Thinking About Adopting a Wolfdog? Here’s What You Need to Know

Wolfdogs — part wolf, part domestic dog — are undeniably captivating animals. You may recognize them from Game of Thrones, where wolfdogs played the fiercely loyal direwolves. Their appearance on that show, coupled with their rising popularity on social media, has led many people to consider (or even acquire) one as a pet. Unfortunately, new pet parents often quickly discover that caring for a wolfdog is far more challenging than caring for a typical dog.

Most people who bring a wolfdog into their homes eventually surrender them due to the high demands of being a pet parent to them, leaving countless wolfdogs in difficult situations. Read on to understand why wolfdogs are better suited to sanctuaries than the average pet home.

What is a wolfdog hybrid?

A wolfdog hybrid is any canine who has both wolf and domestic dog ancestry in their recent genetic ancestry. Wolfdogs aren’t the product of a chance encounter between a wolf and a dog in the wild. Instead, as Keith Laposh, rescue coordinator at W.O.L.F. Sanctuary in Colorado, explains, wolfdogs are almost entirely a product of human intervention (i.e. intentional breeding).

Most modern wolfdogs are the result of breeding wolfdogs with other wolfdogs (rather than a pure wolf with a domestic dog). Laposh says that the most common breeds found in wolfdogs are Gray Wolf, Husky, Malamute, and German Shepherd. 

What is wolf content? 

Wolfdogs vary in “content,” which refers to the percentage of wolf DNA they inherit. High-content wolfdogs have a greater proportion of wolf genes, which often means they behave more like wild wolves, explains Nicole Wilde, canine behavior specialist and author of Living with Wolfdogs and Wolfdogs A-Z: Behavior, Training & More. 

Low-content wolfdogs, on the other hand, have more dog-like traits due to a higher percentage of domestic dog DNA. These hybrids can look and act vastly different based on their genetic makeup.

Generations of wolfdogs

Wolfdogs are classified by generations, which helps indicate how far removed they are from their wolf ancestry. These generations are often referred to as F1, F2, F3, and so on. Here’s a quick breakdown of what the generations mean. 

• F1 wolfdog: One parent is a pure wolf, making them a first-generation hybrid. The pure wolf may be bred with either a domestic dog or a wolfdog.

• F2 wolfdog: One grandparent is a pure wolf, making them a second-generation hybrid. An F2 wolfdog is the result of breeding two F1 wolfdogs or an F1 wolfdog with a domestic dog. 

• F3 wolfdog and beyond: One great-grandparent is a pure wolf, making them a third-generation hybrid. An F3 wolfdog results from breeding an F2 wolfdog with another dog or wolfdog.

Mislabeled mixed breeds

It’s common for domestic dogs who resemble wolves — such as Alaskan Malamutes and Siberian Huskies — to be mislabeled as wolfdogs. Low-content wolfdogs may also be advertised as high-content. This mislabeling is often intentional, aiming to make the dogs seem more exotic or boost their selling price.

“Regardless of how one feels about wolfdogs as pets, this practice hurts everyone,” Wilde says. She explains that someone who gets what they believe is a high-content wolfdog, only to get a low-content one or a regular dog, may tell others they’re easy pets — which they’re not. On the other hand, a person who thinks they are getting a low-content wolfdog but ends up with a high-content one is in for a surprise.

Differences between wolfdogs and regular dogs 

Laposh emphasizes that wolfdogs do not act like typical domestic dogs, and their behavior is largely influenced by their wolf content. Wilde adds that the higher the percentage of wolf DNA and the closer they are in generation to a pure wolf — essentially, the “wolfier” they are — the more their behavior will mirror that of a wild wolf. This means they’ll be more challenging to care for.

Let’s explore some key ways wolfdogs differ from regular dogs.

Containment 

Wolfdogs are master escape artists with a strong drive to explore, making them much more likely than typical dogs to attempt breakouts — and with far greater determination and skill. With their incredible athleticism, wolfdogs are easily capable of jumping a typical six-foot chain link fence, Wilde says. 

