with coyotes as well as other wolf species creating hybrid wolf species that have blurred the distinction between different wolf species as well as between wolves and coyotes.