Hello fellow wolf fans! :beer:

I've often considered getting a wolf-hybred (one that is preferrably more wolf than cross) but I'm having trouble coming to terms with getting one... :wacko:
I am (like so many others) a HUGE fan of wolves and often wish I could have a cabin out in the wilderness and have a strong connecting with a pack of wolves. However, real life says at this point in time that can't happen so here comes the problem:

Reason for a wolf / wolf-hybred: :)
I adore wolves and always enjoy being in there presence. ( those that feel that same should look into traveling to Alaska since wolf-hybreds are more common than elsewhere... but I'm only on vacation from sunny and busy California)

Reason for not getting a wolf / wolf-hybred: :(
Since they are part wolf I hear they can be more difficult to control and you have to be constantly training / entertaining them to prevent them from getting into mischief and destroying stuff. Also, I sort of feel like I shouldn't encourage the growth of the hybred and try to help out wolf reserves.

So... I guess what I'm asking for is for any other input on the situation to either better come to terms with getting a hybred, or to leave the wolves in the wild / reserves and view them from afar (afar = the word I dread).
Also, those who have hybred could share your experiences, what type of cross you have, and possibly include a picture at your discretion... ;)

Thanks and I'll do my best to respond back! :D

There was a thread somewhere on this subject and I think the general consensus was its too dangerous and unfair on the wolves to be deprived of their freedom. I shall try and find it for you :)

Edited to add linky- topic discussion

This post has been edited by shylark on Jun 28 2007, 10:36 AM

Wolf hybrids are great - in my life I have been around and raised 4+ of my own. Along with any animal, they are how you teach them

If your a loving, caring, and dominant - go for it

If you are goin to leave it alone, on a chain, or neglect to give it attention it needs and deserves - leave the wolves with wolves.

Wolf hybrids are amazing in every aspect, and do your best to research every outlet on this topic before you make your decision. In my personal experiance, I have never had a problem with my hybrids. The only problem really is other people when they learn or know of your hybrid. People are cruel and fear hybrids cause of attacks or hearing nothing but the bad news and making quick judgement on what "they think is right". Just like Pitbulls got a bad reputation, sadly hybrids have fallen in that reputation as well.

However like I said above: The dog is and will be however you treat/teach it

Hybrids can be a bit of a challenge in the early years, but with strict dedication and care - they are the best breed in my opinion. One thing you have to make absolutely sure of is the laws in the area you live, as with people being cruel they have pushed bans and certian laws pertaining to the ownership of a hybrid.

A helpful link: Hybrid Info

My personal opinion on getting a hybrid - look at the other half of the canine. German Shepherd hybrids are generally the best bet and loyal in any case because of the GSD cross. Husky Crosses can be good but with work but a little chaotic cause of the Husky cross. There are more out there, but do your research before getting one. They are not a normal dog that will sit around all day and wait for you, nor can they be just fed on kibbles and bits alone. Alot of work, but a very rewarding and loving relationship can be made

I have personally owned:
Samoyed / Grey Wolf - Male
German Shepherd / Timberwolf - Female
German Shepherd / Timberwolf - Male
Siberian Husky / Wolf - Female
and others

as well as helped out with many wolf and wolf hybrid areas

This post has been edited by dirtyfox on Jun 28 2007, 10:37 AM

I think there is hybrid rescue site but, I can't remember. :( If you do that you can have a wolf or wolf hybrid that can't live on its own in the wild because it has lived with people all its life. You should start with a low content animal ( less than 50% wolf), but basicaly what dirtyfox said is right.

Remember that wofces are pack animals. If you have a wolf/hybrid, and go to work 8-9 hours a day, that dog/wolf will not have a happy life being alone. THe wolf may become very destruvtive, possibly break out, and attempt to join a wolf pack in nature, also if such does not exist, who knows without having giving it a try.

