In this post:
- Wolf Dog Hybrid as a Pet
- Do Wolf Dogs make good pets?
- Here are 3 dogs that look like a wolf
- Myths regarding Wolf Hybrids
- Are Huskies related to the Wolf?
- What is a Husky Wolf Mix?
- What are the Characteristics & Appearance of Husky Wolf Mix like?
- The Husky Wolf Mix Personality & Temperament
- How to Train a Wolf Dog Hybrid
- Husky Wolf Health 101
- Tips For Finding a Husky Wolf Mix Breeder
- Conclusion: Is the Husky Wolf Mix breed right for you?
The Husky Wolf Mix is a cross of a purebred Siberian Husky and a Wolf, also known as the Husky Wolf hybrid or Wolf Husky. It's bigger than the Siberian Husky but slightly smaller than a Wolf. It ranges at about 25 to 32 inches tall, weighing between 75 to 130 pounds.
In this post, we will take a look at the Husky Wolf Dog mix specifically. It’s a crossbreed shrouded in mystique, as is any mix when wolf genes are added to the gene pool.
Questions arise about safety and aggression since a Wolf is well, a wild animal. But, if this is a mix you would love to own, there are ways to ensure a puppy gets the best upbringing for a stable temperament.
First, you need to educate yourself on what this fascinating hybrid is all about. Let’s dive in, shall we?
Wolf Dog Hybrid as a Pet
If you have dreams of forming your own wolf pack with your hybrid, running through the woods together and howling at the full moon from the roof of your house, you’re sadly mistaken.
If you want a Wolf Dog mix simply because it would be the most “epic” pet (especially if it inherited those ice-blue Husky eyes) and everyone would think you’re the coolest, please STOP now.
Owning a Wolf Dog is not as easy as say, a Golden Retriever. In fact, with the genes of a wild animal introduced, this can result in a more aggressive temperament that requires diligent training to stabilize.
It’s also imperative to note that since the Husky Wolf Dog is a hybrid, it’s impossible to pinpoint how a puppy will grow to look or act. Every genetic pool is different since it’s mixed- and this goes for any canine crossbreed.
The only way to get some sort of idea of possibly inherited genes, is to look at the appearance, temperament and medical history of the parents. For a Wolf Dog, you can check the generation, for example, is the parent full-blooded Wolf or second generation?
Here are some other popular Wolf Dog Hybrids.
- Wolamute Wolf Dog
- Czechoslovakian Wolf Dog
- Kunming Wolf Dog
- American Alsatian
- Native American Indian Dog
Do Wolf Dogs make good pets?
Are you responsible and have ample time to dedicate to a Wolf Dog? Are you ready to be a strong pack leader capable of understanding a Wolf Dog’s body language?
This is what it takes to ensure safety when owning one of these special crossbreed’s.
No doubt, it’s a gorgeous animal to look at, and when trained correctly, has the potential to flourish in the household. But, one thing is for sure: this is NOT a good choice for a first time dog owner.
They make good pets if they have an attentive owner, with early socialization and training administered by a professional. Wolf Dogs also thrive in an environment with abundant space. A small apartment is not a suitable home for this hybrid. A house with a fenced in yard is preferred.
Here are 3 dogs that look like a wolf
If you love the majestic, wild look of a Wolf, but don’t want to deal with the heightened responsibility that comes along with owning a Wolf Dog, then you could opt for domestic dogs that look like wolves.
1. Malamute
This is a large dog breed has a reputation for strength and endurance. They were bred as working dogs and were used to pull sleds of heavy freight in Alaska.
Like the Husky, this dog is intelligent, easy to train and high-energy. A sweet disposition makes them a great option for families with children.
Be warned that this dog is a heavy shedder with a double coat of thick fur. After all, they thrive in harsh environments. If you have allergies and don’t like decorating your home with fur, then this dog is not recommended.
The Malamute weighs up to 85 pounds (39 kg) and reaches a height of 25 inches (64 cm) tall.
The large size, pointy ears, and coat are what makes this breed resemble a wolf. The coat comes in a variety of colors and markings that include white, gray, sable, black and red.
2. German Shepherd
A well-known purebred dog, the German Shepherd is sought after for its loyalty, intelligence, and beauty. You’ve probably seen it on the job as a police dog or in the military.
This dog is a popular family pet, as it tends to be protective and loving towards family members, including children. They can be aggressive towards strangers, so training is important to mellow out the temperament.
They are also a high-energy breed that needs physical and mental stimulation. Daily exercise is a must.
