Owning a wolfdog may be a dream for some, but it’s a challenge for most. These hybrids carry both the wild instincts of wolves and the domesticity of dogs, creating a unique but demanding blend. Phillip Young, a Colorado resident, has spent the past decade living with wolfdogs. His journey has been filled with joy, heartbreak, and lessons worth sharing. If you’re considering adopting one of these creatures, here are some things to know from Young’s story and beyond.
More Than Just a Hybrid
Wolfdogs are a fascinating cross between wild wolves and domestic dogs. Depending on their genetic makeup, some wolfdogs resemble their ancestors, while others take on the traits of domestic breeds. However, they aren’t a “half-wild pet” but a complex blend of instincts that require specialized care. High-content wolfdogs—those with a higher percentage of wolf DNA—may act more like wolves, while low-content ones lean toward domesticity. They’re beautiful and intriguing, but their temperament is often unpredictable. Owning one means committing to the challenge of understanding and meeting their needs.
A History Born of Overlap
Wolves and dogs didn’t start as the strangers they are today. Thousands of years ago, their paths crossed in shared territories, leading to natural hybridization. Modern wolfdogs are typically the result of intentional breeders, where wolves are paired with working dogs like Alaskan Malamutes or Siberian Huskies to create animals with striking wolf-like features. These hybrids may inherit wolf instincts, such as cautious behavior and high intelligence, but they don’t belong in every household. Blending wild and domestic creates animals that require thoughtful care and uniquely tailored environments.
Kota: The Start of a Passion
For Phillip Young, the journey began with Kota, a wolfdog he adopted a decade ago in Louisiana. She was advertised as being 98% wolf, a claim later debunked by a DNA test that revealed she was only 25% wolf. Despite the unexpected revelation, Young was captivated by her singular mix of traits. Kota’s personality combined intelligence, loyalty, and a touch of wildness, deepening his fascination with these hybrids. His bond with Kota wasn’t just about ownership; it was about learning to care for an animal that didn’t fit neatly into the category of “dog.”
A Heartbreaking Loss
After Kota passed in 2021, Young decided to adopt another wolfdog, this time with a higher percentage of wolf DNA. He brought home Faelen, a 54% wolf hybrid, along with Keeva, Faelen’s daughter. However, tragedy struck soon after their adoption. While in foster care during Young’s relocation to Colorado, Faelen became trapped in a fence. In his struggle to escape, he suffered a fatal injury. The accident was devastating for Young, painfully driving home what unique challenges wolfdogs face in captivity, particularly the need for secure and appropriate enclosures.
Faelen: A Bright Personality
Despite his interrupted life, Faelen left a profound impression on Young. Described as highly intelligent and inquisitive, Faelen learned commands quickly and adapted to social situations with proper training. Over time, he shed his natural skittishness, becoming a friendly companion during public outings. His charm and confidence often sparked conversations with strangers, giving Young the opportunity to educate others about wolfdog ownership. Faelen was more than a pet; he was a bridge between humans and the wildness these hybrids embody, demonstrating both their potential and the care they require.
The Challenge of Moving with a Wolfdog
Relocating with wolfdogs is no simple task. When Young moved from Louisiana to Colorado, his temporary rental home couldn’t accommodate Faelen and Keeva. As a result, they were placed in foster care, a decision that later led to Faelen’s tragic accident. The experience revealed the complexities of owning a wolfdog—they need ample space, secure fencing, and stability. These requirements often mean ownership is best suited to those with rural properties and the resources to create specialized living arrangements.
Ownership Comes at a Price
Caring for wolfdogs involves significant financial and time commitments. Their diet often mirrors that of wild wolves, consisting predominantly of raw meat, which can be both expensive and time-consuming to prepare. Housing them requires more than a backyard; they need large, escape-proof enclosures built with their natural instincts in mind. Regular training, socialization, and enrichment activities are also crucial to keep them healthy and content. For Young, these investments were a labor of love, but they highlight why wolfdogs are not suitable for casual or inexperienced pet owners.
You Have to Adapt to Them
Wolfdogs don’t adapt easily to typical pet lifestyles. Instead, owners must reshape their lives to suit the animal’s needs. Young discovered that wolfdogs thrive with constant companionship, either from another dog or their human family. Left alone, they can become destructive, turning their boredom into digging, chewing, or even escaping. These hybrids require not just physical care but also emotional engagement, making them a commitment that reshapes daily routines and long-term plans. Ownership isn’t just about providing; it’s about being present and intentional.
Keeva: A Bond That Survived the Distance
After Faelen’s death, Keeva remained in foster care while Young worked to build a suitable home for her in Colorado. Determined to preserve their bond, he drives over five hours each way to visit her every month, spending weekends reinforcing their connection. His effort goes to show the level of dedication needed to care for a wolfdog, especially in challenging circumstances. For Young, Keeva is a member of his family, and his actions are an excellent example of the deep commitment an owner must make if they want to adopt a wolfdog.
Legal and Ethical Responsibilities
It’s important to realize that owning a wolfdog isn’t universally allowed. Regulations differ by state, with some, like Alaska, banning them outright while others have minimal oversight. Beyond legality, ethical considerations loom large. Breeding and selling wolfdogs in areas without proper resources or training can harm both the animals, the people who adopt them, and, potentially, the whole community. Prospective owners need to research laws in their areas and assess whether they have the time, space, and knowledge required. Ethical ownership means prioritizing the wolfdog’s needs over personal desires, ensuring they live healthy, fulfilling lives.
Alternatives for Wolfdog Enthusiasts
If the allure of a wolfdog feels irresistible but the commitment seems overwhelming, consider wolf-like breeds instead. Siberian huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, and Tamaskan dogs offer striking wolfish looks but with more predictable temperaments. These breeds are still energetic and intelligent and require active and engaged owners, but they’re better suited to most households. For those drawn to the wild beauty of wolves, these dogs are a safer and more manageable alternative, blending adventure with the stability of a fully domesticated companion.
Resources:
- Newsweek: Wolf Dog Owner Shares What He Wishes People Knew Before Getting Cross-Breed
- International Wolf Center: Wolf-Dog Hybrids
- American Kennel Club: 10 Wolf-Like Dog Breeds That Are Anything But Wild
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