OWNING A WOLF HYBRID

Why own a Wolf hybrid. With Jack London’s description in the “Call of the Wild” came the romance of owning a wolf or a wolf-hybrid. For some people there is a macho attitude of taming something from the wild. Whatever the reason, most people who want to purchase a wolf-hybrid have not done much research and rely only on word of mouth for information. This article is not meant to make a judgment either way on wolf-hybrids. Instead it is intended to inform those about wolf-hybrid ownership.

Wolf-hybrids never make a good house pet for the average person. Owing a wolf-hybrid requires research and in depth understanding of wolf behavior, special containment, nutrition and the ability to survive the mass destruction that generally accompanies these animals. Prey drive is greatly multiplied in the wolf hybrid, which can result in disaster for neighborhood animals, small children or anything running and screaming.

Here are some facts about wolf-hybrids to consider:

 Wolf-hybrids are naturally shy and timid, especially towards humans. This can lead quickly to fear aggressive behaviors and serious control problems. Wolf-hybrids do not make good guard dogs.

 Wolf-hybrids are curious and have a natural tendency to dig, shred and destroy items to fulfill these tendencies.

 Wolf-hybrids suffer from the same diseases and ailments as domesticated dogs. They can have hip dysplasia, cataracts, cryptorchidism, skill allergies. They can contract parvo, distemper and other dog diseases. A very important fact to remember is that most researchers question the effectiveness of rabies vaccines on wolf-hybrids.

 The only way to be sure an animal is a wolf-hybrid is through genetic testing. No one can tell by looking at an animal.

 Most wolf-hybrids are not covered under malpractice insurance and so many veterinarians will not treat them.

 Many city ordinances forbid the ownership of wolf-hybrids within city limits.

 Most home insurance carriers will not insure home owners who own a wolf-hybrid. Between 1986 and 1994 ten people were killed by privately owned wolf-hybrids.

 Because of liability issues, most animal control agencies and humane shelters cannot place wolf-hybrids. This results in many hybrids being destroyed each year.

 A standard 6’ fence is not sufficient to contain a wolf-hybrid. Special provisions must be made for fencing and containment. A wolf-hybrid should never be tied or chained.

 A new Arkansas law regulates the private possession of wolves and wolf-hybrids by requiring possessors to maintain health records, provide adequate care and confinement and have the animal vaccinated.

 Statistics show that wolf-hybrids can live to be 12 to 14 years old, but the majority are dead before the age of three.

 Wolf-hybrids can be socialized and even tamed to a certain degree, but they can never be domesticated.

Northeast Arkansans for Animals will never place and wolf-hybrid in an individual home. Any that are surrendered to us are placed in sanctuaries. The above information is provided in a hope that people will stop, think and take time to make an educated decision about obtaining a wolf-hybrid or any wild animal.

Please consider these facts and issues if you are considering owning a wolf hybrid.

Tut