A
Breed Apart
Wolf, Coyote and Shepard
Mix
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…
 
Read
about other mixed breeds and why they make the best pets: The Tonkinese/Domestic
Shorthair Cat, the Labrador/Australian
Shepherd | 
