Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi everyone. I just thought I'd try to get some advice on whether or not I should get a hybrid. My boyfriend has an artic/timber that is about 90% that I got him for his b-day early this year. I have been considering getting one myself, but I'm worried about providing the right kind of environment. I am planning on moving into an apartment in the next year or so and I don't know if it would be right to take on a hybrid considering my living situation. If anyone has any advice let me know! thanks!

>>Hi everyone. I just thought I'd try to get some advice on whether or not I should get a hybrid. My boyfriend has an artic/timber that is about 90% that I got him for his b-day early this year. I have been considering getting one myself, but I'm worried about providing the right kind of environment. I am planning on moving into an apartment in the next year or so and I don't know if it would be right to take on a hybrid considering my living situation. If anyone has any advice let me know! thanks!>>>

Other things to look at are the laws where you live, the insurance you would need (and whether or not you can get it), whether this kind of animal can do well having to be in contact with other people's dogs on every trip outside to potty, just what kind of responsibility it means when the animal grows up. I've not heard of anyone having a wolf hybrid in an apartment. Also, when these animals mature--2-3 years of age--they are quite different than they are for the first year to year and a half of their lives.
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series at www.veterinaryforum.com

I highly suggest you check out the abundance of resources at the Wolf Dunn (http://www.inetdesign.com/wolfdunn/) before considering a wolf hybrid as a "pet".

A wolf hybrid, even when properly socialized, rarely behaves like a dog. They cannot be allowed to roam free (must be kept in a large enclosure), cannot be chained, may urinate or bite out of fear, and are generally shy and timid animals. Most do not do well contained within a small home and some never become fully indoor trained.

In response to your question, I think it would be a potentially dangerous move to keep a wolf hybrid in an apartment. There is always the inherent risk of the wolfdog coming into contact with children or small animals; the prey instinct is much more easily triggered in hybrids and pures than in dogs. If your wolfdog does end up biting someone, current laws require euthanasia of the animal even before being tested for rabies (the rabies vaccine has not been approved in wolfdogs, although there is significant evidence that it is effective).

I would seriously reconsider your decision until you have become well-informed of the risks not only to yourself, but also your neighbors and the wolfdog community at large.

Good luck and well-wishes in your searching and decision-making.

and i can tell you..........nooooooooooooooooo on the apartment.... for sure.

my home page on Keona has a link that takes you to lots of wolfdog sites for educational purposes too. this is not an animal to take lightly. you must understand them.

i rescue. we have too many to rescue as it is...........
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KenC
*SPCA Point of Contact for Stafford and Spotsilvania County VA - wolfdog rescue
*WD rescue assistance to Full Moon Farm Rescue, Blackmountain, NC.
*Defenders of Wildlife
*Keona's (my wolfdog) site: http://www.geocities.com/compwolf2000/keona.html

had to correct my homepage addy.........in my sig.
have not been here in a while.
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KenC
*SPCA Point of Contact for Stafford and Spotsilvania County VA - wolfdog rescue
*WD rescue assistance to Full Moon Farm Rescue, Blackmountain, NC.
*Defenders of Wildlife
*Charter Member: Wolfdog Rescue Resources (WRR)
*Keona's (my wolfdog) site: http://www.renokeo.com/keona.html