Wolf Hybrids

Alaskan Malamute Club of Gauteng
(KUSA AFFILIATED)

[ Breeding ] [ TAMC Copyright and Disclaimer ] [ Wolf Hybrids ]

Over a period of time this year, we have seen a great deal breeding and advertising of so-called wolf crosses, often with Malamutes, Siberian Huskies, German Shepherds, etc. First and foremost as supporters of purebred dogs, the TAMC cannot condone this practice. Secondly, we must question all the co-called wolves in South Africa. Yes, we know that several wolves were imported by the South Africa Defence Force (SADF) from the United States of America many years ago, as a basis of selective experimental breeding. This breeding was not successful and several of these animals were euthanised, spayed or neutered. Unfortunately, some of these wolf hybrids (wolf cross breed) did survive and escaped. In addition, there are reports of several other wolves brought into SA with certain persons being active in breeding wolf-hybrids.

We are very aware of the problems that may arise with the cross breeding of both wolves and other domesticated dogs Malamutes. Extensive research has shown that Wolves mature a lot later than dogs, i.e. between 3 - 4 years of age and we are of the opinion that any Wolf-hybrid would typically show characteristics of a dog for its first few years with the "wild" wolf instincts arising as it matures. A recent young Malamute dog (later determined to have some element of wolf cross breeding in its genes) that came into Rescue late last year, was finally euthanised when it attacked a very experienced handler of dogs and sled dogs in specific.

We believe that wolves, as with other beautiful wild animals such as lions and tigers can be trained, but only to a certain extent. As stunning as they may be, their wild instincts will always remain within these fine animals and can never be fully domesticated. Wolves will show an even greater danger, specifically with smaller animals and children whom them may view as prey. It is with this is mind and the characteristics that make Malamutes interesting and often challenging, that we believe that any Wolf cross with any domestic dog such as a Malamute can result in a dangerous animal in the making, as each of the respective animal's characteristics are present and can be very unpredictable. We believe that dogs should remain dogs and wolves should remain wolves and don't support any cross breeding. It poses the risk of an accident is waiting to happen and the reputation of both wolves and our breed will suffer.

It has been estimated that over 90% of wolf hybrids sold in this country are credited with being of higher wolf content than they actually are. One danger in this is that the buyer purchasing a low content animal, thinking it's higher, may have the animal for years with no problems, training it like a dog, having it live in the house, be housebroken, non-destructive, etc. This person then spreads the story of how wonderful these high-content animals are and how easily cared for not much more trouble than a dog! Someone else hearing this (or even this same person getting a second animal down the line) then gets what actually IS a high content animal - and is in for a big surprise. Also, keep in mind that in addition to percentage, the number of generations the animal is away from a pure wolf will affect behaviour as well. A hybrid that is eight generations down the line from a pure wolf will be less "wolfy" than one who is 3 generations away.

In closing, I would encourage you to visit the website of the Institute of Ethology at Wolf Park at http://www.wolfpark.org/ or WHATE (Wolf Hybrid* Awareness Through Education) at http://www.inetdesign.com/wolfdunn/whate/ who recommend “hybrids are not generally the ideal pet. They require a lot more time, effort and patience than dogs, and are definitely not for the inexperienced. They require special containment and diet, which can be an expensive proposition. And for many people who don't know the facts beforehand, hybrids can go from being docile, adorable puppies to adults who challenge their unprepared owners for dominance, and become destructive and impossible to handle. Most high content hybrids (and certainly pure wolves) do NOT make good house pets; most people who have high content animals keep them in the house as pups, only to banish them to the yard after the destruction and behaviours become too much to deal with.

Note: Wolves have traditionally been crossed with malamutes or huskies, and are also sometimes crossed with German Shepherds. Due to the recent surge of popularity of the hybrid and the potential for a quick buck, some unethical breeders have begun to cross wolves with more aggressive breeds, such as chows or pit bulls. These particular crosses are an accident waiting to happen, and threaten the future existence of hybrids everywhere. Do not support this very dangerous trend.”

