hybrid german shepherd wolf

The Unique Hybrid German Shepherd Wolf Breed

German Shepherd Wolf Mix As their name suggests it is one of the largest German shepherd dogs, this mix is made up of a German Shepherd and a Wolf, these hybrids (crossbreeds) are often called Wolfdogs or Wolf-Shepherds. They were created by Leendert Saarloos back in 1935 when he crossbred a German Shepherd with a Eurasian wolf.

All You Need to Know About the Hybrid German Shepherd Wolf

You may be surprised to learn that humans have raised wolves as pets for about 15,000 years. But will Wolfdog or the Hybrid German Shepherd Wolf serve as fantastic pets as Dogs do?

Wolf-Shepherds are not a new discovery, and even today there are many people who successfully raise them. There are few requirements in raising a German Shepherd-Wolf Mix, including proper training, practice sessions, and socialization.

If you’re interested in learning more about this awesome Hybrid German Shepherd Wolf Breed, we’ve rounded up some of the questions you might think of when it comes to raising a Wolfdog. Hope you will be able to decide whether or not this dog is perfect for you.

hybrid german shepherd wolf
german shepherd wolf mix for sale

What is The Hybrid German Shepherd Wolf? (Overview)

As their name suggests, this mix is made up of an Oroginal German Shepherd and a Wolf, this Hybrid German Shepherd Wolf (crossbreeds) are often called Wolfdogs or Wolf-Shepherds.

Whilst there are many types of Hybrid German Shepherd Wolf, the Saarloos Wolfdog is the most notable.

They were created by Leendert Saarloos back in 1935 when he cross-bred a German Shepherd with a Eurasian wolf. The aim of this cross-breeding was to bring back the natural traits the GSD had lost when domesticated.

This Hybrid German Shepherd Wolf is recognized by the UK Kennel Club, but not the American Kennel Club.

Other common types include the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog, the Kunming Wolfdog (Chinese) and the Lupo Italinao (Italy).

You should also keep in mind that they are illegal in several areas across the US to own a Hybrid German Shepherd Wolf Mix, so do your research before keeping one.

German Shepherd Wolf Mix Appearance

How big do German shepherd wolf mix get?

There is no doubt that the Hybrid German Shepherd Wolf is absolutely stunning – they are definitely a head turner.

The German Shepherd dog already resembles a wolf, so this hybrid does not look hugely different.

Due to the genetic diversity, there is no way to tell what a specific pup will look like when they mature. However, there could be a pup that will look more like their German Shepherd parent, rather than their Wolf parent, and vice-versa.

Wolfdogs tend to have smaller skulls than the common wolf, they have pointed ears and brown almond-shaped eyes.

hybrid german shepherd wolf mix
hybrid german shepherd wolf mix

German Shepherd Wolf Mix Size

A hybrid german shepherd wolf can weigh around 65-90lb (male) and 50-70lb (female). Males stand at around 24-26 inches and females between 22-24inches.

So depending on age, sex, diet and genetics, the German Shepherd Wolf mix can weigh anywhere from 50-100lbs. You should expect them to stand between 20-26+ inches tall.

Colors

the Hybrid German Shepherd Wolf can be found in a number of colours as the Old German Shepherd dog has 11 different official colours, with the most common being black and tan.

But this half wolf half german shepherd can also have colours such as sable, black, white and gray.

Wolves can be mottled grey in colour, but occasionally can be nearly pure white, red, brown, or even black.

The colour of a Hybrid German Shepherd Wolf Mix is dependent on what their parents’ colours are and which gene is dominant – it should be said that no pup in a Wolfdog litter looks the same.

Coat

German Shepherds have a thick double coat that is medium length. They have a dense outer coat with straight hair that lies close to the body. Wolves’ coats are also very dense, they can get very fluffy winter. They have short undercoats and long, coarse outer coats.

The GSD and Wolves have very similar coats, so it is fairly likely that their mix will have a double coat and medium-length fur.

They will also shed annually, getting rid of their winter coat when the days become warmer.

It is safe to say that this crossbreed should not be kept in warmer climates.

hybrid german shepherd wolf mix

hybrid german shepherd wolf Personality

hybrid german shepherd wolf mix

A domesticated dog (such as the German Shepherd) has a very different personality from a wild Wolf. It is therefore very tricky to predict what personality traits your Hybrid German Shepherd Wolf will have.

