All about wolfdogs

All the many breeds of dogs that are found now come from the common "gray wolf". But since these are closely related species or even subspecies of the same species, hybridization occasionally occurs between them. The result of this process is the wolfdog - an animal that deserves very careful consideration.

The wolfdog is a hybrid of a wolf and a dog, which is rarely found even in the wild. Of course, it is not domestic dogs that are involved in hybridization, but escaped and feral dogs. Wolves generally do not consider them to be competitors in their natural habitat. A typical hybrid is distinguished by the strength of a wolf, while being much less afraid of humans. Crossbreeding has been practiced for a very long time, but old attempts have given an insufficiently stable result.

Of the past crossbreeds, the following are worth mentioning:

• the Dutch wolfdog of Sarlos;
• Chinese Kunming Shepherd Dog;
• Czechoslovakian wolfdog.

Modern wolf dogs were bred in Perm, at the Institute of Internal Troops. German shepherds were used for hybridization. Perm dog handlers claim that they managed to achieve the greatest controllability when compared with previous hybrids. And also the official description of the breed indicates such advantages in comparison with simple dogs, such as:

• more developed sense of smell;
• enhanced intelligence;
• great endurance.

In the 2000s, testing of the qualities of the Permian wolf dog was carried out on the borders with Mongolia and the PRC. However, the hybrid breeding program is now closed. Returning to the background of the issue, it should be noted that spontaneous hybridization took place already in antiquity.A number of images have survived showing a half-coyote, half-wolf, or half-dog (depending on the specific location).

In 1766, an attempt was made to cross a wolf and a shepherd dog. The appeared 9 puppies received the code name "Pomeranian dogs". Some of the animals were sent to special menageries, the other part was sold to aristocratic families.

Only at the beginning of the twentieth century, the Dutch researcher Lander Sarlos managed to develop a copy, which was recognized by the World Cynological Federation. To obtain a crossbreed, a German shepherd and a she-wolf were crossed. The next step was the crossing of the she-wolf with this hybrid. The followers of Sarlos continued to work in the same direction. But in 1981, the wolves were officially recognized as unfit for training and completely uncontrollable. Even the fact that no more than 10% of the genome was left to the share of wolf genes did not interfere with this.

One of the most successful experiments was undertaken in the Czech Republic. Cynologist Karel Hartl, who worked in the nursery of the Czechoslovak Ministry of Defense in the city of Liebejovitz, managed to create a hybrid of a German shepherd and a Carpathian wolf. But even the Czech specialist managed to achieve success only with the second litter. The animals that turned out then turned out to be quite strong, physically strong and treated people normally.

Thick coat reaches a high density. The undercoat is also thick, which significantly reduces the risk of hypothermia and respiratory diseases. That's why the wolfdog is able to endure severe frosts on the street for a long time... In addition, this breed rarely needs preventive vaccinations. There are even a number of known cases when vaccines did not have any effect.

The mestizo's teeth are even visually more powerful than those of recognized fighting dogs. With the right training, their strong bite becomes almost an absolute weapon. Wolfdogs inherit an exceptional sense of smell from their wild ancestor. It is much less developed in dogs of common species. There are even legends about the ability of the wolfdog to distinguish the blood of cancer patients and healthy people. And also there are stories about how this animal followed the tracks left 5-7 days ago, and never made a mistake, did not go astray.

It is difficult to say whether this is so or not, but it must be pointed out that wolf dogs also have weak points. Among them, breeders and dog handlers name the following:

• a tendency to the same ailments as in German shepherds;
• unstable psyche (sudden transitions from benevolent behavior to aggression);
• susceptibility to abnormal bone development (when bones are inherited from dogs, and ligaments and tendons from wolves, or vice versa);
• bite defects;
• the danger of rabies.

It should be borne in mind that the Saarloss wolfhund and the Czech wolfdog are officially registered, but hybrids of any wolf with any dog ​​can be called wolfdogs in the true sense of the word. The following wolf-dogs are recognized as classical types:

• black;
• gray;
• black spotted;
• dirty white.

But it must be remembered that the color of the coat can differ significantly, depending on what kind of dog was hybridized with a wild animal. Peach and white tones are obtained by crossing with Belgian Shepherd Dogs. A wolfdog crossed with a German shepherd often becomes black. In any case, it makes no sense to look for its characteristics in any standard - because there are no standards at all. However, there is a practice, the generalization of which shows the most general appearance of the animal.

Wool has the following characteristics:

• grows upright and outwardly smooth;
• differs in a small length;
• tightly pressed to the body;
• denser on the neck and on the inner edge of the ribs;
• located above the strong undercoat.

The limbs of wolves are strong and large, noticeably close to each other. The body is lean, has a rectangular shape and well-developed muscles. The straight back smoothly, almost imperceptibly, turns into a powerful croup. The mouth is about the same as that of an ordinary wolf, and in it there are sharp fangs. The wedge-shaped head is crowned with a broad forehead.

Muzzle of great length is also quite wide, has an expressive structure. The head rests on a dry neck. The thick tail is quite long and set high. The rib cage contains a lot of muscles, but does not reach the elbows. The jaws are symmetrical in relation to each other. For wolves, a scissor or pincer bite is typical. There are 42 teeth in the mouth.

