By Stacy Mantle

Temperament: There are few dogs in the world that I would recommend against adopting. But, the wolf hybrid is one of them. Add a coyote into that mix, and you could have a much bigger problem than you ever dreamed of having – a dog with the size of a wolf, and the intelligence of a coyote… Pretty scary, my friends. Now, while this is going to sound like a negative commentary on a breed, it’s not. I am taking on a cautioning tone for a very specific reason – I am currently the owner (as much as one can own any animal) of a wolf / coyote mix, and so I speak from experience. In my humble opinion, roughly less than 1% of the world population is capable of raising a wolf/coyote hybrid successfully. Am I part of that one percent? Probably not, but Tristan (pictured above) is my third hybrid and I have never had to give any of them up. The first two, Malachi and Aquilla, lived to b 17 years old. Success? Perhaps. As much as you can successfully raise any wild animal, and make no mistake – when you take a wolf hybrid into your home, you’re bringing in a wild animal.

The wolf hybrid is one of the most difficult pets you will ever raise. I say this from experience and love. Don’t get me wrong – for the right person, a wolf hybrid is the perfect pet. But, for 99% of the families out there, I strongly recommend that you stay away from this mixed breed for several reasons. First, they are “pack” animals and they operate on a “pack” mentality. If for any reason (and this can include anything from illness to emotional distress), you cannot maintain your standing as an “Alpha” leader, you have no business working with this type of animal.

Second, many unsavory creatures (and I’m talking about addicts, dealers and criminals, not wolf hybrids), have attempted to make these animals the “trendy” dog to own. The tragic result is a lot of abandoned and abused pets, whose only crime is to be born into a bad environment. Do not get sucked into the illusion that these are “cool” pets. They are difficult to train, they function on a completely different set of social standards, and they will not be good “family” pets. They are terrible watch dogs, are more comfortable under the bed than in a group of people, and will challenge you almost daily. Still interested? Consider this - if you are not emotionally, physically and mentally equipped to make these animals your “children”, you have no business with them.

The Best Families For Them: The best families for these dogs are with people who have no families. I say that literally. If you live alone, or perhaps with a spouse, and you have your entire life to devote to a pet without any plans of having children, then by all means – adopt a wolf hybrid from a reputable shelter that deals with wolf hybrid rescue. I’ll give you some names. There are many good hybrids out there in need of a great home. Bear in mind that they require a lot of work, a lot of attention, and a tremendous amount of understanding. They don’t enjoy “fetching, sitting, or staying.” In fact, you’ll be lucky if you can get them to stop chewing everything in sight (including small animals). But, they are loyal, loving and will be completely devoted to you for life.

They are, by nature, hunters – wild animals – and it’s important that you allow them to keep that part of their soul intact. Remain the alpha member of the pack, but never forget that you are, in fact, a part of a pack now. You will be loved, you will be a member, but you will always be challenged for position. Remember that they live longer than most large-breed dogs, and will require a longer commitment of time and energy. This is not a dog you can simply put in a kennel when you go on vacation, or crate when you leave for work. Adopting a wolf hybrid is akin to adopting a child, spend some time on this decision and when you do make the commitment, never regress.

Coloring: Their colors vary depending on what they have been bred with. The dog pictured above is a wolf hybrid, whose mother was a high percentage wolf and shepherd, and whose father was an Arizona coyote. Their eyes will vary as much as their coat, but they will always have an inner depth that reminds you of the animal soul that resides deep within all of us.

Size: Size will vary according to their mix, but most are quite large ranging from 60 – 130 lbs. The size of their paws in “puppy-hood” is always a good indicator of the size that they will become.

In all – this is my favorite type of dog. They are a unique breed that requires a tremendous amount of time, understanding and attention. But, they will make it well worth your while, paying you back with long years of devotion and serenity in solitude that make it all worth it in the end…

If you're still determined to get a wolf hyrbid after this, please adopt! Here is a wonderful place to adopt wolf hybrid breeds: Wherewolf Rescue

Read about other mixed breeds and why they make the best pets: The Tonkinese/Domestic Shorthair Cat, the Labrador/Australian Shepherd

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