12-19-2011 at 3:14 PM

Sadly, yes - even low-content wolf-dogs can turn on their owners/handlers. I'm glad you understand that people aren't trying to be mean when they tell you it's dangerous - we're all just concerned because it actually is dangerous. :)

12-19-2011 at 2:50 PM

I watched the video and now see why. So not even if a dog is 40 or 30% wolf , it will still turn?

12-19-2011 at 2:41 PM

It doesn't matter who recognizes it as a breed - if it's a wolf mixed with a dog, it's still considered a hybrid. Even Wikipedia acknowledges that it's a hybrid - <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saarlooswolfhond">"an established breed of wolf-dog hybrid"</a>. <br /> <br /> Someone linked me to <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YGe5TSopQoc&t=2m50s">this video</a> and I think it might be able to explain the differences.

12-19-2011 at 9:38 AM

I see it now. I've been wanting one for a long time. I still don't get how dogs don't act like them because dogs descended from wolves. And just for your information, a GSD and wolf mix is called a Saarlooswolfhond. It's a breed reconized by the NR and FCI

12-19-2011 at 12:18 AM

Well, there is a difference between being aware of the risks and being physically/mentally/emotionally fit to have a wolf. Wolves aren't dogs, no matter how much you read that says otherwise. Their behavior is different than a dog's behavior, their instincts are different than a dog's instincts, and they haven't been bred for hundreds of years to be loyal to humans - essentially, you're bringing a wild animal into your home and expecting it to behave like the animal that's been domesticated for years. The fact that wolf behavior is different from typical dog behavior leads to incidents that often result in serious human injury or death. This injury/death will likely lead to the wolf being euthanized. No one wants this to happen, but sadly it's often the only course of action. Rescues and sanctuaries are so full with wolves/hybrids that were purchased by unsuspecting owners that thought it would be "cool" to have a wolf/hybrid. They didn't think it would be that much different, and they thought they were prepared for it. They weren't.<br /> <br /> Now, there are exceptions to this. I know a woman who's son bred his GSD to a wolf or wolf hybrid (bad idea, yes - and she agrees wholeheartedly with me). She took in one of the pups, and she still has her (I'm not sure what happened to the rest). Every time I see her, she tells me how different the hybrid's behavior is from her other dogs. The hybrid gets along with the other dogs and accepts the family (and even strangers, to a certain extent - though she's been known to be snarly). She's extremely reserved and shy, hides from everyone unless she's totally comfortable with them, and is very slow to trust. This woman adores this hybrid and the hybrid adores her (and is obviously in a submissive role in their "pack", otherwise I don't think the relationship would be working). This is the exception to the rule, however, and for every case where a person is able to successfully integrate a wolf/hybrid into their home, there are countless cases that fail.<br /> <br /> I've spoken with people who run a wolf/wolf hybrid rescue organization in my area, and I expressed to them my desire to one day rescue a wolf/hybrid. Each and every one told me that I would need to research every aspect of owning a wolf/hybrid. I told them I'd already done it, but they stressed it again - research <i>every aspect</i> of owning a wolf/hybrid. Find the positives, the negatives, the differences, the similarities. Delve into the history of wolves, and read as much as you can about wolves today. No matter how much research you think you've done, you should do more. If you are <i>absolutely serious</i> about owning a wolf/hybrid, you should seek out a wolf/hybrid rescue in your area if there is one available. Talk to them, see if you can spend time there volunteering or shadowing under the watchful eye of an experienced handler. <br /> <br /> As for me, it's still a dream of mine to integrate a hybrid (preferably mid- to low-content) into my household. However, I've realized that it'll be a while before I'm in the right situation to realize this dream. I'm taking this time to do even more research and learn as much as I possibly can before I approach the local wolf/hybrid rescue and ask to get some hands-on experience. Don't jump right in to this decision, and don't take it personally when people tell you that it's dangerous - it <i>absolutely is</i> dangerous, and no amount of preparation will make it safe. Instead, just hear their concerns and do even more research (and get hands-on experience if possible!).