The GSD resembles a wolf in appearance with a long, agile body and pointed ears. Its coat and coloring vary. The longer the hair, the more wolf-like.
The traditional GSD coat markings are black and tan, which isn’t typical of a Wolf. But, Shepherds can also be solid black or solid white, giving them an uncanny likeness.
German Shepherds weigh up to 88 lbs (40 kg) and can reach a height of 25 inches (65 cm).
3. Tamaskan
This rare breed is the result of a cross between several sled dog breeds that includes the Siberian Husky and Malamute. It was bred with the intention of creating a Wolf-like canine.
These are large, athletic dogs that can weigh up to 99 lbs (45 kg) and reach a height of 27 inches (71 cm).
This dog needs its space and plenty of exercise. She is easy to train and has an affectionate temperament– especially around children. If you can provide a fenced in yard, you can count on the Tamaskan to be an exceptional family pet.
This breed resembles the Wolf the most, in my humble opinion. The build is similar, as are the coat markings, which are mainly red-gray, solid gray and black-gray. They sport those wild eyes iconic of wolves that are yellow or amber colored.
Myths regarding Wolf Hybrids
The mystery and intrigue surrounding Wolf Dogs has resulted in myths that stir up confusion regarding what this crossbreed is really about. Here are some of the most common myths debunked.
Myth: The Wolf Dog hybrid is an excellent guard dog.
Truth: Wolves are shy by nature, so if aggression is shown it is usually in response to fear. A fearful reaction is an unpredictable one, which is dangerous.
Myth: A Wolf Dog hybrid has a longer lifespan.
Truth: It is the same as other dog breeds, ranging anywhere from 12 to 14 years.
Myth: Wolf Dogs long for life in the wild.
Truth: How can a domesticated animal long for a life it has never known? No, there aren’t “wild genes” calling to the Wolf Dog to head for the forest.
Myth: The Wolf Dog doesn’t know if it is a wolf or dog, therefore its personality is confused.
Truth: No matter how much wolf or domesticated dog is within, a dog grows and develops behavior according to the handling of the owner. It’s silly to say a Wolf Dog anxiously debates its mixed identity trying to find itself. Every hybrid is different, and only the parents genes plus strict training and socialization will determine the personality.
Are Huskies related to the Wolf?
Technically, all dog breeds are descendants of the wolf. Therefore, Huskies are as much related to a Wolf as a Chihuahua is.
Though a Husky Wolf hybrid can be similar in appearance to either a Husky or Wolf, it has a completely different genetic profile when it comes to temperament and build.
Huskies were bred as working dogs and very athletic, physically powerful and smart.
Where they differ from wolves is their trustworthy purebred background. This is a sweet and loving dog well known to be a great family dog that is outstanding with kids.
What is a Husky Wolf Mix?
The parents of a Husky Wolf Mix litter has a Wolf parent and a Siberian Husky or Alaskan Husky parent.
The best way to tell if a dog is a part wolf is to research its ancestry (if possible). This can also answer many questions about the probability of coat color, size, and demeanor.
What are the Characteristics & Appearance of Husky Wolf Mix like?
You already know that you can’t predict what a hybrid will look like. For the Husky Wolf mix, it's common that the dog will have the pointy ears, agile build, and thick coat that both animals are known for.
These are large dogs as mentioned above, weighing up to 130 lbs (58 kg) and reaching a height of 25 to 32 inches (81 cm).
The coat colors can vary, as both the Husky and the Wolf come in several shades. This rich palette includes black, gray, tan, brown and white. Their eyes range from the golden yellow of the wolf to brown or blue from the Husky.
That thick coat will shed moderately year-round with heavy shedding during big seasonal changes. Brushing her coat once a week will help alleviate the amount of fur carpeting your home.
The Husky Wolf Mix Personality & Temperament
This is the main characteristic you will want to think long and hard about before deciding whether a Wolf Dog is for you.
Remember, dogs may be descended from wolves, but they have been bred over and over again for centuries to achieve domestication and submissiveness to humans.
Wolf genes introduce natural predator instincts into the mix. And, though those wild genes are greatly altered by the mix of Husky genes, they still make this crossbreed a highly unpredictable one.
This is an extremely intelligent mix that needs plenty of physical and mental stimulation. If they don’t get enough exercise, this can result in destructive and mischievous behavior.
To combat this, 3 to 4 hours of activity is recommended. Try long walks, playing with a ball outside, tugging with a rope toy or going for a jog together.
This mix can be sweet and loyal, but it takes vigorous training from the time the puppy is born. The Wolf Dog’s temperament also depends on that of the owner. They have territorial and dominant tendencies resulting from pack life, so you cannot show weakness or inferiority.