The eyes of this animal are relatively small and are colored in the tone of yellow amber. From above, the head ends in erect, pointed ears of a triangular shape. Height and body weight can vary greatly depending on gender. Males weigh from 28 to 38 kg with a height at the withers of 0.73–0.83 m. In females, the weight is 23–34 kg with a height of 0.68–0.79 m.

The mixed breed Wolfhund, aka the Czechoslovakian wolf, was developed as a result of work begun in 1955. At that time, the World Cynological Federation condemned such experiments, but Czechoslovak biologists did not heed these recommendations. The breed is divided into 3 branches, 2 of which are later recognized by the same federation. The dogs obtained from the experiment were handed over to the police and the military. Since it was precisely this specialization that was assumed from the very beginning, according to the decision of the government of Czechoslovakia, a German shepherd was chosen for hybridization. Crossbreeding candidates were selected very rigorously and evaluated according to a number of important parameters. A total of 48 best representatives of the original breed were selected.

Importantly, the Czechoslovakians managed to create not only a viable, but also a fertile livestock. In addition to the purely practical significance (the possibility of maintaining the breed without constantly updating its composition), it also had a great scientific meaning. There was additional confirmation that modern dogs and wolves have common ancestors, moreover, they are subspecies of the same species, and not closely related species, as was previously thought. The Czechoslovakian Wolfhund has the following features:

• strong as a wolf;
• differs in "wolf" health;
• relatively well controlled (like the German shepherd);
• it is more difficult for a “German woman” to train and is more stubborn when teaching various skills;
• silent, does not voice too often;
• has a strong external resemblance to wolves;
• inherited erect ears from shepherd dogs;
• has high, highly developed paws.

The wolf can have both a straight and scissor bite. At the international level, both of these options are recognized as the norm for the breed. An obligatory feature of any wolfs should be a high tail set. It is very lush and long, like a real wolf. This tail can often be seen dropping straight down.If emotional arousal occurs, the tail takes on a crescent shape and lifts up. In most cases, wolfs are yellow-gray in color. Silver-gray animals can be seen occasionally. Lighter than the main part, the spots cover the neck, chest and muzzle.

The earliest modern branch of the wolfdog is the Saarlos dog. It was recognized internationally in 1981. But breeding work began in the 1920s. The Saarloos dog is slightly larger than the Czech wolf (its height is approximately 0.05 m more). And also this animal is lighter than the Czech descendant. Quite a few Saarlos dogs are whitish in color. But the number of such representatives of the breed is steadily declining. There are not many purebred Saarlos in the 21st century, but the Czechoslovakian wolf can boast of a stable number of livestock.

The third branch, the Russian wolf-dog, deserves a separate discussion. In addition to the already mentioned Perm developments, selection in this direction was carried out in St. Petersburg. For starters, wolves were crossed with malamutes. Thanks to the use of these sled dogs, a very large growth has been achieved.

The Russian Wolfhund is colored black with a white mark on the chest. The coat covering the legs and the lower part of the body is lighter than the rest - it even feels like it is gray. The Russian wolfdog lives a little less than its Czech counterpart. The reason is simple - 1–2 years are taken away by the increased size. Large dogs are almost never centenarians. The litter of the Russian wolfdog is not numerous, only in some cases more than three puppies are obtained. The International Cynological Federation believes that this is not an independent breed at all, but a hybrid.

More exotic wolf dogs live in different places, when obtained, they used not only Alaskan malamutes, but also West Siberian huskies and Siberian huskies. The first successful specimen showed itself very well at the border customs. Subsequent successes were achieved through a consistent reduction in the volume of wolf genes. But no matter what kind of wolfdog people start, they can reasonably be proud of his cunning and fearlessness. Thanks to the powerful jaw, a death grip is guaranteed. Wolf dogs behave calmly even when loud sounds are heard.

But you need to understand that they are unsuitable as hunting companions. Initially, the breeders, however, did not set such a goal. The wolf-dog will certainly not show special affection for the owner. Does not need a mixture of a wolf and a dog and bodily contact with people. However, this property is controversial. Little emotional attachment to people can upset owners, but there will be no special need to constantly take care of the pet and actively communicate with him.

The Chinese wolfdog, called the Kunming, deserves a separate discussion. (in the city where she was taken out). The work of breeders was carried out for a very long time, both German shepherds and representatives of other breeds were used for it. Chinese specialists managed to obtain a large and active animal with high mental abilities. Kunming is used by both law enforcement agencies and individuals. However, we must not forget about the danger associated with wolf genetic material.

Good marks are given to the Lupo breed, bred in Italy. Mountain wolves and German shepherds were used to obtain it. The animals developed in this way can perfectly survive in the mountains, are distinguished by an exceptional sense of smell and are very hardy. Lupo will be able to endure hunger and lack of water for a long time.A unique feature is a strong attachment to a person (subject to competent training); But it is quite difficult to buy a Lupo, as it is not the most common breed.