To keep a wolfdog secure and content, Jodi Woolard, CEO and founder of Roam Wolfdog Sanctuary in Washington, says a very large enclosure is needed (at least half an acre) with eight-foot-tall fencing.

Digging instincts 

Wolfdogs are known for their strong urge to dig, which stems from their instinct to create dens for shelter and protection. Unlike most domestic dogs who might dig occasionally, wolfdogs tend to dig extensively, often creating large holes in backyards or attempting to burrow under fences, Laposh explains. 

To prevent a wolfdog from digging a hole under a fence enclosure, Woolard says installing four-foot dig guards (buried fencing, concrete edging, etc.) along the fence perimeter is required. 

Fearfulness 

Wolfdogs tend to have a natural wariness of anything unfamiliar, including new people, environments, objects, or animals. According to Woolard, this can be one of the most challenging traits to manage and overcome. While many domestic dogs can be socialized to feel comfortable around strangers and adapt relatively easily to new settings, wolfdogs often retain a deep-seated caution, frequently remaining hesitant or fearful in unfamiliar situations.

Resource guarding

With wolfdogs, resource guarding is a common, instinctive behavior. Unlike domestic dogs, this guarding tendency is deeply ingrained and isn’t something you can fully “train out” of them, Woolard says.

Woolard adds that daily hand-feeding is one helpful practice for managing this behavior. This daily interaction helps reinforce your role as a provider rather than a competitor for resources, making it easier to live successfully alongside them.

Prey drive 

Due to their strong instincts, wolfdogs generally have a higher prey drive than most domestic dogs. This makes them more likely to chase — and sometimes harm or kill — small animals, such as squirrels, rabbits, cats, and small dogs, Laposh says. This behavior is usually not something that can be fully trained away.

Intelligence

 “Wolfdogs are extremely energetic and intelligent, which often leads them to become bored if not provided with sufficient exercise and enrichment,” Laposh says. Meeting their physical and mental needs requires providing ample space to run, daily interaction with people and at least one other wolfdog, consistent training, and engaging them with puzzle toys.

Howling 

Unlike regular dogs, who primarily bark, wolfdogs are more likely to communicate with howling, whining, and other vocalizations similar to wild wolves. This can be surprising (and potentially disruptive) for those unprepared for the range and intensity of wolfdog vocal expressions.

Destructive behavior 

Laposh warns that wolfdogs can be very destructive. “They can pull up your carpeting and hardwood floors, chew through your walls and doors, destroy wooden decor and banisters, and destroy furniture,” he says. While this behavior can often be managed in domestic dogs, it’s much harder (if not impossible) to train out of wolfdogs, especially when they lack adequate mental and physical stimulation. 

Territorialism and aggression

Wolfdogs often have strong territorial instincts and may become possessive of items within a home, which can lead to behaviors like marking or aggression. Many wolfdogs also view unfamiliar dogs as intruders, often reacting defensively or aggressively if one comes onto their territory. 

House training 

Woolard says that high-content wolfdogs are nearly impossible to potty train. Lower-content wolfdogs may be somewhat easier, though still more challenging than a typical dog. 

Safety with children 

According to W.O.L.F. Sanctuary, wolfdogs should never be left unsupervised around children. These large, energetic animals tend to play more roughly than most dogs and may be drawn to or protective of children, treating them like “pups.” This can result in accidental injuries if the wolfdog attempts to “play” or “care for” the child, or if they perceive someone as trying to take their “pup” away. (Consider these family-friendly dogs instead.) 

Financial costs 

Caring for a wolfdog is significantly more expensive than caring for a regular dog. Here’s why.

• Diet: Unlike dogs, who are omnivores, wolves are primarily carnivores and need a diet of mostly raw meat and bones. Woolard says that at her sanctuary, each wolfdog is fed four pounds of raw meat daily. This diet can cost $5,000 or more annually. 

