Nothing more than wild dogs ? We have already heard stories of a bitch roaming free with a litter of pups... The attempted escapes... Is breeding dogs with a percentage of wolf not equivilant to breeding a dog with a strong instinct for survival on its own ? I wonder in years to come how many sightings of such dogs will be reported as wolves roaming free in Britain... Opinions please, on the possible feralness of these animals.
I think most dogs have a strong survival instinct, I don't think the question is in the survival instinct, it is in the independance or aloofness with people, which is something very different. I have no idea what happend to Pip (our feral dog) before he came to us - whether he was abused by people or whether he had had no socialisation with people at all.....I tend towards the latter but is never something we will know, but it does go to show that it is not the 'wolf' look a likes or the % of wolf that matters so much as the socialistion or experiences (or lack of). This is I think what frightens me most about people having multiple litters - how you possibly spend enough time with each individual when you are producing so many? Interesting thoughts though.
Totally agree Tassle, I know all dogs do have a survival instinct, but breeding a genetic natural instinct would be stronger I think...socialisation yip, agree totally with that, I mean wolf young get taken away from mum as soon as 10 days in some cases depending on surroundings...This is how Shaun Ellis and the like manage to get so close to these wild animals... I'd like to see the breeders lists of potential owners that justify multiple litters :-(
I agree. I remember about 10 years ago a Shiba Inu escaped and made its home in Battersea Park. It was feral for about 10 months, living on what it could kill. When it was eventually "captured" is was in magnificent condition - fantastic coat, amazingly well muscled and super healthy. I do worry that some people buy the wolf-lookalike dogs out of misplaced romanticism rather than a genuine understanding of the possible nature of the dogs. Goodness knows we see enough of it in Siberian Huskies, where people buy their "personal wolf" puppy from irresponsible breeders and find themselves completely incapable of dealing with the idiosynchrasies of the breed. Mick
Leading on from that, I get the impression that by owning these 'special dogs' somehow makes them 'special owners'. Is it an ego trip?
Keep "worrying" away folks long as it makes you happy! Never heard so much tosh about a breed and breeders in all my life-but everyones entitled to their opinion as they say! Just been for a walk with my 2 3/4 bred Saarloos dogs round callander park in Falkirk and had some great chats with people/dog owners on the way! Not a hint of criticism-as usual! Anyway im off to take the bigger guy for a longer walk now. Its a nice warm day today so ill probably just go naked and howl alot-this should bring me closer to my egocentric need to get back to nature Last time I was out with Kalluk I managed to bring 2 Carribou down with my bare hands! The heather is a bit itchy on the old a**e though! Keep smiling people!
Apparently the worse breed to lose is a sheltie, the turn wild /feral really quickly, so i heard!!!!!
Sorry but I thought the OP was speaking about wolf hybrids not crosses, my mistake Your Scottish and the sun is shining....minimal clothing is a must. Have a nice walk
Jon, I'm not poking fun, worrying or trying to start anything to do with breeders, its a genuine thread to talk about the possobility of the breeding causing the instinct of feralness possibly more prominent, you are more than welcome to give an honest open educated opinion, you've had your oldest boy 3 months now, your opinion as far as I'm concerned would be of value to the thread... As far as bumping into you naked covorting with your dog in the wilds of the hills, I'm just glad I don't live round your way...
I think your taking my humour far to seriously Im offski now- would anyone like me to bring them back some freshly killed elk? cheerybye
If there really are first or second generation wolf crosses being sold to people for domestic pets it is not us that worry me but the poor dogs. Does no one consider how unhappy these dogs would be and how unsuitable they are for the domestic environments. I don't believe they are first or second crosses in fact I don't believe they are wolf crosses at all but if there are any such, I beg you who love dogs and animal do your best to put pay to such practice or ideas, the wolf is a very shy animal and trying to domesticate it is a high form of animal cruelty.
Before I reply, are you talking about crossbred dogs, like the Saarloos crossed with an NI, or are you meaning Wolves crossed with dogs? Seems to be a little confusion considering replies given.
Inkliveeva-thats me back-just a bit of humour and it wasnt pointed at any post in particular. No offence intended-hope your cool with that. For me, regarding wolfdogs, there is no more debate here on dogsey just different peoples opinions and, in some cases, unsubstantiated slurs going round and round in circles. Interestingly, every wolfdog owner who has posted seems to defend their dogs, breeders, breeding etc. Apparently this is viewed negatively by some? mm interesting Anyway Im in the mood for a bit of the old banter so Im off to start a new thread. Genuinely- I dont want my cheeky mood to destroy your thread as obviously your wanting a proper discussion. Ive met you and thought both you and hubby were nice people. I also appreciate you not bringing my dogs into discussions- admirable and honest-noted! Lionhound- same applies just a bit of banter-stay lucky all
Yes, they're wild, Genova is a wild, man-eating beast, worse than a wolf just because she dug a hole. Something I think you'll find even labradors will do when close to whelping. *sigh* She's a dog, who didn't have the best start in life and no, the breed are not wild animals.
Ok, my take. The Saarloos, Czech Wolfdog, Lupo Italiano are DOGS not Wolves. Domesticated breeds of dog that are exhibited and bred in similar fashion to here. They display characteristics akin to their heritage, just like any other breed of dog, they are no different. Aloof- So is the Saluki and may other sight hounds. Wary, evasive of confrontation- just like many other types of dog, particularly native breeds. I see the problems when people "think" that using a Wolf will improve the dogs, what the hell is that all about? Why import a breed if you are not happy with it? Why cross it with a type of dog which is the target of the same people importing the Wolfdogs? Madness!! Using a Wolf will NOT improve anything at all whatsoever, it will create an unstable, unpredictable animal, bred in conditions not like a home environment, kept in large numbers, then expected to live with families as pets. Really? You bring in Saarloos and CWD, have the opportunity to make it work, then cross it with an NI, and seemingly this action has meant that these breeds wont be coming here anymore. No more genepool, what next? We hear that the kennel these dogs came from is "dodgy" to say the least, just look at the dogs imported, how many look "typical" of the Saarloos? Id say none of the 7 recent imports. We have temperaments that are not good, one bitch shot, one "difficult" to say the least and of the others I dont know. I expect though, they will all be bred again, what possible motive is there here? I mean this in no way as an attack on anyone at all whatsoever, its just my personal feelings being aired, thinking out loud. Ive spoken to several of the owners of these crosses and I can say that some of them are concerned to say the least at recent developments, worried would be more appropriate. As I said, no offence intended at all here.