08-16-2011 at 7:14 AM

I say no, don't get a wolf-dog. It's an all-around bad idea. Same with owning a Husky [though I'm against owning Siberian Huskies if you live in the city/USA anyways]. Huskies and other primitive breeds are not known to be human/child friendly, they have very high-prey drive and unless you plan on working it, you should live with the fact that all your stuff could potentially be ruined.<br><br>Wolves/wolf-dogs are not like dogs, cannot be raised like dogs, cannot be trained like dogs, cannot be treated like dogs and you will not be able to have the same type of relationship you would with a dog.<br><br>Skip to 2:50 in this video. I know it's a stretch because she's raising wolf-pups, but these are potential things you could run into with owning a wolf-hybrid.<br><a href=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YGe5TSopQoc&feature=player_embedded rel=nofollow>[LINK]</a><br><br>Please don't fall into this silly pit of "it's a cute dog!! I want it!!". Dogs I think are "cute" are Bull Terriers, Pit Bulls, Shar Pei, ChowChow, Belgian Malinois, Dutch Shepherd. Almost all of these dogs are very stubborn, almost all are hard to train, and the Pit Bull, B.M and D.S need to be worked/driven or they will go crazy. Stick to a mutt if you plan on getting a dog and not working it. [Working does not mean taking it for a walk and bringing it to the dog park, working it means using the dog for what the breed was intended. In the APBT, this would be weight-pulling, B.M/D.S for schutzhund, french ring, personal protection or agility.] Dogs with high drive like huskies, B.M/D.S, APBT, Bull Terrier, etc, will not stand for being "house-dogs". They can't stand to be locked inside and taken for a 30 min walk, they will go insane and rip your stuff up.<br>EDIT: Same with Akitas and Malamutes.<br>Think about it like this. Pretend you're an athlete. You run and work out all day every day. You're always thinking about working out, eating right and running. Now, imagine yourself locked inside your house. No work-out equipment, no supplements, nothing, and you're not allowed to go outside or in the backyard to work out. You would rip your hair out, you'd go crazy. It's the same with dogs.<br>Please check out the pound/shelter before even thinking about getting a Sibe or a wolf-dog. There are plenty of cute dogs at shelters looking for homes. I did a quick search and in 5 seconds found this cute lil dog in my city: <a href=http://www.petango.com/sms/photos/345/93412e55-d8ff-42c4-93bc-2fd854a06eec.jpg rel=nofollow>[LINK]</a>

08-16-2011 at 7:01 AM

I would advise to NOT get a hybrid, and I own one.<br /> <br /> Pretty much like everyone has said unless you have a lot of experience with large, stubborn, dangerous and dominance orientated dogs, then owning a wolf hybrid will be the worst experience of your life. Just because a puppy is small does not mean it wont turn around want want to be the alpha when it's big. <br /> <br /> Aside from risks to yourself, other peoples and any pets you or your neighbors have, wolfdogs are highly destructive. If left unsupervised they are entirely capable of tearing out walls, doors you name it. Even cattle paneling they are able to tear through. Many many wolf dogs are dumped at the pound because the owner was unable to control it as an adult.<br /> <br /> Training wise wolfdogs require an experienced, firm and consistent trainer. If they think they can get away with something, they will walk all over you. And this does not just go for yourself. This goes for everyone who will be in contact with the dog. If you have just one person in the house who acts in a submissive nature that wolfdog will exploit it right away.<br /> <br /> If you are still convinced you must have one. Legal issues are big. Some states they are out right ban. Most if any legal issue comes up with your animal most states will treat it as a wild animal, meaning if it bit someone, harmed another person's animal, say good bye. In many areas vets require that you have a permit before they will treat the animal, because it is marked as a wild animal. No permit? No rabies shot ... uh-oh...<br /> <br /> ---------<br /> <br /> On Huskies [of any breed]<br /> <br /> I own the aforementioned wolfdog/siberian husky along with a husky. Huskies if you are wanting a dog dog, I mean, acts like a normal dog, are not for you. The loyal family pet who loves people and his entire focus is on you? That is NOT a husky. Most people think they want one based solely looks, this is why so many end up in the pound. <br /> <br /> You should really research all they why not to own a husky and then decide if you really want one. I personally have a double reinforced fence [dog wire + cattle panel] and have to yearly make repairs and upgrades. Make a fence the dog can't chew through? He'll dig a hole. Make it impossible to dig a hole? He'll tear up the outside of your house to get out. Huskies want out of your fence, off of the leash and out of your house 24/7. The are famous for getting out of "dog proof" fences. These dogs are smart at escaping, its a huge task to just stay one step ahead of them.<br /> <br /> Also, I mentioned huskies are not people orientated dogs. Your perfectly trained always obedient dog will disobey you on the spot if he thinks he has something to gain. If he is out of your fence, off leash, generally unconstrained, they suddenly forget the come command. What do you have to offer to make that dog come back to you that rivals the great out doors and freedom? Nothing. Most other dog breeds will turn right back around and come to you if they have proper training.<br /> <br /> This is not only from my own experience but that of my friends who have/do own huskies as well as years of research into the breeds.<br /> <br /> TL;DR<br /> Research all the why not to get a wolfdog or husky. Both are high needs dogs that require a lot of effort from you and your family. Never get an animal without doing extensive research. If your dad is saying no, he's likely got very good reasons to say no. Frankly I would also say no if your having to post on a dog game for advice on how to convince him, this says to me you haven't done any research IMO.