Wolf Dog hybrids have a reputation for being dangerous. This is true to an extent, but really it depends on how the dog is handled by the owner.
Wolves are shy animals. They do not attack out of sheer aggression. Instead, they react out of fear. A hybrid can inherit this skittishness, which will show up with strangers.
A fearful dog is more dangerous because you do not know how it will react- by shying away with tail between legs or by snapping with sharp teeth.
Is this a good fit for a family with kids?
A Wolf Dog hybrid is not recommended for a family with children because of its unpredictable and predatory nature. If you do decide to have a hybrid with kids present, take precautions. Never leave the child alone with a Wolf Dog hybrid.
Is this mix good with other pets?
Once again, you’ll have to be extra cautious leaving a Wolf Dog alone with other animals. This can amp up those natural instincts to dominate or hunt, so they should not be considered entirely safe, especially around pets like cats, chicken, ducks or rabbits.
How to Train a Wolf Dog Hybrid
Training a Wolf Dog takes time and dedication. Therefore, if you live in a tiny apartment in the city and work 60 hrs a week, try looking for a smaller dog breed that’s less energetic.
Diligent socialization and obedience training needs to start when the Wolf Dog is a puppy, continuing on into adulthood. Constant supervision is also recommended.
You must be passionate about Wolf mixes and have space and time to ensure it receives the mental and physical balancing out that will help it flourish domestically.
Here’s a video that shows the sweet, playful side of a Husky Wolf mix.
Husky Wolf Health 101
Mixed breeds tend to have a slight advantage when it comes to good health, as they are not affected by as many inherited diseases due to a wider gene pool.
But, that doesn’t mean they get off scot-free. One of the most common problems that plague the Husky Wolf mix is obesity. Keeping your dog on a feeding schedule will keep weight gain under control. Two to 2 ½ cups of meat-based dog food is recommended each day.
Other known ailments include deafness, eye infections, and hip dysplasia, which is a genetic deformity of the hip joints that causes severe pain and mobility problems.
Tips For Finding a Husky Wolf Mix Breeder
If you’re going to take the leap and seek out a Husky Wolf mix breeder, you will want to be well prepared and knowledgeable when reaching out to them.
Remember, it’s smart to take a look at the parents' background to learn all you can about a litter of interest. For Wolf Dogs, you’ll also want to see what your state laws say about owning this mix. In some states, this hybrid is banned or there are certain rules to follow and licenses to obtain in regards to owning one.
If your local laws allow it, and you’re ready to begin calling breeders, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Always travel to where the breeder is located to scope out where the puppies were born. This is highly important because you get to see the conditions in which the breeding takes place. You also can check out the dog parents. If a breeder says “No” to a visit, consider it a red flag. They should be open to sharing where their puppies spend the first few weeks of life.
- Ask for medical clearances, especially if hip dysplasia is something that runs in the family. A breeder should have the puppies checked and will happily provide documentation.
- Don’t make a transaction over the internet! You never know if the puppy is coming from a puppy mill!
- Expect questions. A breeder should be interested in the person they are selling to, in order to ensure their little babies are going home with financially stable and responsible individuals. Be prepared to share about your work, where you live and schedule.
- Keep in contact with the breeder after the transaction is made. They know the parents and puppies better than anyone. If your puppy gets sick or acts in an unusual way, it’s nice to have experienced contact to consult.
- A Wolf Dog hybrid can cost up to $5000 depending on bloodlines and documentation available.
Husky Wolf Mix Rescue and Adoption
Unfortunately, Wolf hybrids end up abandoned, rescued or euthanized every year because they were purchased by people who didn’t do their homework and couldn’t handle the responsibility.
There are a few Husky Wolf mix rescues that are open for business. If you’re interested in adopting one of these wild beauties, consider these worthy establishments.
Conclusion: Is the Husky Wolf Mix breed right for you?
This is indeed one of the more questioned hybrid’s out there. The mixing of a wild animal with domestic dog renders an awe-inspired curiosity amongst dog owners.
The Husky Wolf Dog is definitely a majestic specimen, and while the Husky lends intelligence and a sweet disposition, the Wolf genes make temperament unpredictable and difficult to manage for a novice.
Be careful if you have children or other pets, as the Wolf Dog may exhibit dominant and predatory behavior.
That’s why we do not recommend this dog unless you have the time, energy, passion, and experience to train her.
It is highly intelligent and will be loyal, but you need to be able to think like a pack leader and never show weakness.