The number of owners of wolf dogs will inevitably grow. This dog breed is underestimated so far, its potential is yet to be revealed. But before you start such a serious animal at home, you will have to carefully study the nuances of handling it. So, despite the general simplicity of training, it must be entrusted to professionals... The nature of individual litters cannot yet be predicted, even for each particular puppy, the proportion of wolf genetic material is individual.

It will be possible to determine exactly how the wolfdog will behave - whether it will have more features in its behavior from a shepherd dog or from a formidable forest predator - it will be possible only at the beginning of upbringing. In any case, the suppression of aggression should be taken care of as early as possible. It is extremely difficult to cope with an adult and strong wolf dog in an aggressive state. All physical punishments are categorically unacceptable. Because of rancor, a mestizo who was punished in childhood can cause a lot of trouble later.

But you shouldn't take it as a continuous problem either. A complex and contradictory disposition to a large extent compensates for the very highly developed intellect and increased activity. To smooth out the negative manifestations of character, you will have to take care of the socialization of the puppies. It is worth being prepared for the fact that the pet will partially retain the habits of a wolf and begin to commit such minor mischief as:

• dig holes;
• gnaw everything;
• to hunt small animals and birds;
• climb over barriers;
• penetrate into enclosed spaces.

And at the same time, any prohibitions on the part of the owners simply do not work here. The wolfdog is very energetic, and energy, according to the indestructible laws of nature, must be dumped somewhere. In part, daily active activities, combined with tireless educational work, are becoming the way out. Wild wolf dogs mainly consume small game, but this option is not suitable at home. And not only because it is expensive or too difficult.

Wolfdogs are not particularly picky about food. The optimal diet is considered to be a harmonious combination of the following components:

• factory-made feed of premium class;
• cut raw meat;
• fermented milk food;
• vegetables;
• porridge cooked in water or broth;
• kidneys and liver;
• cottage cheese.

The following products fall under the ban:

• pure milk;
• fatty food;
• biscuits;
• sour cream;
• yogurt.

It is undesirable to use raw meat too often. Preference should be given to cooked meat food. Under the influence of prohibited products, the body of the wolf dog undergoes various negative changes. These may include the following:

• disturbances in the work of the intestinal microflora;
• food poisoning;
• dehydration;
• increased sensitivity to viruses and pathological microbes.

Often veterinarians and dog handlers say that wolf dogs should be given the most natural food possible. It is possible to resort to factory feed only in case of emergency; whenever possible, you need to return to a normal diet.Some pets do not tolerate vegetable puree. They are given it not in pure form, but as an admixture to broths or cereals.

Volkosobov are fed with fish no earlier than 4 months. Eating eggs is possible a maximum of 2 times a week, while not as an independent dish, but as an addition to the rest of the food. From about the sixth week of development, the animal will have to be taught to eat fruit and vegetables. Plant products are rubbed or simply cut as small as possible.

But besides nutrition, you need to pay attention to many other subtleties. So, a wolfdog is obviously not suitable for keeping in a city apartment. He will definitely need a lot of free space. But not every aviary is equally suitable for wolf dogs. You cannot keep them in booths without reliable insulation and good fencing. Attempts to tie a mestizo to a chain will only have negative consequences. The dog will be angry with the owner, will whine and howl. The wolkop needs bathing a maximum of 1 time in 6 months, the animal will get rid of the dirt on its own. It will shed twice a year. Molting occurs abundantly, the wool will have to be combed out regularly.

If you already have other dogs or cats, you will have to abandon the establishment of wolf-dogs. The mestizo gets along poorly with them and behaves overly aggressively. It's all about the increased leadership characteristics inherent in the wolfdog. At every opportunity, he will certainly try to arrange a deadly fight. People who are soft and concessional will not be able to raise such a dog well enough. But the other extreme - the intention to break the nature of the animal - will not lead to success. It is required to build a strictly trusting relationship, while clearly identifying your own leadership. Only a person should be an unequivocal authority, and nothing else.

Regular veterinary checks are essential. Addressing them will allow partly to avoid, and partly to identify at an early stage the vast majority of diseases. Wolfdogs, with proper upbringing, may well change owners. They do not experience any negative experiences from this. Rabies is especially dangerous for this breed.

To avoid being bitten or escaping into the wild, you will have to build a strong fence that the wolfdog cannot destroy, dig or jump over. Initially, you should tune in to the manifestation of such habits characteristic of a wolf as:

• howling at night;
• conflicts with other animals;
• hostile meeting of guests.

If all these possible difficulties do not frighten people, and they still decided to get a wolfdog, they will have to carefully choose the puppies. In our country, there are no nurseries that would purposefully engage in the breeding of this breed. Therefore, you will only have to contact unofficial traders. Inevitably, there is a risk, because it is impossible to get any guarantees of sufficient socialization of the ancestors. And the information about the percentage of wolf genes will have to be taken at its word.

If possible, you should focus on sellers related to law enforcement agencies. It is there that the greatest experience in breeding wolkops and caring for them has been accumulated. Those wishing to purchase the highest quality animal with a guarantee can go to the Czech Republic - there are 4 specialized nurseries.

About the wolfdog bred in Perm, at the Institute of Internal Troops, as a service dog, see the next video.