08-15-2011 at 11:57 AM

I would strongly recommend against getting a wolfdog. Even large domesticated dogs can be a big handful, let alone a wolfdog. Part of the problem with wolfdogs is that you don't know how much wolf will show up in the dog's personality. The more wolf, the harder it is to control. So, pups are easier to imprint, but have hard-to-predict personalities while adults tend to have issues, but you know how much wolf is expressed in the dog's personality.<br /> I would reccomend adopting/buying a husky mix that looks wolf-like(both parents are dogs) or, as Sparkoo said, an American Indian Dog, with the Indian Dog being more tractable from what I've heard.

08-14-2011 at 1:55 PM

What I was going to say has already been said. xD Don't get a wolf-hybrid unless everyone living with you is on-board with training it.<br /> <br /> Even then I'm not entirely for owning wolf-hybrids. Here in Oregon you CAN'T own one without a permit. Why not stick to breeds you already know?

08-14-2011 at 10:12 AM

Well, A husky or a german shepherd is perfect, My family Has someone always home, and if were not, were on vacation and even so we bring our pets. And We train them very well, Ive had a dalmation, a chow, and have trained five german shep pups before. So I think a bigger dog can teach me more.

08-14-2011 at 9:32 AM

This belongs in General Discussion. <br /> <br /> <br /> I think you should stick with fully domesticated dogs. Wolf hybrids take a lot of know how and aren't for the every day dog owner. If you've never even had a big dog i think a Wolf Hybrid is a little much.

08-14-2011 at 5:05 AM

Coming from someone who owns a wolfdog currently:<br /> <br /> if this is going to be your first dog, DO NOT get a wolfdog. Also, if you do not have the time to walk your dog for at least 2 hours a day (and I mean running it every day for 2 whole hours) do not get one.<br /> <br /> I have quite a bit of experience with dog behavior and training... And I can't honestly say I would recommend anyone who can't physically control a 60+ lb dog to own one. If you can't physically restrain a big dog of ANY breed... Don't get one.<br /> <br /> It's dangerous not only to you, but to your dog and other dogs that yours may potentially fight with. (I'm not saying they're aggressive dogs, though.)<br /> <br /> For example; if your dog were to run into the street and you couldn't restrain it because it was too big for you... That wouldn't be good.<br /> <br /> I really want you to think this through because a wolfdog is a huge responsibility and I have spent countless hours extensively training my boy.<br /> <br /> They are not an easy type of dog to own and I don't think just anyone can or SHOULD own them. They require a lot more attention in different ways than other breeds, and need a lot of mental stimulation otherwise they will chew, dig, and destroy things out of boredom.<br /> <br /> Do not get a wolfdog unless everyone you live with is completely willing to put in the time and effort it takes to properly raise one of these dogs.

08-13-2011 at 11:33 PM

My mother's old husky used to be crazy and hard to control. She would chew anything and everything. I don't know if all huskies are like this, though.<br /> <br /> I do know that there are Tamaskans. They are loyal and smart, and look very similar to a wolf. There was a person on another site that had bred real life ones.<br /> There is also another breed that resembles wolves... I believe the name is North American Indian Dog. Again, loyal and smart.<br /> <br /> So, I would suggest those breeds if you are looking for a wolf-type dog. :3 Also; try getting them as a puppy. That should help with controlling them. ^^

08-13-2011 at 11:28 PM

Huskies are just as much loose cannons as wolf-hybrids are, their dominance and stubborn levels are about the same as hybrids.

08-13-2011 at 11:11 PM

thats what i told My dad, The wolf hybrid puppy SHOULD be better, But a HUSKY Could work better. Lol Its complicated with my dad

08-13-2011 at 11:09 PM

If your father does not want to full heartedly put in some serious time with a Wolf-hybrid, be totally serious and firm with the dog, and not allow ANYONE but him command the dog. Then he shouldn't get a Wolf-hybrid.<br /> <br /> But either way...<br /> <br /> I recommend a puppy, the dog will be easily broken/dominated due to small size and other such things. If you get an adult that you have no history with, and whatever then you're treading into dangerous territory for a possible attack from the dog. And I'm sure you rather not end up a hurting/dead unit, I personally don't trust older dogs that have a breed reputation of being stubborn and set in their ways. Like GSDs, Huskies, and other working breeds.<br /> <br /> If you want a big dog, I recommend a domesticated breed. Wolf Hybrids aren't exactly large anyway, unless they're bred from a large dog. I call a dog under 25 inches at the withers not a large breed dog, St. Bernards are usually between 28-35 inches and you don't usually get bigger unless it's a Great Dane freakdog. You won't usually get the wolf's height of around 32-34 inches unless you breed it to a large breed of dog.