Wildside Explores Wolf Dogs (Canine Hybrids)

Interested in canine hybrids, considering obtaining one, or already entrenched in ownership of an animal that is too complicated for your lifestyle? This article will touch on different issues surrounding wolf dogs also known as wolf dog hybrids. There are seven parts to this comprehensive wolf dog series click here to start at the beginning.

Canine Hybrids: (Part 4 of 8)
Issues Surrounding The Wolf Dog

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Standardization of the Breed
According to one source, an author of two books on hybrids, there are some breeders have been known to create animal registries to serve their own purposes. There are three organizations that really do focus on establishing a breed standard in the wolf dog hybrid industry.

When asked to comment and contribute their view and opinions for this article, each of the wolf dog breeding groups contacted declined to answer or to engage in dialog on the topic that was not pro wolf dog. One person, angered by the non-supportive view expressed in the series (who did contribute) asked to be removed from the credit listing. The unwillingness to dialog and emotional responses contribute to the suspicion that wolf dog breeders and their organizations do have something to hide.

The National Wolf Dog Alliance, along with various individuals from various wolf dog rescue agencies, and wolf dog hybrid specialists were of great assistance in gleaning valuable information and input for this piece. The consensus of those queried is that the groups considered to be among the best wolf dog organizations are the Iowolfers, US Wolf Dog Association (USWDA), and the National Wolf Dog Alliance (NWDA).

Kennel Clubs and registries are membership organizations. Usually they have some say in the quality and activities of their membership but this does not guarantee anything. One of the most well known clubs, the AKC (American Kennel Club), states that they will not grant wolf dogs membership because they are a mixed heritage animal.

However, the Continental Kennel Club (CKC), a new canine breed registry formed in 1991, says that they will accept wolf dogs and mixed breed animals. They state:

"…Continental Kennel Club has a miscellaneous section for developing new breeds. CKC will recognize a cross between any two purebred dogs, and will issue a registration certificate on their offspring….."

and

"…CKC will also register any wolf and dog cross as a wolf hybrid…"

Unfortunately, membership in a kennel club does not automatically make someone a "good" breeder nor does it attest to the quality of the animal's temperament or physical soundness.

Breeders
Wolf dog breeders need to acknowledge that a serious problem exists, instead of wasting time harassing and bashing critics of wolf dog ownership. There is a need for them to correct their breed issues "in-house," as proponents of some of the problematic purebred dog breeders have already begun to do.

The wolf dog problem lies with irresponsible breeders and irresponsible ownership of wolf dogs. Irresponsible breeders sell to anyone; the housing or people buying the animal might not be appropriate and the screening process is minimal, if not absent. The temperaments and long-term physical and mental health of the animals are of little concern since once they are sold they become the problem of the new owner. Sanctuaries are overflowing from the disastrous results of their efforts.

Some breeders and owners of wolf dog hybrids claim that their efforts help out the wolf. That is a fallacy. The wolf dog is not an animal that helps perpetuate the wolf species or conservation of the wild animal.

Breeding wolf dogs is an enterprise that supports the commerce and trade of an animal and puts money in the pocket of the breeder; it does not promote the conservation or the genetic preservation of the wolf.

In fact, the Wolf Specialist Group (WSG) of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has a resolution7 against wolf dog hybrids. The WSG is the internationally recognized professional group that works at wolf conservation. Their statement does not support the breeding or buying of a wolf dog hybrid--that is how important it is to wolf conservation.

Some of the reasons conservationists do not condone the breeding of hybrids is that it pollutes the wolf gene pool. wolf dogs have escaped or been turned loose in wolf country; when that happens it is of grave concern to conservationists and others. Additionally, because they are not wolves but often look like them, wolf dogs contribute to bad press that affect the wolf.

So, what is a competent animal breeder? They are a minority. One source estimated that of the approximately 2500 known wolf dog breeders, only 100 to 150 held memberships in one of the three main wolf dog organizations mentioned earlier.

Quality breeders are selective of who they sell animals to, they know the bloodlines and genetic background (and don't distort it), are selective of what and when they breed, and most will take back an animal or help to place it if the animal is not working out.

Applications for animal ownership are screened by quality breeders for appropriate placement. A reputable breeder will not sell an animal to unprepared applicants. In many cases, those meeting the criteria of ownership and desiring to own the pups will be required to have deposits on the animals before they are even born. Most will also have to sign contracts and often agree to a spay/neuter clause.

In addition, quality breeders provide assistance to the new owner regarding the education on the animal, the regulatory laws and agencies, the special needs it has, its unique nutritional considerations and dietary needs, special veterinary challenges or concerns, critical socialization periods and steps to take during those periods, training, and proper guidance for the creature's behavioral development and successful integration. These breeders frankly discuss the pros and cons of the animals they breed.

Wolf Dog Hybrids Part Five: Wolf Dog Hybrid Attacks

Diana Guerrero, author of this series, is an animal behavior consultant and animal training coach with extensive experience in many areas of the animal world. She offers private training, coaching, and related services. She first began working with wolf-dogs in 1979 and discourages the ownership and breeding of these animals.

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