Some Differences - Wolves vs. Dogs

Genetics/Physical Traits

	Pure wolves cycle once a year - pups are born late March through early May. Dogs are born year-round.
	Pure wolves and high contents are born black (or very dark grey). Even Arctics, who eventually turn white, are dark at birth. Dogs are born in a variety of colours.
	High content (adult) hybrids look very wolfy. Some physical characteristics of the wolf are: long, leggy body; thick, double-coat; extra-large paws; ruff of fur around the neck and shoulder area; elongated snout; long, curved canine teeth; slanted eyes ranging from brown to amber to yellow (never blue) in colour; small, furry, rounded ears; straight tail (as opposed to the malamute/husky tail which curls up over the back); black nose. Note: None of these characteristics should be used in and of itself to determine wolf content, since a number of them may be common to wolves and some dogs.

Behavioural Traits

	Early, consistent socialization of the hybrid is necessary at an early age, to adults, children, other animals, noises, situations, etc. If this is not done, the animal may grow into a skittish, unmanageable, fear biting adult.
	Destruction - the wolf is a digger by nature, and the destruction in your home can be extreme, i.e. the living room couch, other furniture, even the walls themselves. Many high content hybrids can open just about anything (despite baby-proof locks) including the refrigerator, cabinets, and doors.
	The fact that wolves do not defecate in one area like domesticated dogs, combined with the natural inclination to mark their territory, makes housebreaking wolves and high content hybrids extremely difficult.
	High content hybrids are not good watchdogs, due to the wolf's timid nature. Do not expect a high content hybrid to protect you or your property. High contents and pure wolves don't bark much (usually one warning bark, as opposed to the dog's repetitive bark), so they don't make good "alarms", either.
	Howling - wolves and hybrids howl, whether out of loneliness, at sirens, or for their own wolf reasons. Take into consideration what type of neighbourhood you live in and what your neighbours will put up with. Not everyone appreciates the eerily beautiful howl of the wolf, especially at 4:00 am.
	Mouthing - mouthing and nipping are natural behaviours that must be modified at an early age. Teaching an adult 45 kg hybrid not to bite is no fun, not to mention dangerous.
	As far as being good with kids, yes, they can be brought up and socialised with children. But be aware that young/small child running, or falling down and crying, may trigger the prey instinct. Many hybrids grow to be very large in size, and play roughly as well. “Regardless of breed or content, no large dog should EVER be left alone with a child.”
	Obedience - wolves are extremely intelligent. They do, however, have their own reasons for doing things, and do not have the inbred desire to please humans that dogs do. Obedience training (especially with higher contents) is likely to take more time and effort and produce less reliable results than with a dog, although it can be done. Getting a high content hybrid to come when called is a major undertaking; most cannot be let off leash in a public area because of this (combined with the fact that children or small animals may trigger the prey instinct at any time). But many low contents have, with perseverance, gone through formal obedience training class and even excelled. Another extremely important thing is that you establish yourself as alpha early on. It is natural for wolves to challenge the alpha for place in the pack order. You must be prepared to deal with these types of behaviours correctly. “Never, ever hit a wolf or hybrid.” Seek help from a professional trainer experienced with hybrids.

Day-To-Day Considerations

	Hybrids are escape artists. They need an escape-proof enclosure, with room to run. Hybrids (or for that matter, dogs) should NEVER be kept on a chain as a primary means of containment. The minimum necessary for containment is six foot high chain link fencing with lean-ins at the top, and a dig-proof bottom. Hotwire and a perimeter fence are also recommended.
	Hybrids need companionship, canine as well as human. Another hybrid or large breed of dog of the opposite sex is preferable.
	Wolves are carnivores. High content hybrids do not do well on kibble alone. Be prepared to supplement the diet with fresh meat - many of the sources listed on the last page go into specific detail on this. It is a good idea to locate a source for meat and find out the costs involved before obtaining your animal.
	Transporting high content hybrids and pure wolves in a car is difficult. Getting them into the crate is an ordeal in itself, and many defecate and urinate out of fear during the ride, making a routine visit to the vet an unpleasant experience at best. Some owners find it necessary to tranquillise their animals before transporting them. Be aware that some vets refuse to treat wolf hybrids of any content, and some refuse to administer the rabies vaccine since its effectiveness on hybrids remains to be proven.

For more information about wolf hybrids please check out some links to other sites or for rescue facilities such as the Candy Kitchen Rescue Ranch click here.

Click here for more information about Wolf Park Guidelines or please contact hybridinfo@wolfpark.org if you have any questions

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Last modified: April 11, 2008