Getting close to this Wolfdog breed takes a lot of time and patience.

Play is a great way to bond with your Wolfdog puppy, exhaust their energy and decrease their stress levels.

They are known to be quite shy at first.

However, eventually, the German Shepherd’s domesticated personality will take over. The Hybrid German Shepherd Wolf thrives as a family companion and they are usually very loving towards their family members.

One thing that both the German Shepherd Dog and the Wolf share is their loyal personality.

The wolf is a pack animal so it is no surprise this mix is protective of their family.

Hybrid German Shepherd Wolf Temperament

The temperament of the Hybrid German Shepherd Wolf can only be described as unpredictable – this is especially true in frightening or new situations.

Because of their wolf instincts, the Wolfdog may be aggressive and react unpredictably when they feel threatened.

These instincts can be slightly modified through early socialization so better to have a young German Shepherd Wolf mix puppy, but this will be difficult for new owners. because it takes hard training with the German Shepherd Wolf mix puppy.

This Wolf-Shepherds breed that’s also very protective and therefore correct introductions with other people and pets is necessary.

The German Shepherd Wolf mix is known for howling.

This should come as no surprise due to their pack animal instinct inherited from wolves. Howling is one of the most common forms of the Wolf to wolf communication.

Unnecessary and problematic howling may arise if this Mixed Breed is left alone for prolonged periods of time. This trait makes this dog undesirable to busy individuals.

This Hybrid German Shepherd Wolf Mix also has a very high prey drive. Therefore, we do not recommend they living in homes with smaller animals such as cats, rabbits, or hamsters. They may get along with other dogs, but they should definitely be watched and introduced to other dog breeds at a young age.

hybrid german shepherd wolf mix
hybrid german shepherd wolf mix

Is Hybrid German Shepherd Wolf A Good Family Dog?

This is not a dog that should be living with small children, so better to not let the Wolfdog with babies or kids.

This dog should be kept by experienced keepers who are firm and disciplined with their pooch.

Hybrid German Shepherd Wolf Training

It’s likely your german shepherd wolf puppies will be intelligent, but if they favour the wolf side of their heritage they will be stubborn.

If they favour their German Shepherd parentage, they will be eager to please and be easily trainable.

Either way, you should be training your dog with positive reinforcement. Give them rewards when they follow your command or when they stop unwanted behaviour.

Many people believe that dominance training is the way forward with this dog as wolves are pack animals, but studies show that this training method leads to further aggression and reduces the quality of your relationship with your doggy friend.

This Hybrid German Shepherd Wolf Breed is for someone who has experience training strong-willed dogs before – you need to be firm and consistent. Do not let them think they are the boss of you.

Socializing a dog like this is very important as the wolf can be reserved and unpredictable.

Make sure to socialize your Hybrid German Shepherd Wolf Mix with a range of people and different situations. Also, make sure they know it’s a positive experience by giving them encouragement and plenty of treats.

Mental stimulation is very important if you do not want your Wolfdog to get bored and chew everything in sight. You can give them lots of toys and play with them, playtime can decrease their stress levels and make them more confident.

Caring for a Hybrid German Shepherd Wolf

Owning a German Shepherd Wolf Mix is not something you should take lightly, there are specific laws on owning Wolfdogs, so you should check your state regulations.

This crossbreed of wolf and german shepherd needs an owner who is experienced in training difficult dogs that need lots of attention and care and let’s not forget the money.

You will also need a large backyard that has very secure fencing. You should not own a Wolfdog in heavily populated areas, as they have a habit of howling a lot.

There are many other responsibilities that you will have when owning this hybrid so keep reading to learn more…

This is a very energetic dog, as wolves can travel up to 30 miles a day.

They will need around 1-2 hours of exercise each day to keep fit and healthy. Not getting their exercise will result in them destroying your furniture and anything else they can bite.

It is also recommended to let them roam around in a fenced backyard, so they can play, dig and explore.

You should not take your Wolfdog to dog parks and make sure to keep them on a leash and harness.

hybrid german shepherd wolf mix
german shepherd wolf mix for sale

Grooming and Shedding
The German Shepherd Wolf Mix will have two shedding seasons a year.

They will need regular brushing to avoid matting and tangles, and more when shedding season comes along.

