Hybrid Wolf
In February 2019, we traveled to Arkansas to pick up RAIDER after finding him on a Wolf Hybrid Rescue page. Thanks to a generous sponsor, we were able to fly there, rent a large SUV, and drive him 1,200 miles back to California. Raider had been abandoned by his original owner and temporarily taken in by a kind woman. However, he repeatedly escaped into her in-laws' yard, where he preyed on their chickens. With no viable options, she was forced to tether him between two trees but knew this was no life for him—so she listed him on the rescue site, where we found him.
Raider is a high-content wolf hybrid, 70% Arctic wolf and 30% German Shepherd. Despite his wolf lineage, he often exhibits dog-like behavior, making him an exceptional ambassador for wolf hybrids. However, wolf hybrids generally do not make good pets. They can be highly unpredictable, with their wolf instincts surfacing unexpectedly. They also possess one of the strongest jaw forces of any land mammal and can dig a hole three feet wide and three feet deep in just 20 minutes. Natural escape artists, they require enclosures with fences buried at least three feet underground and standing a minimum of eight feet tall—anything less, and they will find a way out.
In short, wolf hybrids are not your average dog. They require highly experienced handlers who understand their complex nature and unique needs to ensure a successful and safe relationship.
ORDER: Carnivora
FAMILY: Canidae
GENUS: Canis
SPECIES: Lupus
The wolf is the largest species of the wild dog family. A hybrid wolf happens most of the time from human intervention. A wolf and domesticated dog are purposely bred to create a combined version of the two, mostly for the pet trade. The problem is a wolf does not “domesticate” in one breeding and this can often be very detrimental to the pups, especially once they mature. They have an acute sense of smell and hearing. They travel in packs, about 7 to 8 individuals, with one alpha male and one alpha female. They are most active at sunrise and sunset but prefer to move under the cover of darkness. They do not accept strangers into their pack easily. They are apex predators who’s job it is to keep ecosystems in order and working smoothy. If you would like further info on the wolf, you can check out, “How Wolves Change Rivers”, narrated by Dave Attenborough.
Threats
Habitat loss and fragmentation. Shot on sight for being considered livestock predators.
Conservation Status
LC - Least Concern