I decided to get a wolfdog because I like big northern breeds of dogs that I can go backpacking and skijoring with. I didn’t want to spend the money for a purebred Malamute or Husky. I didn’t see any puppies at the pound that looked like the breed I wanted, and I didn’t want to adopt an adult dog from the pound.
When I went looking for a wolfdog I really had no idea what to look for. I only had one other dog before Petie and that was a St. Bernard I grew up with (I love big dogs), so I really didn’t know much about dogs in general. All I knew was that Petie’s eyes were clear not weepy, breathing was good, belly didn’t seem to be full of worms, and that he feet were the size of snowshoes. The breeder told me Petie was 88% Timber Wolf mixed with German shepherd. I admit at first the thought of a wild animal living in my home with me seemed pretty cool. I don’t know that I considered it some kind of status symbol, but once the novelty of it wore off he became a part of the family in the same way anyone else’s dog might be to them. I saw both of Petie’s parents one of which looked like a white German shepherd with slightly smaller ears, and the other looked like a very tall husky without the curly tail.
Now that I look back I don’t think the adult dogs I saw were actually the parents. Neither of the two would have let me to believe I would have a 113lb beast. There is no way those dogs could have produced pups together with the heavy Malamute bone structure all the pups I saw seemed to have, but despite how the parents looked and how Petie’s turned out I still believed that he was what the breeder said until Petie was about four years old. Maybe I just wanted to believe I had an exotic animal, but after having Petie for now eight years, answering the same questions over and over again…there are times I wish he looked less exotic so that I can just take him for a walk without being bothered for once.
After learning more about Malamutes I’ve come to realize that Petie is just that, a big Malamute. I think the breeder had a litter without papers and knew they’d fetch more money for hybrids than paperless Malamutes. Most of the traits that so many WolfDog web sites list as being “wolfie” also apply to Malamutes. Those wanting to believe they have an exotic animal may disregard traits that don’t apply to their animal, just as I did, because a WolfDog is a mutt really. I rationalized that while my WolfDog was reported to be 88% wolf that he was more accurately a mere 75%, and therefore didn’t have all those high content wolf traits…just some.
I’m still of the opinion that people should have every right to share their life with whatever animal(s) they choose. I don’t see why some people believe it’s only acceptable for certain animals to be human companions and others are deemed inappropriate. They may say that the animals they wish to regulate a dangerous to humans, but shouldn’t it be the individual’s choice to decide to live on the edge? – So long as they are aware of and cater to the animals’ special needs, which include containment, diet, emotional, and medical well-being. They should also do everything possible to protect their family, neighbors, and neighbor’s property from the animals. This shouldn’t just apply to exotics, but to all animals kept as pets! I’ve read many accounts of domestic dogs attacking and sometimes killing people and I really don’t see how it’s less dangerous or different from a WolfDog attacking and killing. While the WolfDog owner needs to take extra care do to public opinion, local laws, and lack of any standard behavioral traits, I believe it all comes down to responsible owners.
So why did I use a deceptive a WolfDog title when I actually have a Malamute?
I want to catch the attention of people who have or are considering a WolfDog as a pet. Because it’s important to learn about how similar WolfDogs seem to other dogs according to what is described on other web sites about WolfDogs, and how they are not the same at all, so that they really know what to expect.
Take the time to learn about the breed of dog including any special needs that type of dog requires BEFORE before bringing it home, especially any large dog breed. Large dogs can be much more difficult to care for because of food and veterinary cost, housing requirements, public fears, and public lack of respect for large dogs. And due to their size are more dangerous than small dogs if not properly trained and socialized, which is why you only see large breed dogs on the “dangerous dog” lists. Large dogs in general are just not for everyone, and people considering a WolfDog should REALLY do their homework first!