When comparing the definitions, it leaves a lot up for debate with variations in how a governing body may interpret how to classify and regulate the wolf-dog. This resulting grey area around the proper classification of a wolf-dog, according to federal definitions, leads to inconsistent laws throughout the union.
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It is quite common for states to define wolf-dogs as “wild animals,” “dangerous dogs,” or “dangerous animals,” which they do in Connecticut, stating “For the purposes of this section, the following wildlife, or any hybrid thereof ([The canidae, including, but not limited to, the wolf, and coyote]), shall be considered a potentially dangerous animal[.]” While Connecticut has banned the possession, sale, or trading of the animals above, many other states have opted out of directly regulating wolf-dogs by placing it on the municipal level’s responsibility, as they do in Virginia where at a state level it is legal but the state then provides rather comprehensive “suggested” protocols for the regulation of wolf-dogs.
A common practice of regulation, if the state does not default to standard domestic dog laws, is requiring a permit for wolf-dog ownership. The permit process varies from one step harder than for your standard dog, to specific permission with extremely strict enclosure requirements making it almost impossible for the average person to comply. An example of the latter is Arkansas. They have provided very detailed outlines that owners must abide to legally own a wolf-dog. These outlines include: public records of health and welfare for each animal; strict enclosure requirements, including precise specifications on space, construction, and number of animals per enclosure; and provisions for diet describing the ratios of meat and protein to starches. Furthermore, all of the above is subject to inspection, and at the cost of the owner. These laws are in place to protect the animals, the people living in close proximity to wolf-dogs, and to likely dissuade the average citizen from ownership of these special needs animals.
We hope that our readers can learn along with us as we continue to pursue our mission and vision. Check your local laws, and consider becoming an ambassador for the animals Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary rescues and cares for every day as a result of the exotic pet trade. Question how your legislators came about their decisions to create laws as they apply to wolf-dogs, and ask that they regulate wolf-dogs from the perspective of compassion and education rather than fear and misinformation. I leave you with a great quote from U.S. Fish and Wildlife to consider: “It took many thousands of years for humans to selectively breed canines for the traits that make modern-day dogs such delightful companions: congeniality, flexibility, and eagerness to please. It is simply impossible to instill these traits in a wild animal overnight. Many an unsuspecting wolf lover has purchased a wolf pup, only to find that it is largely untrainable (since it does not care much about pleasing its owner), and that as it grows into adulthood it becomes unpredictable, if not downright dangerous, especially around children and small animals. Many such animals end up living miserable lives on the end of a chain after a frustrated owner gives up on trying to care properly for the animal. When such an animal is cornered or frightened and reacts by attacking a human – – often a small child – – the incident reinforces the common misconception that wolves are bloodthirsty and aggressive creatures.
Can you own a half wolf half dog?It’s illegal to keep a wolfdog hybrid as a pet in twelve states, including Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Wyoming. However, in Michigan, a wolfdog can be “grandfathered” in.
In what states is it legal to own a wolf hybrid?
Now that you know a bit more about the wolf-dogs genetic factors youll better understand if wolf-dogs are illegal or not. Pure wolves are illegal to keep as a pet and are protected under endangered wildlife species regulation. The Federal Animal Welfare Act defines wolf-dogs as domestic animals and are under the same regulations as many other breeds (as long as they are five generations away from their wolf ancestors). This takes breed specific legislation one-step further.
However, each state in the United States of America has their own policy on the subject. For this reason, it is legal to own a wolf-dog in some US states. The following states consider them domestic animals depending on the percentage of their phenotype:
However, just because a specific state doesnt have legislation regarding the legality of wolfdog hybrids, doesnt mean each country within that state doesnt. For example, in North Carolina hybrids are illegal in Durham County, but not necessarily in other counties.
Due to a history of attacks in humans perpetrated by wolf-dogs[1], in some states they are restricted to private ownership. The hybrids are subject to minimum standards for their enclosures and will be put down in the event of a bite. The following states have restricted policies and you should check each of the states details:
In other states in the US, it is completely illegal to own a wolf-dog as a privately owned pet. These are the following:
In the UK, hybrid wolves are legal as pets as long as they are three generations away from the wolf. They fall under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976, which means wolf-dogs require a licence if you want to keep them at home.
Now that you know if its illegal to own a wolf-dog, wed like to pinpoint why, even when it is legal in many parts of the world to own one, a home may not be the most suitable environment for these species.
At AnimalWised we consider the needs of the dog. If someone has an interest in keeping a wolf-dog somewhere it is not illegal, it should be someone who lives in a very secluded place. Immense forests, endless winters, and in remote places far away from civilization.
A wolf-dog is not a lapdog. Thinking they are is a mistake that can be paid very expensively, beyond the economically exorbitant price they ask for them[2]. If you live on a suburban street or in a city, the wolf-dog will not only have a diminished quality of life. They will be more prone to behavioral issues and can pose a serious security risk to local residents.
