A wolfdog, also known by the technically incorrect term wolf hybrid, is a canine of wolf ancestry more recent than established domestic dog breeds. There are some breeds such as the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog that are recognized registered breeds of wolfdog. The German Shepherd Dog had wolf bloodlines in its origin and the breed isn't that old either. A simple generalization could be that a wolfdog is an unrecognized mixed breed of recent wolf and domestic dog ancestry. This statement is not without its problems as exampled above but will do for now.

German Shepherd Dogs, Siberian Huskies, and Alakan Malamutes are the most commom breeds found in a wolfdog. ANY breed can be used and I personally know of wolfdogs containing Great Pyrenese, Great Dane, Belgian Shepherd, Akita, Chow Chow, pit bull, Golden Retriever, and Rottweiler. Mixed breeds are used. Many irresponsible owners have let their unspayed wolfdog pets become pregnant by random roaming males- a common situation in my area.

Why isn't a wolfdog a wolf hybrid? A hybrid is the offspring of two related species. The scientific name of the domestic dog is Canis lupus familiaris- a subspecies of wolf. Therefore a wolfdog is a mixed breed wolf and not a hybrid.

Positively indetifying a wolfdog can be difficult. A low wolf content canine may be indistinguisable from a domestic dog. Traits commonly associated with the wolf such as golden eyes, long legs, large paws, well furred erect ears, can all be found in domestic dogs. There is no single physical or behavioral trait that conclusively differentiates a wolf from a dog. When an animal's ID is in question the evaluator may or may not be qualified to make an educated guess by physical and behavioral traits. Once declared a wolfdog it is almost impossible to have the label removed. To add to the confusion PURE wolves are sometimes portrayed as wolfdogs, often 98% wolf in order to skirt legal issues.

What's the deal with percentages and 'content'? In theory percentage is the amount of wolf blood in an animal. Since genetics is not an exact science percentage really represents the ancestry, the percentage of wolves in an animals pedigree. It can be useful but not perfect in figuring the extent to which wolf traits will be exhibited if calculated correctly. A breeder may claim his animals are a higher percentage in order to get a higher price. The animal may have been misrepresented to the breeder. Content is a broader term that describes an individual animal based on appearence, behavior and bloodlines if known. If percentage is known the animal may be refered by less than 50% wolf a low content. 50 to 75% midcontent. Over 75% high content. The percentage range per content varies according to who you talk to.                                                                     

An animal claimed to be a wolfdog but having zero characteristics suggesting so would be labeled a no- to- low content. An animal appearing to be a wolf would be a high or high-to-pure. Midway would be a mid-content. Not an exact science but useful if the evaluation comes from an experienced person. Content applies to wolf traits expressed plus bloodline if known. 

Genetics. A quick and easy lesson. If I cross a pure wolf with a pure dog I have a wolfdog that has exactly 50% wolf genes and 50% dog genes. Ancestry and genetics are 50% wolf. If I cross this animal with another first generation cross the pups will all be 50% wolf ancestry BUT genetically can range from 100% dog to 100% wolf. Extremes are unlikely but each pup will be  different. Each wolfdog is a unique individual. Generations from a pure wolf (F#), wolf content, bloodline, environment, and breed(s) of dog shape each wolfdog.

Are you thinking of getting a wolfdog but are not sure if you are ready? The best way to find out is firsthand by volunteering for a wolf/wolfdog rescue or sanctuary. You will find lots of conflicting information on wolfdogs and they themselves are the only true experts who can set your facts straight. If you are ready to make a commitment to learning about wolfdogs the following rescues and sanctuaries are happy to have both your help and the chance to educate you on these much maligned animals. You may even find your canine soulmate. If you do not see a volunteer opportunity near you contact one listed anyway as they may be able to refer you to one closer. If you are unable to volunteer perhaps there is a rescue/sanctuary that will give you a 'behind the scenes tour'. Don't be afraid to ask. The worst they can do is say no.

Night Song Refuge in North Carolina. Cathy hopes to have the website fixed and updated soon. Please email her at cathymb@nightsongrefuge.org      www.nightsongrefuge.org

Full Moon Farm in North Carolina. www.fullmoonfarm.org

Shy Wolf Sanctuary in Florida. www.shywolfsanctuary.com