Wolfdog Information
What are wolfdogs? I'm sure we all looked up "wolf hybrid for sale" at some point in our lives only to learn mostly everyone calls them wolfdogs now. Wolfdogs are created by breeding a wolf with a dog, then breeding that wolfdog/hybrid with another wolfdog/hybrid or to another dog.
What is the difference between a wolf hybrid and a wolf dog? Not much; but for legal reasons, the two are differentiated. Many states allow wolf dogs and not wolf hybrids. Wolf hybrids are an F1 (first generation) and is a dog, wolfdog, or wolf hybrid bred directly to a wolf. Wolf dogs are a product of a wolf hybrid to another wolf hybrid, wolf dog, or dog. The key point is if it is bred to a PURE wolf it is a hybrid.
Are wolfdogs legal? I'm sure many of us were looking for a legal way to own a wolf however that may still not be the case, every state is different. Check your state, county and city ordinances. Some states require permits, some are illegal above a certain percentage, and some ban them all together.
What do wolfdogs eat? Wolfdogs require a high protein diet. Our wolfdogs are fed raw chicken; and on occasion, fish, beef, and turkey. We supplement with high quality high protein kibble. They receive raw eggs, fresh fruit and vegetables as snacks. Their stomachs are very picky and a lot of dog food brands will give them diarrhea. They are not cheap to feed.
How do you know if you have a wolfdog? The only way to really be sure is to do a DNA test. Embark DNA is the most accurate DNA test for wolfdogs. You can phenotype higher contents of wolfdogs (many will be obvious, especially after years of experience). However phenotyping isn't always a reliable method. Unfortunately people are misinformed or have been lied to and told they own a 99% wolf or similar and it looks like a husky, but if they've been told their whole life its a wolf; they're going to believe that's what a wolf looks like. Embark and other DNA tests only test for gray wolf and only test up to 95% so if you were told a higher percentage or different wolf subspecies you might have been lied to. Other helpful factors are what time of year they were born.
What is recent wolf ancestry, low content, mid content, and high content? Wolfdog laws apply to all percentages!
1-14% is considered Recent Wolf Ancestry - Usually has no effect on looks or behavior.
15-49% is considered Low Content (LC) - Mostly dog traits with a few wolf traits.
50-74% is considered Mid Content (MC) - An equal balance of wolf and dog traits.
75-84% is considered Upper Mid content - More wolf traits than dog traits.
85% + is considered High Content (HC) - Little or no dog traits.
When are wolfdogs born? Wolves only come into heat once a year unlike dogs and normally breed in Feb-March and pups are born in May-June. True high contents will also be born at this time. As you get lower in content this may or may not become less true as dog genes become more prevalent.
What is WWS? WWS aka Winter Wolf Syndrome is Seasonal Aggression. It occurs in pure wolves as well as wolfdogs during the winter months around breeding season. Not all wolfdogs have WWS and those that do; not all show aggression some are just moody/grumpy or standoffish. Be prepared from October to March (5 months). Males will often guard females and challenge your position. Females will often show SSA (Same Sex Aggression) and attack other females.
Do wolf dogs make good guard dogs? No, wolf dogs can be shy and wary of strangers, making them unsuited for guarding.
Do wolfdogs need containment? Yes, although they certainly can live in your home it is not recommended to leave them unsupervised in your home unless you want it destroyed. It may also put small animals and children at risk in your home.
What kind of containment do you need? We recommend 6ft fencing or taller with a roof ( if small), or lean ins and a concrete floor (if small) or dig guards. Kennels less than 6ft tall can easily be jumped, and corners can still be climbed if the fence is too sturdy (hence the lean ins). Wolfdogs are notorious diggers and without dig guards will burrow their way out. Dig guards can be made my laying cattle fencing on the ground and attaching to adjacent vertical fencing.
Can I keep my wolf dog on a tie up outside? No, this has been known to cause behavioral issues. Wolf dogs are also aggressive chewers and can easily chew through a rope that could easily hold a dog. They are very high energy and need to run. Wolfdogs can also become frightened easily and panic and hurt themselves from the rope. Wolfdogs are known for squeezing through very small openings and are known to slip out of collars when panicked.
