Wolf FAQ's
Types of Wolves
Biology & Behavior
Wolves & Humans
In-depth Resources
Glossary
|
Wolves and dogs can interbreed and produce offspring. These offspring
are usually fertile and are known as wolf hybrids. Wolves can be
crossed with any breed of dog. The most common hybrids are wolf
bred with malamute, husky, or German shepherd. Although wolf hybrids
can occur naturally in the wild, this happens very infrequently
due to the territorial nature of the wolf. Most hybrids are the
result of deliberate breeding in captivity.
Wolves and dogs mature at different rates, which can make the
physical development of the hybrid unpredictable. The female dog
reaches sexual maturity at 6-8 months of age, and has two estrus
cycles per year. The female wolf reaches sexual maturity at 2-4
years and has one estrus cycle per year, in February or March. The
female hybrid can reach sexual maturity at any time between these
two extremes, and can have one or two estrus cycles per year.
The male dog matures sexually around 8 months, and usually exhibits
raised leg urination (RLU). The male wolf matures sexually between
2 and 3 years depending on pack status, and may or may not exhibit
RLU. Male hybrids can mature anywhere between these two extremes
and may or may not exhibit RLU.
Dogs readily take to training, and can be easily housebroken.
Wolves do not train well and cannot be housebroken, due in part
to their territorial nature and to the importance of elimination
in marking their territories, as well as for other reasons. Hybrids
may fall anywhere between these two extremes.
| Myths Regarding Wolf Hybrids |
| MYTH: |
A wolf hybrid will make a better guard dog. |
| FACT: |
Due to the shy nature of wolves, hybrids usually make poor
protection dogs. Aggressive tendencies, if any, in the hybrid
may be fear induced and as such, can be unpredictable and hard
to control. |
| MYTH: |
A wolf hybrid will live longer than a dog. |
| FACT: |
The life span of a wolf in captivity is 12-14 years-the same
as a large dog. |
| MYTH: |
Hybrids are healthier than dogs, and are less prone to disease. |
| FACT: |
Wolves and dogs are prone to the same infectious diseases.
There may be some question as to the efficacy of standard dog
vaccines in wolves and some hybrids. |
| MYTH: |
Huskies and malamutes are part wolf. |
| FACT: |
Huskies and malamutes are breeds of dogs, like any other. |
Many breeders who deal in wolf hybrids promote the 'wolf content'
of the pups and even set their prices according to the 'amount of
wolf blood' in the litter. This is not based on sound biology or
genetics.
When one breeds a dog with a wolf, the offspring will inherit
a set of genes from each parent, and are indeed 50/50 - that is,
one-half dog and one-half wolf. However, when these animals are
bred with other 50/50 hybrids, there is no way to calculate or manipulate
which genes are passed to the offspring. As a result, these offspring
may inherit a majority of dog genes from both parents and would
herefore be predominantly dog - both physically and behaviorally.
Or conversely, they could be predominantly wolf, or any variation
or combination in between. The ideal wolf hybrid would be one that
looks like a wolf and behaves like a dog, but unfortunately, many
times one ends up with an animal that looks like a dog and has the
obstinate nature of a wolf.
Laws vary from area to area. In some states, hybrids are classified
as wild animals and owners are required to possess the same type
of permits and caging as for a wolf. In other states, hybrids are
regulated as dogs, needing only proper vaccinations and licenses.
For more information on wolf-dog hybrids, contact:
The Wolf Dunn, an online resource for information on wolf/dog hybrids.
International Wolf Center. Wolf-Dog Hybrids
Fact Sheet. Ely, MN: International Wolf Center, 1997.
Prendergast, Dorothy. The Wolf Hybrid. Gallup,
NM: Rudelhaus Enterprise, 1989. 141 pp.
Wildlife Education and Research Foundation.
Current State Regulations Pertaining to Wolves and Wolf Hybrids. 1999.
|