Do not bathe this dog too much as it can strip away the natural oils that make the coat healthy and shiny.

As with every dog, dental hygiene is important so brush their teeth once a week. You should also cut their nails, to avoid overgrowth and splitting.

Wolfdog diet

Deciding what to feed your Wolfdog is not an exact science, but you should be feeding your dog a diet rich in protein.

Avoid buying traditional store-bought dog food as these are rich in carbohydrates and artificial ingredients.

You will need to do research into what type of meat-based diets you would prefer your dog to eat. Your dog will want a diet that is at least 50% protein.

Some diets that might be worth looking into include raw dog food, this diet comes with potential risks (transfer of bacteria), but they can be very beneficial to your dog’s health. Be mindful of how much you are feeding your dog, too much food can lead to obesity. Keep an eye on their weight by using a body condition score.

Read More About: Long haired German shepherd
German Shepherd Poodle Mix

Known Health Problems

Wolfdogs are generally healthy animals, but they are still prone to certain health issues.

If you’re like most dog parents (or parents-to-be), you care for your pet immensely. Having pet insurance could save you from the headache of going to the vets with reimbursement for every vet bill from now on!

Like many large dogs, the Hybrid German Shepherd Wolf are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia. This is the malformation of the hip and elbow joints and can cause lameness and pain.

They are also prone to suffer from gastric torsion, commonly known as bloat. This is caused by the stomach twisting and trapping air (it can be fatal if not treated). To prevent this from happening, make sure they don’t eat too fast and don’t exercise them straight after eating.

Other common issues like fleas and ticks can occur, due to the outside lifestyle this mix enjoys.

How Long Does a Hybrid German Shepherd Wolf Live?
A healthy Hybrid German Shepherd Wolf can live up to 14 years old.

hybrid german shepherd wolf mix
hybrid german shepherd wolf mix

Is a Hybrid German Shepherd Wolf Dangerous?

When adding the genes of a Wild Animal to the pool, it’s imperative to understand that this results in a crossbreed that is highly unpredictable.

The Hybrid German Shepherd Wolf behaviour is characterized by shy and skittish traits. If a Wolfdog is uncomfortable, it can attack out of defence. This has earned them a reputation for being dangerous and they are banned in several US states.

Wolves build dens and roam frequently. They also have a strong pack and predatory instincts.

These traits translate into destructive behaviour for the Hybrid German Shepherd Wolf Mix, such as digging holes in the garden and chewing up wooden furniture. They also may urinate more frequently than other dog breeds to mark their territory.

I’ll go ahead and say right off the bat that this kind of Hybrid Dog Breeds is not recommended for first-time dog owners. It takes one who is passionate and willing to devote time and energy to a German Shepherd Wolf dog.

Because of its unpredictable nature, it is advised that this crossbreed should not be left alone around other pets and especially children.

Black German Shepherd Wolf Mixes in particular, are known for being less tolerant towards children. They have been known to react by biting and shaking. This is a natural response of the Black GSD when correcting puppy behaviour.

It’s not all bad though. With rigorous training, a Wolfdog makes a protective and loyal companion. They are strong, intelligent, playful, and affectionate towards family and sometimes are one of the Most Loyal Animals To humans.

hybrid german shepherd wolf mix
hybrid german shepherd wolf mix

Hybrid German Shepherd Wolf Price

Buying a German Shepherd Wolf Mix

If you believe this Hybrid German Shepherd Wolf is the right dog for you, and can fully commit to them, you should start researching where to buy a Hybrid German Shepherd Wolf.

You can look for private breeders or adopt from rescue centres that specialize in Wolfdogs.

Make sure you visit the breeder, meet them and ask them plenty of questions about the Hybrid German Shepherd Wolf breed. Ask them what this hybrid breed is like, what is a typical day like living with a Wolfdog?

A breeder that is trustworthy and that cares for the welfare of their pups will want to know more about you. Many breeders and adoption centres will give you questionnaires to assess if they want to give you one of their pups.

They do this because people adopt or buy a Wolfdog, not expecting how much work and effort you have to put into caring for them and then wind up taking them to a rescue centre. No good breeder wants this for their pups.

How Much Does A German Shepherd Wolf Mix Cost?
A Hybrid German Shepherd Wolf will cost around $1000.

Sources: https://dogsvets.com/
https://animalso.com/

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