7 Wolf Dog Hybrid Breeds You May Not Have Seen Before (With Pictures)
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Wolves and dogs both come from the Canidae family of animals, and these two species can reproduce. They can produce young, and those young are also fertile, which means that they are able to further reproduce with dogs, wolves, or wolf dog hybrids.
There is some concern over the breeding and raising of wolf dogs because they will adopt many of the attributes of the wolf, which means that they can be more aggressive than domesticated dogs and may not safely integrate with humans in the same way that dogs do.
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The 7 Wolf Dog Hybrids
Below are seven examples of true wolf dog hybrids, and those breeds of domesticated dogs that are closest to the wild wolf in terms of appearance and behavior.
1. American Shepherd Tundra Dog
The American Shepherd Tundra Dog is a rare breed and was originally created to work with the U.S. Army. The breed is not yet recognized by organizations, even including the AKC, but it is considered a friendly breed that can do well with families.
2. Czechoslovakian Wolfdog
If you’re looking for a wolf dog, the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog has the looks and the name. The breed is not recommended for first-time owners and may not be a good choice for families with children. It can be shy, requires a lot of early socialization, and has a very high prey drive so is not a good choice for families with other pets.
3. East Siberian Laika
The East Siberian Laika may not be as well-known as the Siberian Husky, but it is known for being strong, loyal, and unrelenting. It was used to fight boars and bears, so the breed needs to be kept busy to ensure that it is physically and mentally stimulated; otherwise, it can become difficult to manage. The East Siberian Laika is generally still kept as a working dog rather than a family companion pet.
4. Greenland Dog
The Greenland Dog is another breed that is most often kept as a working dog. It is a hunting dog that originates in Greenland and is made for Arctic life. The Greenland Dog is a pack animal, it doesn’t do well in warmer climates, and it can become destructive if it doesn’t get enough exercise or mental stimulation, so it may not be the best family dog.
5. Kugsha
The Kugsha is a rare dog breed, and while its name might sound exotic, it hails from Pennsylvania. It was first bred by three wolf hybrid breeds named Kulwind, Gordon Smith, and Habben, and the name is derived from a combination of these names. The breed is intelligent, which means it can be trained to perform a range of work tasks, but because this is a new breed that is believed to only be a few generations from wild wolves, it can have an unpredictable temperament.
6. Kunming Wolfdog
The Kunming Wolfdog, or Chinese Wolfdog, is another breed with Wolfdog right in the name. The breed needs a lot of exercise and is generally kept as a working dog. Without adequate exercise and stimulation, it can become destructive and may show signs of aggression.
7. Shiloh Shepherd
The Shiloh Shepherd was first bred in the 1980s in the U.S. and is a descendant of the German Shepherd. It was bred to be healthier and friendlier than the German Shepherd. This breed is a companion dog, but it does still require a lot of daily exercise thanks to the energetic dogs in its heritage.
The 8 Breeds That Look Like Wolves
Maybe you are not ready to own an actual wolf dog hybrid, but you are drawn to their physical appearance. Here are eight dog breeds that resemble their wild counterparts.
1. Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute is one of a number of dogs on this list that is used as a sled dog, which means that it is a big and strong dog with huge stores of energy. The Malamute looks similar to the Siberian Husky but is larger and stronger. It has a double coat which does take some maintenance, but while this dog was originally bred to work alone, it can make a good family companion that will get along with family members of all ages.
2. American Alsatian
The American Alsatian was bred to look like a Dire Wolf and was first bred only in the 1980s, making it a relatively new breed. The resulting dog is friendly and loyal, as well as intelligent. It can be trained to perform a wide range of tasks which has made it popular with handlers and families.
3. Native American Indian Dog
The Native American Indian Dog is used in a range of service roles. For example, it is often seen undertaking search and rescue tasks. As long as its exercise needs are met, and the dog is given tasks to provide mental stimulation, it can be trained well, and it can live as a companion even in families with children.
4. Northern Inuit Dog
The Northern Inuit Dog looks a lot like a wolf and has more than a passing resemblance to a Husky. There is good reason for this as the Northern Inuit Dog was created by breeding Huskies with German Shepherds and Malamutes. They are considered intelligent, loyal, and easy to train, and they tend to be gentle with family and especially good with children. The breed is also known as the Utonagan.
5. Samoyed
While several of the dogs on this list were first introduced only in the 1980s, the Samoyed is considered an ancient breed. It was bred to hunt reindeer in Siberia. The dog is loyal to its family, very intelligent, and it does require a lot of exercise. The thick coat also means that the Samoyed is not ideally suited to hot climates.
6. Siberian Husky
The Siberian Husky is probably the best-known and most widely recognized of the breeds on this list. But, while many potential owners might be tempted by the beautiful looks and fun behavior of the breed, the Siberian Husky is not considered a good choice for first-time dog owners. It does require a lot of exercise and is very independent. It is also prone to separation anxiety and may become destructive if left alone for too long.
7. Swedish Vallhund
The Swedish Vallhund is sometimes known as the Corgi Wolf because it combines the appearance of the Welsh Corgi with that of the Wolf. It is a herding dog and does have high energy levels, but it is great with family, including children, and will usually also get along with other dogs in the house.
8. Tamaskan
The Tamaskan was bred in the 1980s and is loving and loyal, making it a good companion dog. However, it has a double coat that requires a lot of attention and is another breed that suffers separation anxiety if left alone for long periods, so it is not a good choice for those that go out to work all day.
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Conclusion
Wolf dog hybrids tend to require a lot of exercise but are usually considered intelligent, and despite having a reputation with some for being potentially disruptive and aggressive, many of the dogs on this list make great family companions that will get along with all family members, including children. They can also get along with other dogs in the house.
Featured Image Credit: gloverk, Shutterstock