Make sure you are able to manage that your wolf/hybrid will never be alone, if you want the afectoion you look after, it should be you who hardly ever leave your hybrid.
From my own experince, work from home!

some years ago, I cared for an alleged husky/wolf hybrid pup while its owner was recovering from a fire that destroyed her residence. My guess from its appearance was that the percentage of wolf was significantly less than half as it seemed to show few few if any wolf characteristics appearance-wise. Basically, it was a nice and definitely intelligent dog, but during the time I had it I could not leash break it. A leash would make it go insane! I suspect that a prior bad experience with a leash might have been the cause. Also, some jurisdictions have passed laws prohibiting ownership of wolves and hybrids.I believe this is true of the entire state of Kentucky. My guess would be that anyone who contemplates such an animal should be prepared to spend a lot of time with it and should also be an "alpha" with considerable canine experience!

As a matter for note, there is an englishman who lived with a pack of confined wolves for some time. His insights into the relationships that developed from actually being a pack member might be helpful. Sorry- the guy's name escapes me, perhaps someone reading this might recall it!

His name is Shaun Ellis, there is a thread about him - here

I am scared to death of wolves, so you know the answer. :lol:

I'm pretty much with DirtyFox on this one...have had over ten wolves, or wolf hybrids in my time and in my experience I've never had a better animal. The intelligence of them really shines through, and they're life expectancy is great...had one that was almost 20 years old. That being said...it's not like having your average dog, being able to be dominant is important...or at least have someone in your household that can be. Having space and time for them is improtant too, as well as not being the only animal in the house. Personally, I spent over $10,000 to make a safe pen a little over an acre and groundwired it all around so it would be more difficult for them to dig out. They will dig up your yard, chew up things in the house, and eat anything they can catch. Personally, I've never had a problem with trying to attack anyone, the ones closest to me slept in my bed...or should I say their bed :)
Personally I prefer a hybrid crossed with another northern breed, malamute or husky. If you want a breed closest to a wolf, get a malamute instead. They are a big time committment and be very careful who you tell that they are actually wolf crosses. I always loved howling with them...was such a cool experience.
I loved them...but my advice is if you don't have the time, money or space for them...get another breed...there are too many pet wolves ending up in sanctuaries, or getting put down because their human couldn't handle them. I don't have one at the moment because my situation isn't the best to have one right now...but perhaps in the future that will change.

one thing you must remember: they are not DOGS.

if you want a cuddly pet to curl up on your lap and bend to your every whim you will NOT find it in a hybrid. They do not aim to please

Ever have one Off? been around them...or are you just going on what you've heard or read? I guess the ones that rolled over in my lap, curled up next to me in bed, followed me around wherever I went, cleaned my ears or face...took food from my lips just never existed...gee guess I was just hallucinating...

first off, i wasn't accusing anyone of "hallucinating"

second ive lived in nh. NH = a lot of macho guys. A lot of macho guys = a lot of macho dogs. Before the age of the pitbull, there were a lot of wolf hybrids. I can only speak from vicarious experiences. Now, i realize that a good amount of it is how they are raised. And macho guys tend to be idiots which reflects in the dogs. However, like the pitbull, i dont think it can only be put on the owners and there are circumstances where it just is the breed. These are my experiences, i can only speak for those, and pretend to speak from no others.

C'mon Itzwolf, I'm sure you can understand what she was pointing out. Sure if you've devoted your whole life to raising wolves, perhaps a few of them have cuddled next to you or slept in your bed.

Still if your getting a hybrid dog/wolf because it would be cool to have one. Then you 'd better be an expert with years of experience.

Yes...that's what I pointed out in my earlier post...but to say they never do this, or do that is just wrong information and I feel a need to point things out that are wrong...especially if it's something I know quite a great deal about.

My fiance had a wolf hybrid when I met him. She was a second generation timberwolf/Husky? mix. She was amazing. But she was constantly around him and he gave her constant attention. She was verry skiddish around people and she was sometimes agressive towards other dogs, And when I mean agressive I mean ready to kill. She destroyed things when she was alone, and was verry jelous of me. A mean neighborhood rottie kept coming around and messing with her when she was on her zippline. He had previously chased two runners and bit a kid. The police hadn't caught it yet. He eventually got tangled in her zipline and she was strangled. It was horrible... Don't get a hybrid unless you have allot of time and space. It isn't fair to the dog to be stuck in a small house/yard, or to be in a kennel all day.