Wolf-Dog Hybrid Care Information

According to the Dog Pages website, Arctic tundra, Alaskan interior, British Columbian timber and Eastern timber wolves can all be bred with domestic dogs to create wolf-dog hybrids. Such hybrids possess care and maintenance challenges you may not find with a completely domesticated pet. In addition, before obtaining a wolf-dog hybrid, check with your state to be sure you can legally own one.

  1. Feeding

    • Wolf-dog hybrids cannot digest soy-, corn- or grain-based dog foods, so buy a premium dog food. For a natural diet, feed them one or two fresh calves per week, according to the "Good Food, Bad Food--What To Feed Your Wolfdog" article on the Wolfdog website. This works best if you live in a rural area and have easy access to a farm that raises cows.

    Vaccinations

    • With proper care and vaccinations, your wolf-dog can live 17 years, according to the Dog Pages site. Wolf-dogs only require typical vaccinations that you'd give any other dog--rabies shot, regular worming, heartworm preventative and yearly vaccinations. Wolf-dogs, however, are susceptible to Ehrlichia, a tick-borne disease that can kill your pet, says the "Ehrlichia--Aids of the Canine World" article on the Wolfdog site. Symptoms include fur loss on the toes and rear end, scruffy-looking coat, eye discharge, a swollen hind end and blood that does not clot. Treatment includes veterinary testing and Doxycycline.

    Containment

    • Even though wolf-dog hybrids form strong bonds with their families, they need special containment areas and exercise. Provide a special wading pool (for water consumption) inside a 30-feet by 30-feet containment area, 8 to 10 feet tall, says the Dog Pages site. Install a shocker fence for additional containment and protection. Avoid chaining your wolf-dog, as it may mouth a passer-by to get a human's attention, says the "Permanent Chaining or Cabling is Inhumane" article on the Wolfdog site.

    Companionship

    • Wolf-dog hybrids have strong pack instincts, so raising them in pairs is best. Or, get a doggie companion for your hybrid if you don't already own another dog. Human companions mostly consist of their owners and families. Wolf-dogs can be incredibly wary of those they don't know. If you have a wolf-dog puppy, be sure to take it everywhere you go, and let friends, family and your veterinarian handle the puppy, says the "Socializing and Bonding with Your Wolfdog" article on the Wolfdog site.

    Being Alpha

    • If you get a wolf-dog puppy, lay the puppy on its back for about 30 seconds, in a gentle and comfortable position. Talk softly and caress the puppy. The puppy may hiss, spit and struggle at first, but over time will learn to trust you as you teach it to be submissive, says the "Being Alpha or Being in Charge" article on the Wolfdog site. Do this exercise three times per day. Also teach the puppy the command "no bite" if it tries to grab your clothes.