Why do people have or breed dog/wolf hybrids?

All dogs have killer genes. Canines are predators by nature, and there is no such thing as an entirely harmless dog. That said, pure blooded wolves are capable of being good pets, a man in my neighborhood adopted one that couldn’t be returned to the wild. After years in captivity, it was much like a regular dog in temperament and habit. There is no reason why a hybrid would be any more or less dangerous then other dogs you see on the street, especially if properly cared for and socialized.

My first dog was the sweetest animal ever, despite being half coyote.

I also know a man who adopted a wolf who couldn’t be returned to the wild. He acted just as a regular dog would – played fetch, liked belly rubs, etc.

While there is a lot of prejudice against wolf hybrids, there are not killers. No killer genes. I knew many when I lived in Alaska. They are wonderful dogs, very intelligent and loyal.

Wolf hybrids should not be bred. Why would you take an animal that that is programed to survive in the wild and cross it with an animal that has been domesticated for thousands of years? The resultant offspring often have conflicting instincts and behaviors. Typically, they are owned by individuals who want them as status symbols. Individuals who have no idea how wolf pack structure works, how body language and eye contact functions in establishment of dominance.

If you think hybrids make good pets, I challenge you to find out why animal shelters will euthanize rather than try to adopt them out, why home insurance policies will not be extended to those that have a hybrid, and why so many wildlife rescue facilites are inundated with requests for homes for these animals. Yes, many of these responses are overeactions and gross generalizations, but they are based in fact.

They are not killers. They are animals who don’t know how they’re supposed to function as a pet. I’m sure some owners have researched the needs of these animals and have made every effort to create a good quality of life for them. But I can tell you from personal experiance that the majority of these owners are of the same mentality as people who think it’s cool to have a tiger in a tiny pen in their backyard or a leopard in a 3×5 cage in the basement for its entire life. I have seen way too much of that world and way too many animals that have suffered unimaginably at the hands of humans who put them in these situations for no other reason than their own pleasure.

I truly believe a dog’s temperament is all on how the owner has treated the dog. I’ve come across wolf hybred’s and they were very sweet and loyal, all because of how the owner treated the animal, but there are always the exception and it does happen.

I personally would never breed a wolf with any other type of dog! Wolves are one of the most beautiful animals in the world and to abuse one for breeding purposes is so wrong, or even to own one, just so you say you have one, just because you want to impress others. Wolves are meant to be free, like any other living creature. Truly sad.

The only exception for an animal to be put into captivity is very the very well being of the animal. Ex. abondonment from parents, endangered species, etc.

All animals are killers, it’s just depends on what the situation is that confronts them. I don’t believe in cross breeding one type of dog with a domesticated dog, especially a wolf, but it does happen. People don’t hear about it often, but the genetic affects aren’t all that glamourous and can lead to health problems for the animal.

I found the below on a website that may interest others:

A Wolf-hybrid can be quite skittish and does not respond well to inanimate objects, fast motion, loud noises, or new people. They require much patience. Training is not for the weak and serious consideration should be given prior to obtaining a wolf-hybrid dog as they require firm, consistent training and ample space to roam. If there’s something you find foul and offensive you can bet a wolf dog will roll happily in it and coat themselves in the funk! It is not until a Wolf Hybrid is about 18 months of age, that it will start showing signs of the wolf.
Wolfs younger than 18 months of age are adolescents, they are playful and adaptable. They take directions readily and can bond with other species. Young wolves act more like the common dog as they have not developed into maturity. As a wolf grows out of its adolescents, its hormonal system reaches maturity and it will begin to exhibit all of the typical behaviors of the wolf. Anyone owning a Wolf Hybrid should read these two pages and follow the information to a tee.
Here is the website:http://dogbreedinfo.com/wolfhybred.com

All dogs have killer genes… some more than others yes, but nonethe less its all about how you raise a dog.