If, for whatever reason, a person decides to adopt a wolf-dog, they must have a thorough prior knowledge of all the behavioral traits and care requirements concerning the animal. For this reason, only highly experienced dog guardians should even consider a wolf-dog as a pet.
First of all, you should make sure that your country and/or state legislation allows you to have possession of it. As weve seen, there are places where it is illegal or limited by its genetic makeup.
If it is possible to own one legally, it is best if you live with dogs. In this way the wolf-dog will be better socialized. Ideally, dogs should be of the opposite sex and similar size. It is essential that the caregiver has extensive prior experience with dogs.The wolf-dog has a a sense of their pack which is far superior to that of dogs. They need to live in a pack for mental balance.
However, this means the rest of the dogs should accept the wolfdogs position as the alpha dog. The issue of hierarchy is an essential element in packs. Surely in their puppy stage the wolf-dog will accept their caregiver as alpha male or female, but this acceptance does not necessarily last forever. At a certain point when they are adult, the wolfdog can reconsider their hierarchy. . This will not always happen, but if the wolf-dog decides to be the alpha member of the pack themselves, you will have a big problem.
The wolf-dog needs to be fed meat (1 or 2 kg daily). They wouldnt survive with regular dog food. Remember, they are born hunters. Even if they are properly fed, if left alone to roam around they will still hunt for prey due to their instinct. This is why its recommended to never leave them unsupervised and to take them for a walk with a double leash. One attached to their harness and the other should be a slip lead just in case they get scared or startled by something they see or hear along the way.
The way in which wolf-dogs express their appreciation is very similar to that shown by pure wolves. it is not the same as how other canine breeds show affection. After sniffing you, wolf-dogs will try to bring their jaws close to your mouth and lick your teeth. Its their normal way of recognizing you as a member of their pack. The problem is that if you dont complete the ritual and move your face away, the animal will feel that you dont recognize them. They may try to hold your face with their teeth to finish their greeting in order for you to lick their teeth too. Doing so will confirm you as a member of the pack. Wolf packs greet each other with this kind of tongue kiss.
Wolf-dogs can socialize with children, whom they also consider puppies in their pack. The problem is when the animal considers the child to be hurt or in trouble. If this happens, they will do exactly what they would do with a puppy of their own species. They will try to grab them with their teeth by the neck or arm to take them elsewhere. Obviously, the child will become scared and probably be injured. This is the main reason why you should never leave a wolf-dog alone with a child, especially if they are very young.
In order to care for a wolf-dog, you must make sure you have a proper home for them to live happily and safely. Wolf-dogs should have a vast space to live and run around in. They need plenty of exercise, which is why it is recommended for those who live in rural areas. While at home they will need an enclosure of 20 by 20 meters minimum and should have high fencing. Tall and medium-sized wolfdogs have a tendency to escape.
You should also care for their environmental enrichment, giving them plenty of trees and high objects on which they can jump and climb. Moreover, they should also have plenty of toys to keep them entertained and happy. They require a shelter for them to sleep and hide from the bad weather.
It is not recommended for the dog to be inside a house for most of the day, as they will likely destroy furniture and objects especially when left alone. No matter how much of dog genes they have, they still have a wild instinct and should therefore be provided with an environment that suits their needs.
In order to socialize a wolf-dog, it is highly important to start doing so at a very early stage, as soon as 10 days after birth. This way they can come into contact with with their direct family, even though they will have to stay with their mothers for feeding. The right time to introduce them to their new home and environment is during the period between seven and eight weeks of age. The process when they arrive at home will be to slowly introduce them to the new people they will be surrounded by: the milkman, postman, children, etc.
Wolf-dogs will have a specific vaccination schedule they will have to undergo, especially to de-worm, avoid rabies, and other possible diseases that may affect them. This is why it is highly important to find a good vet that is specialized in this animal. They should be willing to be their vet for life. This is sometimes a bit difficult, as many vets refuse to treat wolf-dogs. Although they do not have major canine diseases and are generally fairly healthy animals, they are prone to kennel cough, coccidia and giardia, which is why you should make sure they are properly attended by a professional.
If you want to read similar articles to Is it Legal to Own a Wolf-Dog? Find out Everything about this Hybrid, we recommend you visit our Facts about the animal kingdom category. Tips
References
1. Delzo, J. (2018). Wolf-Dog Hybrid Mauls and Kills Newborn Girl in Crib. Retrieved February, 24, 2019, fromhttp://www.newsweek.com/wolf-dog-hybrid-maul-kill-newborn-839917
2. Copping, J. (2009). The Household Pets That Are Half-Wolf. Retrieved February, 24, 2019, fromhttp://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/6567420/The-household-pets-that-are-half-wolf.html
