Member

Posts: 86
From:Canfield, Ohio 44406
Registered: Dec 2003

posted 02-21-2004 06:27 AM         

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My ex just asked me the other night if I would Dog sit his wolf when he goes to Florida in May. I am so excited. I love that animal. He is a gentle sweetheart and loves me and my kids. He lived with us until he was 8 months old. I just wanted to let every one know about this cause it makes me happy that I am trusted enough to take care of such a potentially dangerous animal. He'll be in my bed everynight, anlong with Zeus.

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Member

Posts: 813
From:Santa Maria, Ca.
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 02-22-2004 09:56 AM         

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I'm Happy for you I guess! but if it's potentially dangerous, is that something you really want around your children? I thought wild animals no matter if they are domesticated or not, have the ability to be hamful. Do you worry about his natural instints kicking in? The only reason I even say anything is: I watched a program once where someone had a pet wolf, had never had a problem with him, but he ended up killing a neighbor boy. I would give it some serious thought before I brought that animal into my home around my children. You know the wolf and I don't, so I guess you know what you're doing.

Good luck! Susan

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Member

Posts: 86
From:Canfield, Ohio 44406
Registered: Dec 2003

posted 02-22-2004 12:00 PM         

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I am sure he will be okay around the kids. He just turned 1 yr this month. He has been well socialized and exposed to as many possible situations as possible. The only thing he has a problem with is car rides, he gets car sick!!! He loves cats and is around small children regularly so I am not to worried. And is he poses any problems I have a 8X16X6 pen to keep him in outside during the day, and he can sleep in his crate at night. I am just happy to be able to spend that time with him, I miss having him around.

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Member

Posts: 813
From:Santa Maria, Ca.
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 02-23-2004 12:52 AM         

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It sounds like you have it all covered, enjoy your time with him!

Susan

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Posts: 227
From:Perth, Western Australia
Registered: May 2003

posted 02-23-2004 02:39 AM         

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are people allowed to own wolves in america?

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Member

Posts: 944
From:Columbus, Tx ,USA
Registered: Dec 2003

posted 02-23-2004 07:43 AM         

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I think they have to be under 93% to be leagal. Most are crosses with Malimutes and Huskies. It is illegal to own a Pure wild wolf. Seeing as how they were endangered species not to long ago, I don't know if thats changed or not.
I volunteered at the zoo here and I remember it was illegal.

People may call the wolves they have "pure" but they aren't. THey are almost always crossed with another breed, mainly the Siberian Huskies to get that "wild wolf" look.

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Member

Posts: 944
From:Columbus, Tx ,USA
Registered: Dec 2003

posted 02-23-2004 07:49 AM         

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Information I found:

The most commonly bred dogs for wolf hybrids are Alaskan Malamutes, Huskies, and German Shepherds.

Lower percentage hybrids (up to around 30% or so wolf) will exhibit mainly traits from the dogs they were bred from. However, it is still important to know the wolf's behavior as it is an important part of your pet's background. It is covered in the high percentage section below. If you had a low percentage (on the wolf side) German Shepherd/Wolf mix, you typically would see more German Shepherd characteristics such as intelligence, loyalty, and tolerance. Your animal would most likely be more responsive to obey and learn commands. A lower percentage Malamute mix however would tend to be more headstrong, aggressive to other dogs of the same sex, and respond mainly to the primary owner. A lower percentage Husky mix would be tend to be more friendly and good with people but due to the Husky's nature, more apt to be stubborn, a wanderer, and is easily bored.

If you are getting towards the 40%-75% wolf range the animal has a more uncertainty in it's behavior. A person owning an animal of this percentage should be well acquainted with both breeds in the animal's background. The dog breed's behavior is easily noted in many books and most people have a general understanding of the main breeds used for having wolf hybrids. The wolf's behavior is described below in the high percentage section and is very different from a dog's. Certain characteristics of each of the breeds in this 40%-75% lineage can and may be emphasized.

The high percentage (75% and up) or pure wolf, with no socialization, is a very shy animal in general and seeks escape when approached. They do NOT make good watch dogs and rarely vocalize when intruders are present, choosing instead to hide at a remote distance. Aggressive wolf behavior is usually reserved for self defense when cornered or protecting cubs. It is also not in the wolf's nature to bark. Extremely high percentages (90% and up) rarely bark if at all. Wolves are also very avid chewers when bored or curious. They tend to "steal things" and then investigate what they have found by tearing it apart and examining it. Wolves or high percentage hybrids are NOT recommended interacting with children in general. Another common trait is that they tend to be avid diggers. Whether to make a depression to lay in, dig a den, or just for the heck of it, this is something to definitely expect. Speaking of things to definitely expect....Howling, oh yeah. You should be prepared for this as it is a natural part of the wolf's makeup and a good relationship/understanding with your neighbors (or no neighbors at all) is definitely necessary. Finally, wolves are also very good at jumping/climbing to scale things. Wolves are highly intelligent and therefore need stimulation, both in activity and socialization. A good owner must be prepared for all these various things and more as high percentage hybrids are challenging animals to own and not for the average pet owner.

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Member

Posts: 86
From:Canfield, Ohio 44406
Registered: Dec 2003

posted 02-23-2004 08:09 AM         

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There are no percentage regulations here in Ohio. Orion is a Hybrid. He is Timberwolf/Alaskan Malamute mix. Both parents were owned by the same family and raised indoors. He is still in that playful puppy stage and loves to frolic. My ex wants to take him to a friends that has 13 acres and see how well he would do off-leash, but I told him that I wouldn't recommend it. Suprisingly for an ex-boyfriend, he listens to me very well. I am going to enjoy the opportunity, and when he is here I'll be sure to take a picture of Orion for you guys to see.

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