![]() Aggressive tendencies, if any, in the hybrid may be fear-induced and as such, can be unpredictable and hard to control,” the IWC states. “Due to the shy nature of wolves, hybrids usually make poor protection dogs. People hoping a hybrid will make a good guard dog may be setting themselves up for disappointment. Hybrids that have a high content of wolf DNA may need a fence that is 6′-8′ tall. They note that hybrids have been known to bite through weaker chain link and wood fences. The DBIC says the fencing should be cattle panels, heavy duty chain link or vinyl. Hybrids are notoriously good at jumping fences - and can even chew through some. The wolf’s natural instinct to roam can also make hybrids difficult to contain. “The territorial instinct of wolves to protect their food source by establishing a home range through defecation and urination may be transferred to the owner’s home,” according to IWC. That can make hybrids more difficult to housebreak. “The diversity of genetic composition even within one litter of hybrid pups leads to a wide range of appearances and behavior patterns among all hybrids,” according to the International Wolf Center.ĭogs and wolves have distinctly different behavior patterns when it comes to protecting their territory, and hybrids may fall anywhere on the spectrum between the two. They warn that achieving that type of bond requires beginning the socialization process before the pup is weaned and requires a much greater investment of time, money, and effort - throughout the hybrid’s entire life.Įven so, a human companion may not be enough for hybrids, which are very social.Īccording to the Dog Breed Info Center, hybrids should have at least one other canine companion.Īdditionally, the behavior of hybrids can be inconsistent, unpredictable and challenging to manage, experts warn. “The bond achieved between hybrid and human is often stronger than that generally seen between dogs and humans,” the Wolf Park website states. The experts at Wolf Park, in Battle Ground, Indiana, acknowledge that hybrids will form a strong bond with their owners, but warn that it will be a “high maintenance” relationship. However, the UCA warns that a hybrid’s large size and high energy level do not make it a good choice for families with smaller children or smaller sized pets, especially cats. The United Canine Association notes that hybrids are “generally good-natured,” very intelligent and energetic. Having a furry friend that looks like a wolf and behaves like a dog might sound tempting, but many experts on wolves advise against keeping wolf-dog hybrids as pets.Īfter our report on Capone, the family pet suspected of being part wolf that has been seized by Aurora Animal Control, we wanted to know more about what hybrids are really like. Please look at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last updated. ![]() This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated.
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