The animal world is quite amazing. In nature, there are a huge number of animals that are not purebred, but are a kind of hybrid of several animals. For example, the so-called wolf methods, which, in essence, are hybrids of a wolf and a dog, deserve special attention.
Consider the distinctive features of this animal, get acquainted with the history of its origin and learn about what kinds of wolf species exist.
Features and history of origin
The cross between a wolf and a dog is an unusual animal, which, according to many scientists, arose several thousand years ago. For the first time, the remains of a hybrid were discovered by archaeological scientists during excavations. Due to the fact that the first bones of such animals found are of ancient origin, it is believed that Wolfhounds are animals that occurred naturally. This conclusion was made due to the fact that the ancient people did not have the knowledge and ability to implement the selection procedure.
Later in the 15th century, an experiment was conducted in Germany on the crossing of a wolf and a dog. Scientists tried to cross a wolf with a variety of dog breeds.
The offspring obtained as a result of such work had a large number of shortcomings: it did not come into contact with a person, showed aggression, and was not given upbringing and training.
Some time later, in 1766, English scientists tried to repeat an unusual experiment. This time a wild wolf was crossed with a dog, which was a representative of the breed of shepherd dogs. As a result of crossbreeding, 9 puppies were obtained, which fell into the homes of English aristocrats.
An attempt to reproduce wolf breeds was also undertaken in Holland. The then-famous Dutch scientist Lander Sarlos crossed a wild wolf with a German shepherd. It was this animal that after some time received official recognition and lasted 19 years. After this period, hybrids were recognized as dangerous to humans and unnecessarily aggressive.
The numerous failures of the predecessors did not stop the Czech scientist Karel Hartle, who was able to surpass his colleagues and give birth to a hybrid of the wolf, which was recognized by the cynological community.
Domestic scientists also did not stand aside. The creation of domestic wolfhounds was carried out by order of the government of the Russian Federation on the basis of the Institute of Internal Troops in Perm.
general description
In appearance, the hybrid of the dog and the wolf resembles a wild animal. In relation to such an unusual beast, scientists have developed and adopted official standards.
Relatively mixed breed standards relate to the anatomical structure of the animal. The metis has rather large dimensions, respectively, large numerical indicators of growth and weight. So, the mass of the wolfhounds is usually in the range from 30 to 50 kilograms, and the growth is from 60 to 70 centimeters.
It is important to note that the weight and height of the females will be lower than those of males.
The anatomical structure of the body of the cross repeats the outline of the body of a wolf. However, such a repetition is not absolute; there are differences in the outlines. In particular, the wolf breed has a pronounced muscle mass, due to which the animal is quite strong, fast and able to jump long distances. The front and rear legs of the hybrid are quite long. However, the hind limbs, which are parallel to the front, have more developed muscles. Wolfhound is endowed with a long and fluffy tail.
The skull box of the beast has a wedge-shaped outline. The jaw is quite powerful and converges in a scissor bite. It is scientifically proven that the grip of hybrids is much stronger than that of ordinary dogs. The ears of the wolfhound have a triangular shape. It is also important to note the fact that animals have exceptional hearing, which reacts even to minor noise. The eyes of animals are traditionally painted in brown the color of a light undertone.
The hairline of the animal deserves special attention. In general, the colors repeat the colors of the coat of wolves, however, some deviations can be observed. So, the most popular shades are:
- grey;
- the black;
- brown;
- white and others.
Moreover, the coloring of the wolf-dog can be either homogeneous, or spotty, or even patterned.
Varieties
The hybrid of a dog and a wolf is an animal that is not widespread. However, despite such a small popularity, scientists and veterinarians have identified several varieties of the so-called wolf dog:
- Czechoslovakian wolf dog, which is a cross between a Central Russian forest wolf and a German shepherd;
- Russian Wolfhund, whose parents were the Canadian black wolf and Alaskan Malamute;
- Wolfhound.
It is important to note that the first 2 species are considered officially accepted and registered, while the wolf breed is a wolf crossed with any dog.
The Czechoslovakian wolf dog arose in 1955 thanks to the efforts of Czechoslovakian breeders. This animal was bred for a specific purpose - to participate in military activities, in search and rescue operations, as well as for protective and guard duty. Officially at the international level, the wolf dog was registered in 1999. Thus, this species is considered quite young.
Russian Wolfhund is an animal that has pronounced features of a wild wolf. The beast calmly tolerates even adverse environmental conditions.Such a dog is not suitable for living in close conditions of small-sized apartments - it requires a large space.
Selection recommendations
An animal, which is a mixture of a wolf and a dog, can be purchased in our country only in one official cattery - the Wolf Center Russian Wolf Center Park. When purchasing a wolf dog in any other place, you cannot be sure that you are acquiring a hybrid animal.
When choosing a specific puppy, all the same features should be considered as when choosing a dog of any breed. So, make sure that the appearance of the animal is well-groomed and neat, and behavior should be active.
The cost of an animal depends on its pedigree. In our country, a hybrid of a wolf and a dog can be purchased for an amount from 50,000 to 120,000 rubles.
Advantages and disadvantages
Wolf dogs, like any other animals, have both negative and positive traits. Therefore, before acquiring an unusual animal, you should familiarize yourself with all the characteristics of the wolf species.
One of the main disadvantages of this animal is aggressiveness. Especially this character trait is manifested if the hybrid has more than 25% of the total blood volume is wolf. With skillful training, the aggressiveness and anger of the animal can be reduced, however, professional dog handler should be engaged in training and education of the animal.
As for the positive character traits, the owners of animals most often highlight such characteristics as endurance, courage and fearlessness, fidelity and devotion, as well as developed flair.
Conditions of detention
Due to the fact that wolf species are rather unusual animals, there are certain principles of their maintenance, which are mandatory.
First of all, it is important to consider that you can not keep wolf dogs on a chain. Instead, the animal can live in enclosures or booths. But the size of such premises should be very large so that the beast can easily move around its dwelling, without experiencing additional difficulties.
Inside the booth or aviary, which serves as the home of the dog, there should be no drafts or wind. And also note that you should avoid direct sunlight from affecting the dog, as they have a negative effect on the body of your pet.
In the autumn and spring, wolf dogs survive molting. At this time, the hybrid should be combed regularly.
Bathing animals is allowed infrequently - only 1 time per year. At the same time, care should be taken to ensure that the water temperature is not lower than room temperature, and that only water-based detergents are used in the process of performing water procedures.
Hygienically, you need to monitor the condition of the ears and eyes. Ears should be cleaned of sulfur and hairs - this can be done using cotton swabs dipped in water or vegetable oil (for especially intense pollution). Eyes should be cleaned with cotton pads. It is also important to monitor the condition of the oral cavity and teeth of the animal.
In order to maintain the health of a wolf dog, it is important to periodically show the animal to the veterinarian (at least once every 6 months).
The basis of the dog’s nutrition should be meat and offal. This diet will provide your dog with the protein it needs. Also on the menu you can include cereals (buckwheat, rice), dairy products (cottage cheese, fermented baked milk, natural yogurt), as well as boiled vegetables.
The story of the breed in the next video.