• Companionship: Wolves and wolfdogs are pack animals and don’t do well on their own. Being alone often leads to destructive behaviors and can result in major bills to repair what the wolfdog destroys. As such, having at least two wolfdogs is always recommended, which will double the cost of daily care for the animals. 

• Containment: Proper fencing materials can cost between $3,000 and $5,000, not including construction expenses. 

Do wolfdogs make good pets?

For all of the reasons mentioned in the section above, Wilde says that wolfdogs are not suitable pets for the average person. Unfortunately, many people either skip essential research or underestimate the challenges. As a result, W.O.L.F. Sanctuary reports that 90 percent of pet wolfdogs are euthanized by age two. A lucky few are surrendered to specialized wolfdog sanctuaries or rescues, but these facilities are almost always at capacity.

The most effective way to protect these animals is to avoid purchasing a wolfdog. This helps reduce the demand that fuels irresponsible breeding. 

“I would recommend that people, instead, look into adopting a domestic dog,” Laposh says. “There are plenty of domestic dog breeds that resemble wolves but are much easier to train and safely keep as pets.”

For those truly dedicated to providing the right environment, a few sanctuaries occasionally adopt out low-content wolfdogs to carefully vetted homes. These adoptions are rare and typically only granted to individuals with the experience, resources, and commitment needed to meet the complex needs of a wolfdog.

Are there legal and ethical considerations?

“It’s federally legal in the United States for people to own a wolfdog with up to 98 percent wolf content. But many states, and even counties, have their own laws, and that’s where you would need to check,” Woolard says. 

Even if it is legal where you live, there are likely restrictions on what percentage wolf can be owned and/or requirements for owners to acquire additional permits to keep a wolfdog legally. 

It’s also important to remember that local, state, and federal laws are frequently updated, so an owner in a legal area may suddenly face new wolfdog bans or restrictions. This could force them to surrender the animal, risk confiscation and euthanasia, pay fines or permit fees, or relocate to an area where wolfdogs remain legal.

Ethically, it’s essential to consider whether keeping a wolfdog as a pet is truly in the animal’s best interest. Wolfdogs have unique behavioral and environmental needs that often can’t be met in a typical household. Supporting responsible sanctuaries or experienced handlers who understand these needs is a more compassionate approach. 

Commonly asked questions

How can I tell if a wolfdog is the right pet for me?

Wolfdogs require more of a commitment, a large, secure outdoor space, and special care. Their wild instincts make them unsuitable for most homes, so careful research and honest assessment of your resources are essential.

What are the specific care requirements for a wolfdog?

Wolfdogs need a secure enclosure of at least half an acre with an eight-foot fence and four-foot dig guards, a primarily raw meat diet, ample mental stimulation, and experienced handling. 

Can wolfdogs be found in shelters? 

Wolfdogs are rarely found in government-run shelters, Wilde says. She explains that in areas where they’re illegal, shelters may euthanize or attempt to place them in a sanctuary. In legal areas, adoption depends on the shelter and the wolfdog’s content level and behavior.

How can I find a dog who looks like a wolf?

Breeds like Alaskan Malamutes, Siberian Huskies, and Tamaskan Dogs have a wolf-like appearance but are generally more manageable than wolfdogs. However, these large working breeds may still be more challenging to care for than many other domestic dog breeds.

How can I tell if my dog is a wolfdog? 

The only reliable way to determine if your dog is a wolfdog is through a DNA test, such as the Wisdom Panel Essential. Physical traits alone aren’t enough to confirm wolf ancestry.

Resources 

“Do Wolf Dogs Make Good Pets?” Kinship.com, 2023, www.kinship.com/dog-lifestyle/do-wolfdogs-make-good-pets.

Ownership | W.O.L.F Sanctuary. wolfsanctuary.co/ownership/.

Resources | W.O.L.F Sanctuary. wolfsanctuary.co/resources/.